How To: Create the Perfect Pancake Day Station

Here's a fact you might not have known... Shrove Tuesday (aka Mardi Gras, Pancake Day or Fat Tuesday) is traditionally the day when we use up all the fat and sugar we have ahead of Lent.

So, whether you're resisting your sweet tooth or giving up another of your small vices before Easter, why not host your own pancake party - because who doesn't love any excuse for a foodie feast?!

Read Our 5-step Plan to Creating the Perfect Pancake Day Station

1. A Better Pancake Batter

The batter is your first point of call for your Pancake Day station. Set up a large mixing bowl, electric hand mixer and plenty of leftover ingredients on a surface that's near to your hob (think table, kitchen island or worktop). To make traditional pancakes you need flour, eggs, milk, a pinch of salt and vegetable oil for frying. For the best pancake results, whip up the batter 30 minutes before you intend to fry them as this allows the gluten in the flour to stretch and swell.

Hint: If you fancy something a little different, try Scotch pancakes or drop scones.

2. The Art of Frying

The next step in your Pancake Day station is the frying. Ideally you want to use 1 or 2 large, non-stick frying pans, so you can create several pancakes at once. They should be on a moderate to high heat and lightly oiled by wiping a spoonful of oil around the pan using a piece of kitchen paper. Use a ladle to pour the batter into the pan and then quickly tilt it from side to side to create that distinctive flat, round shape. Cook for 30 seconds and then use a spatula to check that the underneath is golden brown — then you're ready to flip! Slide the cooked pancake onto a plate and either serve straight away, or keep the stack warm with an upturned plate.

3. Plate Up

Keeping plates on stand-by is the third part of your Pancake Day station. Ideally your plates should be large in size with slightly curved edges in order to collect any toppings that ooze out. Nominate a person to be plate master (this is a great job for one of the kids) who can be in charge of evenly distributing the pancakes.

4. Toppings Galore

Now for everyone's favourite bit — the toppings! Arrange this stage in your Pancake Day station away from the heated hob, like on a side table or worktop. Set up several colourful bowls, each with their own spoon to avoid getting everything mixed up. Feel free to go nuts (literally) with your toppings. Some classic combos include chopped banana and chocolate sauce, fresh strawberries and whipped cream (not forgetting the classic duo of fresh lemon juice and sugar). Try grated cheese and fried mushrooms if you're more of a savoury person.

5. To the Table

Have your table setting ready prepared as the final stage in your Pancake Day station. You want plenty of napkins to mop up any sticky fingers or faces, as well as lots of additional cutlery. Set up jugs of water with fresh mint to combat the inevitable sugar rush. And bring that Spring feeling with some fresh or artificial flowers alongside a beautiful tablecloth.