Shrove Tuesday

In Ireland, Shrove Tuesday is known as Mairt Inide. Shrove is the past participle of the English verb to shrive, which means to obtain absolution for one's sins by the way of confession and doing penance. The date of Shrove Tuesday is dependent on that of Easter, so it is a moveable feast based on the cycles of the moon. Traditionally in Ireland it was the last chance to to use up all the stored milk, butter and eggs before the beginning of the Lenten fast, and these ingredients were then suitably used to make pancakes. Foods such as meat, dairy and eggs were abstained from for the 40 days of Lent and a more simple diet was consumed. I have used a vegan version of pancakes for many years now which are much healthier, tastier and put less strain on the digestive system.

Vegan Buckwheat Pancakes

Ingredients:

1/2 cup buckwheat

1/4 cup quinoa flour

1/4 cup cornflour

2 tablespoons tapioca flour (or cornstarch or arrowroot)

1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds (or flax meal)

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup soya milk (or other nondairy milk)

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons canola oil

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Prep Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 25 mins

1 Mix dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl (flours, flax seeds, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt).

2 Create a well in the center and add the remaining (wet) ingredients. Use a fork to mix well for about a minute. Let the batter rest for about 10 minutes and preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3 When pan is hot, oil with olive or cocnut oil and use an ice cream scooper to pour batter and form pancakes. The pancake will form little air bubbles, but not as much as "normal," so don't worry. Cook for 2 1/2-3 minutes, then flip and cook for 2 minutes more.

4 Serve with lemon, berries, vegan butter.

Enjoy!