Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day?

Shrove Tuesday's origins relate very broadly to the beginning of Lent and the last feast of 'substance' - flour, eggs, sugar - before the fast. Somehow they turned these three ingredients into a last meal.... but why pancakes?

And these are to be differentiated from pikelets, especially 'scotch' pikelets - which were a favourite of my aunt. She made them by the millions(!) and we all had a bag in the freezer ready to gorge on when something warm and buttery was required - yum! Great before and after all sorts of things!

But now for pancakes and really, what is the difference between pikelets, scotch pancakes, pancakes and (because I live in the south of France) - crepes! Basically they are all flour, eggs and liquid - which might be milk, water, or ... dare I say champagne!

Himself made 'crepes' for Valentine's Day - flour, eggs, champagne - and they were to die for, especially filled with dried fruit which had been marinating in brandy since I couldn't be bothered making the Christmas pudding! Fabulous!

Tonight we are having pancakes for pancake day, aka Shrove Tuesday - but this time flour, eggs, and milk. Served with orange juice and sugar. Should be excellent!

I'm thinking about those pikelets -and I'm going to find the recipe and create some. I am sure the ingredients aren't too different but its the combination which tells each story! Flour, eggs, liquid - and whatever else you want to give flavour!

Happy Shrove Tuesday.