Friday 21 February 2020

Carrying on the pancake tradition

A few years ago at around this time of the year, my friend Harry invited me over to his house for a pancake dinner.

I love pancakes for breakfast, but having them for dinner sounded pretty awesome. And it WAS awesome—but there was another 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—which means this coming Tuesday, Harry and his family will be eating pancakes.

Not sure what I mean? That's okay—I had to research it too. So I thought I'd share, in case you get invited for pancakes next week. (I'm going to Harry's again for what has now become a tradition...)

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…and until then, they're not allowed in the house.) The word “shrove” comes from the word "shrive," meaning to “absolve.”

I’m going to give up something for Lent again this year too, starting Wednesday morning.A few years ago, I gave up pop—which was very hard. This year, I'm thinking about giving up candy. Even chocolate. Wish me luck! What would you give up for Lent? It doesn’t have to be food—in fact, one year, we gave up 40 toys that we no longer use.

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

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