Every country has its own pancakes. For example, pancakes are very common in America. These are thick pancakes made with milk that are fried in a pan without oil. But thin, usually sweet pancakes called "crepes" originate from France. International Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday is an entire carnival holiday. The date of celebration changes every year and is associated with the beginning of Lent before Catholic Easter. Pancake Day is celebrated in different countries but is especially popular in England and the USA.
In England, there is an interesting tradition where on Pancake Day, "pancake races" are organized, during which a huge number of women in aprons and chef's hats run along the main square with hot pans in their hands towards the church. The winner is the woman who not only reaches the church first but also manages to toss and flip the pancakes the most times during the competition. The main reward is a kiss from the bell-ringer and respect from the locals, who then receive all the pancakes.
In Russia, all Orthodox Christians begin Maslenitsa, or Cheese Week, on Monday, March 8. This is an ancient Slavic holiday with a wide variety of customs and traditions that has reached our days through the centuries. This week is associated with saying goodbye to winter and welcoming spring, and it is also a preparatory week for Great Lent. Festivities, sleigh rides, and fairs take place all week. The main dish of Maslenitsa is pancakes - round, golden-brown, and hot. Previously, they had ritual significance as they symbolized the sun, which grew brighter, lengthening the days. The most important moment of the Maslenitsa celebration is its last day. Forgiveness Sunday is the last Sunday before Great Lent begins. On Forgiveness Sunday, it is customary to ask each other for forgiveness to begin Great Lent with a pure soul. Here in Moldova, as in the entire Orthodox world, traditions are also preserved and Great Lent is observed.
Making beautiful, uniform, and fluffy pancakes is both an easy and difficult process. The secret of preparation lies not only in the golden hands of the cook, as this comes with experience. It's about the pancake batter, especially in the ratio of ingredients and following their combination. So, if you haven't made pancakes before, the main thing is to find the right pancake recipe that suits you best. Don't be afraid to try and search. Pancakes can be made with water, kefir, whey, etc. But still, the recipe for pancakes made with milk is the most common.
Using unusual ingredients and unusual serving methods will help you be surprised each time by how wonderful and versatile pancakes can be.

Take a look at the pancake cooking ideas on our website and you will find the perfect recipe for your family.