Tomorrow is Pancake Day, an internationally recognised day where we all enjoy some pancakes, from fluffy American-style pancakes to thin French crepes. Shrove Tuesday is traditionally a day to use up any remaining household ingredients before the start of Lent, on Ash Wednesday. But what, in my totally expert opinion, are the best – and worst – pancake toppings?
There are many classics out there, namely syrups and chocolate spread, but the one topping that seems to have Brits in a frenzy is lemon and sugar. Now, I have my two cents to say about this national favourite. Unfortunately – and I say this from a definitely (not) unbiased French person’s perspective – I believe lemon and sugar is wildly overrated. This combination of sweet and sour is something I only want to see when I’m ordering a Chinese takeaway.
I may be a lemon-hater, but that doesn’t mean I’m throwing fruit out the window. When I asked my friends what they like on their pancakes, we could all agree that partnering a spread or syrup with some strawberries, blueberries or banana is a top-tier topping. It’s a classic, and there’s so many different combinations to go for. I do think, however, we need to start experimenting with fruits beyond those formerly mentioned – has anyone ever tried kiwi on pancakes? Pineapple? (Or have we done enough damage with pizza toppings…?)
A personal favourite of mine is the ingenious pairing of bacon and maple syrup. Whoever came up with this idea, I am a huge fan. I’m not usually one to mix sweet and salty, but there is something uniquely delightful about this pancake topping. If you’ve yet to try it, I highly recommend you give it a go tomorrow. It’s usually best with American-style pancakes, and I can confirm that it works well on waffles too.
There is something uniquely delightful about this pancake topping...
Finally, I want to end with my most controversial and devastatingly underrated topping – butter and sugar. Now, it’s probably more suited to crepes, so you can thank my family for this one. This French alternative to lemon and sugar is my go-to crepe filling. I’m sorry lemon, you just don’t make the cut in my household. Simply put, butter and sugar is a melt-in-your-mouth choice.
So, will you be sticking to the classics or take an adventurous leap of faith this Mardi Gras?
