It’s National Pancake Day on February 21, and this born and raised American could not be happier. The city of Manchester is putting in such an effort to celebrate the sweet treat.
I’m not talking about English pancakes – let’s be honest we all know they’re really crepes – I’m expecting real, fluffy American pancakes which as established I have the right to judge unapologetically and authoritatively. So, read on for the ultimate pancake recipe and a couple of suggested places to go this Pancake day.
D.I.Y. Pancake Recipe
First and foremost, may I congratulate you on finding this coveted article in which I will share the only pancake recipe I’ve ever loved, and you’ll ever need. This recipe is from Rombauer’s The Joy of Cooking, or as my family calls it, ‘The Bible’, and is in cups which, because I’m considerate, I’ve also converted to grams:
Ingredients
Basic Pancakes (About twelve 5-inch cakes or 13 cm)
Whisky together in a large bowl:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (195 g)
3 Tbsp sugar (38 g)
1 ½ tsp baking powder (7 g)
½ tsp salt (6 g)
Whisk together in another bowl:
1 ½ cups milk (368 g)
3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (42 g)
2 large eggs
½ tsp vanilla (optional)
Method
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and gently whisk together, mixing just until combined. Pour batter on a greased griddle, wait for the bubbles and bam – best pancakes!
Don’t worry, the first one is always the worst, but like life, if at first you don’t succeed, give another pancake a go. I highly suggest you add something to the batter whether that be bits of bacon or blueberries (or both).
Plus, because it’s always in one’s best interest to consider the future, you can store dozens of these things in the freezer, either in a plastic bag or a Tupperware with wax paper, and they will last forever. Just heat them up in the microwave or, if you feel inclined, on the stove. Your future self will thank you later.
Now onto toppings. This might be a bit controversial but when I was about fourteen, I camped in the forests of Northern Minnesota (midwest, near Canada if you’re not familiar) for an entire month and practically lived off of campfire pancakes. We smothered each pancake with peanut butter, sprinkled them with brown sugar, stacked them on top of each other and finished it off with maple syrup.
Now, I’m not sure if I lost you but I think this is by far the best way to enjoy pancakes. Otherwise, just make sure you’ve got maple syrup (yes, even if topped with bacon and eggs) and go ham.
Pancakes in Manchester
Let’s say you don’t feel like making pancakes yourself. You may lack any skill for cooking or have had a bit of a falling out with your flatmates and wish to spend as little time in the kitchen as possible. Despite this, you obviously understand that this day only comes around once a year and to not celebrate it, arguably, is sad. So, why not go on the hunt for some pancakes in Manchester?
Well, I’ve got you covered on that front too. Of the many, many places heating up the griddle on Tuesday, I’m recommending two places to give a try in town. Personally, I appreciate simplicity in suggestions, given my natural indecisiveness, and so two recommendations it is.
Takk (the Northern Quarter one on Tariff St.) is switching their famous Brioche French Toast for the first time to pay their respects to this momentous occasion. They are preparing stacks of pancakes, both vegan and non-vegan, with your choice of berry compote, bacon and eggs, or caramelised banana with a peanut-butter-brown-sugar sauce (you know which one I’m getting).
Albert’s Schloss is also hosting a special all-day Pancake Haus. On top of the classic Pancake menu from the usual breakfast hours which will be available all day, a limited edition Banoffee Pie has been added for one day only.
If my enthusiasm isn’t suggesting it enough, I strongly recommend you make a day of it – go into town, find some pancakes, and go to town on some pancakes.
However you choose to celebrate this Pancake day, I hope it is both extremely delicious and gratifying.
