International Pancake Day 2022 will be celebrated on a regular weekday, Tuesday - March 1st. This holiday is considered an analogue of Maslenitsa, but has a number of its own characteristics and traditions. And although it is called international, it is celebrated in only two countries - America and Great Britain.
When is International Pancake Day 2022
Pancake Day has no fixed date and is celebrated in February or March. The date changes every year, but events always fall on Tuesday, since another name for the holiday is "fat" Tuesday. In 2022, the time when pancake festivities are held falls on the first day of spring.
History and traditions of the holiday
Pancake Day in the United States was first held in 1950 in Kansas. And the history of the origin of the holiday in England dates back to 1445.
His appearance is associated with a simple housewife living in the village of Olney. During Lent, she decided to secretly fry fatty pancakes in a skillet. Suddenly there was a bell ringing, calling everyone to the morning service. The woman got scared and ran out of the house, forgetting that she had a hot frying pan in her hands along with a roasting product. So she ran to the church, not forgetting to turn the pancake over on the way so that it would not burn.
These events served as the beginning of the annual competition. The tradition of running with pans has taken root and over the years has managed to acquire its own rules:
- only women over 18 years old can take part in the race;
- of all applicants, only 30 participants are selected (usually there are several times more applicants);
- every girl should be dressed in a dress and an apron;
- the participants of the race will finish where the ancestor of the holiday fled in the 15th century - near the church.
The fairer sex must run a certain section - 400 meters, holding a frying pan with a pancake fried on it. During the journey, you need to toss it at least twice in order for it to turn over in the air.
The winner is the one who runs the distance and does not drop his burden. She receives as a prize a kiss from the bell ringer, who throughout the race rang the church bells, as well as the respect of all the inhabitants of her village.
After the competition, mass celebrations continue. And all the pancakes brought to the finish line are eaten by the guests of the holiday.
Is the International Pancake Day associated with Shrovetide
Although Pancake Day is held, like Maslenitsa, in February-March, it is not connected with the wires of winter that are arranged. Both holidays have a common symbol - pancakes. But in our country and among other Slavic peoples, Maslenitsa is a transitional period, during which nature is preparing to meet spring.
Pancake feast in English-speaking countries is a reason to have fun, show your skills and dexterity. In our country, few people know when it is celebrated in England or the USA.
Pancake recipes
Hot and fragrant pancakes will be a great treat at Pancake Week or, if it is known what date is International Pancake Day in the coming year, then you can, like English-speaking citizens, celebrate this holiday as well. Each housewife has a proven “signature” recipe for pancakes, which they bake for breakfast or lunch for family members.
Lush pancakes on kefir
To prepare thick porous pancakes you will need:
- kefir - 0.5 liters;
- egg - 1 piece;
- flour - 2 cups;
- water (brought to a boil) - 250 ml;
- sugar - 2 tbsp. spoons;
- salt (1/4 tsp) and soda (2/3 tsp);
- vegetable oil - 1 tbsp. the spoon.
In an enamel bowl, lightly mix the egg with sugar and salt (do not add to a rich foam, as this is not a biscuit). Then kefir is added and put on the fire, bringing it to 50 degrees.
Flour is added to the heated mixture so that a very thick dough is obtained.Add soda to a mug of boiling water, which will sizzle and foam. The liquid is poured into the dough and mixed well. Soda and kefir, reacting, will impart porosity to the product. In conclusion, vegetable oil is added so that the pancakes are well removed from the pan.
The finished dough should be like condensed milk in consistency. It is better to fry in a cast iron skillet with a thick bottom. On a hot surface, pour the dough with a ladle so that it can spread to the desired size.
After the pancake is browned on both sides, it is removed from the pan and placed on top of its greased fellow.
Lenten pancakes
Often a pancake day falls on Lent, so you won't be able to pamper yourself with fatty foods. You can make lean pancakes that are in no way inferior in taste and porosity.
Required:
- water - 1-2 glasses;
- flour - 2 cups;
- sugar and vegetable oil - 1 tbsp each spoon;
- soda - 1/3 tsp;
- salt to taste.
Sugar and salt must be added to the flour, after which the water is poured. The mixture is mixed until smooth, vegetable oil and soda are added. The resulting dough should be thick and lump-free.
A little dough is poured into a greased frying pan. Pancakes are baked until golden brown on both sides, and then coated with honey.
When Maslenitsa is celebrated, the festivities last a whole week. Its counterpart - Pancake Day lasts only one day. But even in such a short time, guests manage to recharge themselves with the cheerful atmosphere of the holiday, as well as enjoy delicious and aromatic treats. Therefore, International Pancake Day 2022 is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the traditions of other countries and have fun.
