Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is the day prior to Ash Wednesday and is celebrated by Lenten followers and secular citizens alike. Originally observed in the fifteen century, Pancake Day was both practical and celebratory. It allowed for the using up stored goods – butter, eggs, sugar and lard – which did not store well centuries ago. And since devotees would be entering a lengthy period where the use of these goods was all but forbidden, a feast meal of pancakes was adopted. The tradition endures to this day.

Many Christian’s in the UK, and indeed worldwide, associate the first day of Lent as the advent of self-sacrifice. Being 40 days in length to mark the time that Jesus battling temptation, this period of reflection begins on Ash Wednesday and ends with Easter Sunday. An adherent of Lent’s principles adopts the custom of prayer, reflection and fasting or meal restrictions.

The wide popularity of Pancake Day has grown over time, and today many in the UK don their chef hat and union jack apron, and plop a knob of good quality butter in a piping hot frying pan in preparation for a feast of pancakes. To commemorate Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day, the following recipe is light, yet tangy-sweet. The use of lemon zest is what gives it that extra zing.

Lemon Pancake Recipe for Two

2 large eggs, separated
1/4 c flour
1/2 c ricotta or cottage cheese
1/4 c butter, melted and cooled
1 1/4 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. grated lemon zest
Dash of salt
Dash of dill weed or lemon pepper (optional, if you like your cakes slightly savoury)

Reserve the lemon for juice.

Using just the egg yolks, combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Whip egg whites in a separate bowl until peaks form. Fold whites into the bowl with the main ingredients, and mix well. Lightly grease your frying pan, and preheat until water drops dance across the surface. Slowly pour 1/4 cups full of batter and fry until bottoms are nicely golden. Turn, brown again, and serve immediately with maple syrup or fresh fruit. Especially delicious when sprinkled with lemon juice from the reserved lemon.

Serves two; three pancakes apiece.