Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday signals the start of the countdown towards Easter. We know that some of our drivers cook in the most unusual of places throughout Europe so why not give pancakes a go.

Why do we celebrate Shrove Tuesday?

Shrove Tuesday comes before Ash Wednesday, which signals the first day of Lent in the Western Christian Church. The name Shrove Tuesday is derived from the shirve, meaning absolution for sins and is the process of Christians being ‘Shriven’ before Lent. Back in the day, pancakes became the perfect way to use up rich foods such as eggs, milk and sugar ahead of the 40 days fasting period.

How do I cook pancakes?

Everybody has a favourite recipe, but to make your basic pancake batter for four people you will need the following ingredients:

• 200g/7oz plain flour
• 350-400ml/12-14fl oz milk, or ½ milk ½ water for a a thinner, lighter pancake
• 2 large eggs to be lightly whisked
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• A pinch of salt
• Vegetable oil for frying your delicious pancakes

How do I make pancake mix?

Put the flour, eggs, milk and a pinch of salt into a bowl or large jug, then whisk to a smooth batter. Set aside for 30 mins to rest if you have time (they will taste better), or start cooking straight away.

Should I go savoury or sweet? Just how long should I fry them for? At which point exactly should I toss it? There is no exact science to this tasty 2 minute delight, just follow these simple steps for simple surgery goodness.

Take a non-stick pan or a griddle and apply a little bit of cooking spray or vegetable oil. Heat the pan on a medium setting for around 8-12 minutes, depending on how well done you like your pancakes. Pure your batter to form your pancakes in whatever size or shape you wish. Cook on one side until bubbles start to form on the top of batter/mix. This should take around 3-4 minutes; then flip and cook the other side until its brown. This should take another 2-minutes.

What you do after that is up to you. Why not get creative? Add as many different toppings you wish and mix it up until you find a flavour or a topping that you are happy with.

Alternatively, visit your nearest Truckstop. I'm sure they'll have them on the menu today.

Enjoy...!