Pancakes Anyone?

My friend Harry's parents invited me over for dinner next Tuesday night, and guess what? We’re having PANCAKES! 

I love pancakes for breakfast, but having them for dinner sounds EVEN BETTER. And it's definitely awesome, but there’s also a reason for it. Harry's family is British, and they follow the Christian or Commonwealth tradition known as SHROVE TUESDAY (or, in other parts of the world, Mardi Gras or Carnival Day.) Shrove Tuesday occurs the Tuesday before the first day of LENT.

Confused? I was too, so I did some research. (What if it comes up as part of conversation at dinner? It’s polite for me to at least know the basics or things could get awks!) 

Shrove Tuesday, and the first day of Lent, is determined by Easter. Traditionally, Shrove Tuesday was celebrated by a day of fun and feasting—particularly on pancakes—before the “fasting” required during 40 days of Lent. 

I didn’t think my family took part in Lent, but APPARENTLY that’s why my mom gives up chocolate 40 days before Easter. (Yes, she does binge on chocolate eggs the next day…) The word “shrove” comes from the word "shrive," meaning to “absolve.” 

I’ve decided that after I eat pancakes at Harry’s house Tuesday, I’m going to give up something for Lent, starting Wednesday morning. It will be hard, but for 40 days, I won’t drink a single can of soda pop. Not a drop of root beer, not one sip of cola, not even an ice cold Sprite. I’ll let you know how it goes. What would you give up for Lent? It doesn’t have to be food—in fact, Mom says we’re going to take a look at some of me and my sister’s old toys to see what we can “give up.”

Oh, and if you’d like to celebrate Shrove Tuesday with pancakes, my grandma dug up this recipe from the Canola Eat Well website, which you and your family can make for breakfast, lunch, OR dinner! 

Gotta jet! Have a great weekend!

~ Chase Superman Duffy