How To Make A Flipping Good Pancake

Otherwise known as Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day traditionally marks the last day before Lent. It’s an opportunity to consume a plate full of scrumptious treats before fasting in the run-up to Easter Sunday.

But who’d have thought such a simple combination of eggs, milk and flour could be responsible for a whole bunch of sweet and savoury temptations? Classic lemon and sugar pancakes, French-style crepes or fluffy, fully loaded and stacked American-style – whichever version you prefer, the humble batter base is a guaranteed tastebud tickler.

The Classic Pancake

To make a pure and simple classic pancake, here’s what you need:

• A good quality non-stick frying pan (or electric griddle)
• 100g plain flour
• 2 large eggs
• 300ml milk
• Pinch of salt
• 1tbsp of vegetable oil (and a bit more for frying)
• Caster sugar if possible, otherwise normal sugar
• Lemon wedges

The Method

1. Put the flour and salt in a bowl. Crack the eggs, add a little milk and oil, and start to whisk.
2. Continue adding in the milk as you whisk until you achieve a smooth batter.  
3. If time allows, leave the batter to rest for at least half an hour.
4. Place a teaspoon of oil in the frying pan and coat the surface before heating on a medium heat.
5. Use a ladle to pour in the mix and swirl the pan to ensure the batter is spread evenly.
6. Cook for up to 1 minute before shaking the pan to loosen the pancake and then flip (you may want to use a spatula or palette knife to turn them over!)
7. Check the underside of the pancake before removing and placing on a warm plate. Leave on a low heat in the oven while you prepare the remaining pancakes.
8. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle over some caster sugar and serve with a wedge of lemon to squeeze.
9. Enjoy your creation!

Where To Source Your Ingredients

Fortunately, you can source your pancake ingredients from a superb selection of grocery stores and supermarkets here in Clapham Junction.  And that includes extra toppings of maple syrup, chocolate spreads, berries and cream and every savoury option you can think of...

• Bayley & Sage | Northcote Road
• Costcutter | Lavender Hill
• Harley's Food Hall | Lavender Hill
• Harvest and Hill | St John's Hill
• Lidl | Falcon Lane
• M&S Simply Food | Shopstop Clapham Junction
• Marks and Spencer Food | St John's Road
• Prezzemolo & Vitale | St John's Road
• Pizzicheria Grappelli | Northcote Road
• Sainsbury's | Northcote Road
• Sainsbury's | St John's Hill
• Sainsbury's | Shopstop Clapham Junction
• Tesco Express | Battersea Rise
• The Source Bulk Foods | St John's Road
• Waitrose | St John's Road
• Whole Foods Market | Lavender Hill

Here's where you'll find these local stores...

And finally...

If the thought of flour-dusted worktops and burnt frying pans fills you with dread, don’t worry, you’ll be able to get your fill of pancake heaven at one of the many popular eateries Clapham Junction has to offer!