Banana Walnut Pancakes

It's Shrove Tuesday AKA Fat Tuesday AKA National Pancake Day. No, it has nothing to do with the makers of Aunt Jemima nor Bisquick. You'd never know it from the shots you see of Mardi Gras but Shrove Tuesday is actually a religious holy day.

In most traditions the day is known for the eating of pancakes before the start of Lent. Pancakes are eaten as they are made out of the main foods available, sugar, fat, flour and eggs, whose consumption was traditionally restricted during the ritual fasting associated with Lent.

Generally the day arrives before we know it and the menu is readjusted on the fly so we can enjoy a stack of pancakes for dinner. This year we had a bit of foresight so we were actually able to plan a bit. I decided that I wanted banana pancakes but I wanted those ripe bananas mashed up so the flavour would be throughout the pancake. Then we decided to add some walnuts. This recipe is the result.

Banana Walnut Pancakes

1 egg
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

In a small bowl, beat the egg. Then whisk in the milk, vanilla, and melted butter.

In a medium mixing bowl, sift or mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Make a well in the center of these dry ingredients and pour in the egg mixture. Mix just until everything is moistened. Fold in the mashed bananas and walnuts (there should be lumps).

Heat a lightly buttered griddle or frying pan over medium heat (not medium high to ensure pancake is cooked enough before flipping). Pour or scoop 1/4 cup of the banana pancake batter onto the griddle. Brown on both sides and serve with a pat of butter and some REAL maple syrup.

Comments

[Eden]

As I have never heard of Shrove Tuesday before, I really thought you made it up! :)

Thanks for sharing a bit of background on the event.

[JDeQ]

Generally a made up 'Jerry holidy' involves a special drink. LOL