How to make the perfect pancakes for Pancake Day

Tuesday 15th February is Pancake Day, otherwise known as Shrove Tuesday, and tradition has it as the last day of total indulgence before Easter. Whether you’re giving up something for Lent or not, few people know how to make a good pancake better than hotel spa chefs. So, it’s time to batter those eggs and line up all your foodie favourites. Here’s how to make the best pancakes with inspiration from some of the best spa hotels…

What ingredients make the perfect pancake?

Before you decide whether you're opting for classic lemon and sugar toppings, Nutella and bananas, maple syrup or any other personal preference, you need a classic base to get going.

• Smooth batter
• Good quality eggs
• A pinch of sea salt
• Baking powder
• Milk
• Flour
• Butter

How to make the perfect pancake?

Now for how to bring it all together - here's what you need to do:

• Put a little oil in a pan
• Heat pan to high heat
• Mix flour, baking powder and salt together in a bowl
• Mix milk, eggs and butter in a bowl
• Combine dry and wet mixtures
• Pour mixture into pan and leave for 30/40 seconds then check to see if brown
• If brown, flip and repeat process
• Once cooked, place bottom pancake on plate
• Add topping of choice

Top pancake topping ideas

Then the fun part, what are you going to put on top? A chance to let your imagination run wild (or, if you're going down the traditional route, use what's left in the fridge). Lemon juice and sugar, jam, or maybe you prefer something savoury - here are a few spa favourite ideas:

• Blueberries
• Banana
• Honey
• Smokey streaky bacon
• Treacle
• Avocado
• Melted dark chocolate

Bonus idea: Classic pancakes with a rum twist from The Vineyard in Berkshire

Take a traditional pancake recipe and give it a decadent twist from the Head Pastry Chef at award-winning hotel and spa, The Vineyard.  With a drop of rum and a healthy dose of orange zest, complete with a melted chocolate and sliced banana filling.