The Big Pancake Party 2017
All across this country there are families who struggle to put food on the table; children are going to school hungry and parents are skipping meals so that their kids can eat an evening meal.
There has been an alarming increase in food poverty in the UK. In the eight years leading up to August 2015, the price of food and non-alcoholic drinks increased by 31% in the UK. That figure, amongst various other factors, has led to serious consequences for many across the country:
- The number of children attending their first day of school underweight increased by 16% between 2012 and 2015.
- The number of pregnant women with anaemia has reached its highest level in two decades, rising from 19.8% in 2001 to 22.8% in 2011.
The Together Network, a series of Joint Ventures between Church Urban Fund and Church of England Diocese, wants to continue its work to stop this and so we’re calling on churches, schools, families, and individuals throughout England to stand up to food poverty – and have some fun in the process.
Instead of a low-key pancake celebration this Shrove Tuesday, invite your friends and family to join you and share in the Big Pancake Party. The idea is simple; get together, eat some pancakes, maybe take a few challenges, have a great time, and raise funds for those in need.
See more at www.pancakeparty.org.uk
To make the perfect pancakes you will require:
110g plain flour
Pinch of Salt
2 large eggs
200ml Semi-skimmed milk mixed with 75ml water
50g butter
To serve:
Caster sugar
Lemon juice
Lemon wedges
METHOD
Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl holding the sieve high above the bowl so the flour gets an airing.
Make a well in the centre of the flour and break the eggs into it. Using an electric whisk or a balloon whisk, mix the eggs into the flour making sure to incorporate any flour from around the edge of the bowl.
Gradually add small amounts of the milk and water whilst still whisking. (don’t worry about any lumps as they will disappear as you continue to whisk).
When all the liquid has been added take a rubber spatula and scrape any bits of flour from around the edge into the centre of the bowl and continue to whisk until the batter is smooth and the consistency of thin cream.
Melt the butter and add 2 tablespoons of it into the batter and whisk it in thoroughly and pour the remaining butter into a separate bowl for using to lubricating the frying pan.
Heat the frying pan so it is really hot, then turn it down to a medium heat. With a wodge of kitchen paper add some of the melted butter to the frying pan.
Ladle a small amount of the batter into the frying pan and tip it around to coat the base evenly. It should take about half a minute to cook, then lift the edge with a palette knife and flip the pancake over. The other side will not take as long to cook.
Slide the pancake out of the frying pan onto a plate and sprinkle with caster sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice. Fold or roll and serve, ENJOY!!!
Or why not add a savoury filling:
8 slices of smoked ham
8 tbsp grated cheese, either Cheddar or Emmenthal
1 tbsp chopped chives
After flipping the pancake in the frying pan add a couple slices of ham and 2 tbsp cheese and chives.
Cook until the base is firm. Slide it out of the frying pan, fold in half and serve.
Alternative Sweet and Savoury fillings :
Why not try Nutella topped with fresh sliced strawberries, a real treat.
Maple syrup is always a winner too, so why not add cream and blueberries or even bacon.
Or lightly whip some cream cheese and add some sliced fruit before rolling it.
