Long, long ago in my pre-China years I could not understand people who claimed to love pancakes. What’s so special about pancakes I would repeat to anyone who’d laid this claim. Well the pancake world has since opened up and shined its light on me. And I can proudly and confidently answer this question if only someone would ask….
Some people say it’s more of a feeling than a taste that gives them such a strong emotional attachment to these things we call “pan cakes”. Most people I’ve talked to can easily recount a happy childhood memory revolving around pancakes. What brought me around was in fact the number of different varieties of pancakes which are actually possible. The list is only limited by your imagination: pumpkin pancakes, cauliflower pancakes, rice pancakes, banana pancakes, sweet potato pancakes, carrot and potato pancakes, chocolate pancakes, curried noodle pancakes, peanut butter pancakes and even beer pancakes!!!
Another great thing about pancakes is that they are terribly simple to make and virtually impossible to screw up. Making the batter up the night before and storing it in the fridge will save a few minutes for anyone who works early but still wants a nutritious start to their day.
In Russia, pancakes or “blini/bliny” are honored every year at Maslenitsa, one of the most intriguing religious holidays in the world. It is the last time of the year that Russian Orthodox Christians can eat things like milk, cheese and other dairy products. So in addition to celebrating the sun and the end of winter, people enjoy pancakes covered in butter and sour cream or caviar and mushrooms as well as other traditional foods.
Every spring across Russia, Maslenitsa or Pancake Week is celebrated with pancake eating and shows of strength such as fist fighting and bear wrestling as Russians bid farewell to winter. Round and golden, the pancakes symbolize the sun and anticipation of summer. In the picture above chefs prepare a 2 meter pancake to celebrate in a city park in Stavropol.
I hope this picture and story will motivate you to try at least one of the following 3 very different pancake recipes.
CAULIFLOWER PANCAKES
*Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C; folate, for good digestive health; and other organic compounds that assist with detoxification.
1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
3 eggs, lightly beaten (click next for more info and recipes)
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