Pancakes

5th Mar 2019

I used to make pancakes one at a time on Shrove Tuesday, while everyone sat and waited.
It took hours and the children would get fidgety while waiting .
It soon became clear I had to think of another way.
So, that's how I came to be cooking 24, 30 + pancakes every Shrove Tuesday after that, till most of the children left home. 
I could then take the warm pancakes, which I'd cooked earlier, to the table and sit with them and chat - much better. 

Pancake Day

I put the baby to sleep.

It's nearly two

No time for a cuppa

I've pancakes to do

Come and help me little man

You still need the stool

you're only three

here beat these eggs

in the flour for me

We'll soon have them in the pan

Let mum have a go

give your arms a break

let's keep it in the bowl

How long will it take 

just a bit of milk fast as we can

Frying pan  is hot

you'll have to go and play

let mum get on

Or we'll take all day 

And we'll not be ready for nan

By half past three

we have twenty four

keeping hot in the oven

should I make more
to feed my hungry clan

They all rush in just before four, with their nan trailing behind them 

She's picked them up for me today so I could make the pancakes

"Up to the table" - she gives the order, in a very serious tone

The six of them rush to take their seats, no time at all it takes.

They wait for the prayer before they begin and then their nan relates 

the reason we have pancakes on Shrove Tuesday each year 

as with tasty goodness they pile up their plates

Some reach for the lemon and sprinkle spoonfuls of sugar 

Others are interested more in the chocolate, spreading it thickly,
And one prefers the strawberry jam thinly spread over a hot pancake.