You can’t go wrong with lemon and sugar, for sure, but sometimes it pays to branch out and try something more interesting.
The beauty of pancakes is that they’re cheap and filling, as well as a kick to make, so why not make them the main course as well as dessert? Hell, you can even have them for breakfast too. Here’s a selection of toppings to see you through the day:
1. The breakfast
Come 21 Feb, there’s nothing to stop you eating pancakes all day. At breakfast time, try one with chopped banana, a handful of walnuts or pecans and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Top tip: buy your walnuts from the baking, rather than snack, section of the supermarket and you’ll pay less.
2. The healthy-snack
Buy whatever fruit you find on special offer that day and make a fruit salad to have alongside your pancake.
3. The savoury
Cheese and mushroom is a classic pancake topping. You’ll find dozens of recipes online, including this low-cal one from Weight Watchers and a fancy-looking goat’s cheese one from Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour.
4. The healthy dinner
Ratatouille is cheap and easy to prepare, and makes a healthy, hearty pancake topping. Try Delia’s recipe here or Nigel Slater’s here.
5. The classic
The traditional crêpe Suzette is made with grated orange peel and a splash of Grand Marnier (though this may blow the budget, to be fair.)
6. The sophisticated
The blini is a pancake at its poshest. They’re arguably at their best with sour cream and smoked salmon. But smoked salmon is expensive, so why not try this horseradish cream and red pepper topping instead?
7. The traditional sweet
How can you go wrong with chopped strawberries, whipped cream and a light dusting of icing sugar? OK, the strawberries aren’t strictly seasonal, but the dish is worth remembering come June…
8. The blow-the-calories
Melt your favourite chocolate bar, add a healthy scoop of ice-cream and there you are – dessert heaven. If you want to go to town, add whipped cream and a sprinkle of Smarties.
{Image: D. Loop}
