Celebrants of Shrove Tuesday in England. The origins of Pancake

One of the world’s most ancient dishes is the pancake, made originally with a mixture of meal and water and cooked on hot stones. Over the centuries, the popularity of this round, flat creation spread around the world and, enhanced with additions, as eggs, milk, and butter, its form became more delicate.

Every country especially those in Western Europe has one or more of its own favorite versions. Prepared flat, rolled, or folded; filled or unfilled; sweetened or unsweetened; pancakes can be served as appetizers, snacks, entrēes, or desserts. They are probably one of the most treasured continental dishes.

In some places, the pancake became associated with the christian holiday of Shrove Tuesdays in Western Europe. In pre-Reformation England, all the forbidden foods of the strict Lenten fast had to be eaten before Ash Wednesday, so Tuesday became a day of feasting and merrymaking.

How the pancake became the honoured food on this day is not certain. Some authorities point out that making them was a good way of using forbidden Lenten eggs and dairy products. Evidently, the pancakes did not please everyone but there is a form of pancake called the Flip-Jack which people do devour very greedily, according to some cookery experts.

The uncomplimentary part of the commentary, however, did not curtail the popularity of the pancake for Shrove Tuesdays.

In 1445, at Olney, England, a colourful event called the pancake race was initiated and is still an annual competition. Housewives gathered at the pumps of a village square and run a 415-yard course to the church, flipping pancakes as they run. The winner is warmly acclaimed and given an award. A similar race is now held in the US state of Kansas.

In France, Shrove Tuesdays became known as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras, and pancakes are still favorite fare for the carnival celebrations. The custom also spread to other lands, but pancakes are relished on other days and for all meals as well.