The First Homemade Pancakes

Pancakes, also known as hotcakes, flapjacks, butter cakes or griddle cakes are actually batter-type quick breads. These flat, thick cakes are easy to cook and low costs. Probably every region has their own history and variety of pancake, but most stories tell us that this came from European countries. Pancakes have a long history that can be traced back to the Medieval times. Archaeological evidence suggest that the first pancakes were probably the earliest type of cereal food and bread eaten in prehistoric times wherein dry flour that's made of starchy seeds were mixed with the available protein-rich ingredients like milk and eggs, and were baked on hot stoneware pots over an open fire which resulted into a nutritious and palatable pastry dish.Today, all pancakes are basically made of the same ingredients, flour, sugar, baking soda, milk, and eggs.

Pancakes exist before the birth of yeast and baking soda. It was freshly fallen snow that was used as a secret ingredient to make tender pancakes a long time ago. The snow contains ammonia, which would make the pancakes light and tender. Another way to prepare pancakes was using hardwood ashes, wherein these ashes are sifted in a cup, poured with boiling water, and allowed to settle at the bottom. The remaining liquid was used in making pancakes. These were during the ancient times but when baking soda and buttermilk came into the picture, making pancakes became more easier. Pancakes instantly became a universal breakfast item, and then evolved into newer variations that work for any meal that you want.  

Pancakes' Traditional Roles and Other Interesting Facts

Pancakes have been around us since Medieval times. They were mentioned in early cookbooks and in some poems and plays of famous poets. William Shakespeare, a famous playwright mentioned pancakes in some of his plays, while Benjamin Flankin wrote a letter to the London Gazetteer that includes his appreciation to American vegetable corn and pancakes.

Throwing up pancakes during shrove tuesdays

 In Ancient Rome, pancakes played a significant customary role related to religion wherein the first three pancakes cooked were considered sacred. These pancakes were marked with a cross, sprinkled with salt and used to drive away evil. In the same country and other neighboring countries, it is a tradition to eat bountiful pancakes during shrove Tuesdays. This was their way to say goodbye to animal ingredients such as eggs, butter, and milk which are all restricted during Lent . Shrove tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. Since then, there is this so-called National pancake day celebrated every year. It should be celebrated on the same day as Shrove Tuesday, before the beginning of the Lent of each year.

In 1986, The "World's Largest Pancake Breakfast" took place in Springfield Massachusetts, and became a memorable event on pancake history. Stacks of pancakes were served for breakfast and thousands of people enjoyed them as part of the celebration of Springfield Massachusetts 350th Anniversary. The free pancake breakfast has been held every year since the event. 

During Christmas, Homemade pancakes are called by children "Christmas pancakes". Serving pancakes on Christmas morning is another great thing to look forward to during Christmas season, and this has become a part of the Western tradition. Christmas pancakes are not just the plain ones, these are the ones formed into several cute shapes, slathered with different toppings and syrups such as butter, melted chocolate, maple syrup, honey-orange syrup and blueberry syrup.

Homemade Pancake Videos and Recipes Made Easy!

 Watch and learn from these videos how to make homemade pancakes without hassle. After trying these recipes, rest assured you'll never purchase a boxed pancake mix again. The ingredients presented in the videos are simply the common stuff found in your pantry. Enjoy watching these cool pancake videos!

 

  

If you're not satisfied with these videos, here's more- a simply, fast, old fashioned pancake recipe. This would remind you of shrove Tuesdays and Christmas holidays with how delicious the resulting pancakes turned out to be.

The Good Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe

Serving: 8, Ready in:20-30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon white sugar

• 1 1/4 cups milk

• 1 egg

• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Combine first the dry ingredients by sifting together flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Stir well until evenly mixed. Set aside.
2. Beat and stir together the wet ingredients (milk, melted butter and eggs) in a separate huge mixing bowl.
3. Mix together the wet and dry ingredients until smooth. 
4. Heat and oil a medium-sized griddle, wait for the oil to smoke lightly. Scoop about 1/4 cup portions of the batter, then cook pancakes by batches, waiting for each pancake to turn lightly brown on both sides. 
5. Serve warm and top with butter. Bon appetit!