Pancake Tuesday happens across Ireland on the 17th of February this year and it's a perfect opportunity to take a look at how to make the most of the occasion.

Shrove Tuesday was the traditional time where people indulged in richer, fatty foods before the beginning of Lent.  Although the tradition continues and people still enjoy the tried-and-tested Irish pancake, there is a growing demand for more adventurous and creative offerings. Regardless of what type you make, pancakes generally are quick and easy to make and offer a tasty, simple and versatile addition to any menu.  Adding unusual ingredients such as banana, peanut butter, home-made jam, or even mint chocolate ice cream can really make your business stand out from the rest and get people talking.  Pancakes are so simple - here's one of my favorite recipes which is certain delight the senses.


CHOCOLATE PANCAKES WITH BANANAS

Serves 6-8

1 Tablespoon of Cocoa Powder

1 Tablespoon of Unrefined Golden Caster Sugar

100g Plain White Flour

280ml  Double Whipped Cream

200ml Whole Fat Milk

Home or ready made chocolate sauce

2 Bananas, peeled and chopped

Simply place the flour, sugar and cocoa into a mixing bowl, crack the egg and add both the white and yolk together.  Beat well, gradually adding the milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.  Using a small crepe pan, heat the pan to the maximum temperature and then turn down to a medium heat. Then, add a small teaspoon of oil and allow it coat the pan.  Add a large spoon of chocolate pancake mixture and swirl it around the pan so that the base is completely covered in mixture.  Allow to cook for a couple of minutes until brown and then using either a spatula or pallet knife, carefully flip the pancake over. Once both sides are cooked, add the chopped bananas and roll the pancake over the filling into a cylinder shape.  Serve on a plate, adding icing sugar, piped chocolate sauce and more chopped bananas on the top as you prefer.  Very much for the chocoholic!


Making the perfect pancake requires little more than the perfect tool, be it a modest crepe pan or a professional pancake making machine. Alternatively, the Buffalo induction hob is currently reduced in price and is perfect for making pancakes and crepes using induction compatible pans.



Another consideration would be the presentation.  Using unique plate shapes and colours can really make your pancakes stand out from the crowd, however simple, white square plates can bring out the colour and vibrancy of your creations and really frame the dish, adding value.
Having the best pancake dish in town is worth shouting about and you can tell everyone about it with our range of black boards and table boards. These boards are easy to write on and easy to clean, creating an inexpensive method of advertising what you have to offer, perfect for tables, pavements and windows.  As a special offer, the large pavement board is currently available with eight Securit chalkboard marker pens included absolutely free.

Have you got an interesting, different or daring pancake recipe? Share it with us in the comments!


By David Evans