How to make pancakes

Today, in the Christian calendar, it is Shrove Tuesday. The day before Lent begins. In Rio they mark Mardi Gras ("Fat Tuesday") with their exuberant carnival, its lavish costumes and driving samba rhythms. In the UK we have Pancake Day.

Here's a recipe to make pancakes.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 1/4 cups milk
1 egg
3 tablespoons melted butter

Process
• Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar
• Make a well in the centre and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter
• Mix until smooth
• Heat a lightly oiled frying pan over medium heat
• Pour the batter onto the frying pan (1/4 cup per pancake)
• Brown on both sides
• Serve hot, with lemon juice and sugar (or another filling of your choice)

RECIPE: Eggnog

Not for anyone on a diet, or anyone with cholesterol problems!

This is a warming and seasonal drink, an alternative to mulled wine or gluhwein.

Ingredients
6 whole eggs + 2 extra egg yolks
474 ml (1 pint) whole milk
178 ml (3/8 pint) double cream (or even extra thick double cream)
4 Tablespoons PLUS 2 Tablespoons of sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
474 ml (1/2 pint) brandy (or whiskey, or rum)

Process
*Whisk the eggs, yolks, sugar and salt together in a large pan until well-blended.
*Continue whisking whilst slowly adding the milk until it is completely mixed-in.
*Put the pan on the stove on the lowest possible setting.
*Continue to gently whisk ingredients for 25/30 minutes or until the mixture reaches 70°C and will coat the underside of a spoon.
*Remove from heat and strain it into a large bowl (make sure you remove any pieces of cooked egg).
*Stir in the alcohol, vanilla, and nutmeg, and transfer your mixture to a covered dish. *Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
*When ready to serve, whip the double cream and fold in the chilled mix, pour, serve in punch cups.


Mmm... Eggnog

Eggnog can also be added to coffee to make a great after dinner drink!