Pancake 210472 224125182 2008-07-07T12:41:02Z PseudoNym 1305294 {{otheruses}} '''Pancakes''' are a type of [[flatbread]] prepared from a sweet [[batter (cooking)|batter]] that is cooked on a hot [[griddle]] or in a [[frying pan]]. They exist in several variations in many different local [[cuisine]]s. Most pancakes are [[quick bread]]s, although some are also made using a [[yeast (baking)|yeast]]-raised or fermented batter. == Regional varieties == ===North America=== [[Image:Banana on pancake.jpg|right|thumb|North Americans (The [[United States]] and [[Canada]]) sometimes style pancakes with banana slices.]] '''American''' or '''Canadian pancakes''' (also known as '''hotcakes''', '''griddlecakes''', or '''flapjacks''' in the U.S.) contain a [[raising agent]], usually [[baking powder]], and contains different proportions of [[egg (food)|egg]]s, [[flour]], and [[milk]] or [[buttermilk]], which create a thick batter. [[Cinnamon]] and [[sugar]] can be added. This batter is either ladled or poured onto a hot surface, and spreads to form a circle about ¼ or ⅓ inch (1 cm) thick. The raising agent causes bubbles to rise to the uncooked side of the pancake, at which point the pancake is ready to be flipped. These pancakes, very light in texture, are often served at [[breakfast]] topped with [[maple syrup]], [[butter]], [[peanut butter]], [[jelly]], [[jam]], or [[fruit]]. North American pancakes can be made sweet or savory by adding ingredients such as [[blueberry|blueberries]], [[strawberries]], [[cheese]], [[bacon]], [[banana]]s or [[chocolate chip]]s to the batter. In addition, some recipes call for the addition of spices such as [[nutmeg]] or [[cinnamon]], or flavoring agents such as [[vanilla]] extract. A "silver dollar" pancake refers to a pancake about 3 inches (7 cm) in diameter - these are usually served in portions of five or ten. [[Image:Silver dollar pancakes.JPG|right|thumb|200px|Stacks of "silver dollar" pancakes.]] [[Flapjacks]] in the U.S. are sometimes larger, thinner and more crisp than a regular American pancake, sometimes as broad as 12 inches in diameter. '''Vermont pancakes''' usually have oatmeal or [[buckwheat]] flour added to the wheat flour, and require more baking powder to rise. The texture is coarser and the flavor more intense. '''"German Pancakes"''' or '''[[Dutch baby pancake]]s''' served in American pancake houses are shaped like a bowl and come in a range of sizes. They are commonly eaten with lemons and powdered sugar, jam, or caramelized apples. '''[[Mexico|Mexican]] hotcakes,''' are similar in style to pancakes served in the U.S., hotcakes are more often made with cornmeal as well as or instead of wheat flour. Hotcakes are popular breakfast items at restaurants throughout the country, and are often sold by street vendors in cities and during the local celebrations of small towns through the day and evening; the vendors usually sell a single hotcake topped with different sauces such as condensed milk, fruit jam or a sweet goat milk spread called "cajeta." ===Australasia=== In '''[[Australia]]''' and '''[[New Zealand]]''', ingredients for pancakes usually consist of [[egg (food)|egg]], [[milk]], [[flour]] etc. (similar to the English style, rather than the American version), and are typically eaten as a dessert, although, like in America, can be often served for [[breakfast]]. Popular toppings include [[maple syrup]], [[butter]], [[peanut butter]], [[jelly]], [[jam]], or assorted [[fruit]]s such as [[strawberries]]. Pancakes in Australia can also be served as a savory meal. ===Europe=== [[Image:Pancake and crumpet.jpg|right|thumb|Scottish pancake and fruit ''[[crumpet]]''.]] '''[[England|English]] pancakes''' have three key ingredients: plain [[flour]], [[Egg (food)|egg]]s, and [[milk]]. The batter is quite runny and forms a thin layer on the bottom of the [[frying pan]] when the pan is tilted. It may form some bubbles during cooking, which results in a pale pancake with dark spots where the bubbles were, but the pancake does not rise. These pancakes may be eaten as a sweet dessert with the traditional topping of [[lemon]] juice and [[sugar]], drizzled with [[golden syrup]], or wrapped around savory stuffings and eaten as a main course. When baked instead of fried, this batter rises because the air beaten into the batter expands, without the need for baking powder, the result is known as [[Yorkshire pudding]]. English pancakes are similar to [[French cuisine|French]] [[crêpe]]s, and [[Italian cuisine|Italian]] [[crespelle]], but are not "lacy" in appearance. English pancakes can be stuffed after cooking with a wide variety of sweet or savory fillings. Both versions can be sweetened after cooking by pouring on syrup or sprinkling with powdered [[sugar]]. [[Scotland|Scottish]] and [[Ireland|Irish]] pancakes, locally known as '''drop scones''', '''pancakes''' or '''griddle cakes''', are more like the American type and are served as such (see below). Scottish pancakes are made from self-raising [[flour]], [[Egg (food)|egg]]s, [[sugar]] and [[milk]] with Irish pancakes being made with soda-flour and buttermilk. Pancakes similar to the North American pancake but smaller (usually about 3.5 in / 9 cm in diameter) are known in the [[UK]] as '''Scotch pancakes''' or '''drop-scones''' (after the traditional method of dropping batter onto a [[griddle]] (a ''girdle'' in [[Scots language|Scots]])), and in northern England, [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]] as '''pikelets'''. They can be served with [[jam]] and [[cream]] or just with butter. In [[Scotland]] pancakes are served at teatime but mostly as breakfast. They are made plain and as fruit pancakes with [[raisin]]s. In Scotland larger thinner teacakes made to a similar recipe are called [[crumpet]]s. These are cooked on the girdle on one side until browned, then lightly cooked on the other side. Both Scotch pancakes and crumpets can be made with plain flour and baking soda as an alternative to self-raising flour.<ref>[http://www.scotland.org.uk/features/pancakes.htm Travel Scotland - Recipes – Scotch Pancakes], [http://www.visitdunkeld.com/ayrshire-pancakes.htm Tour Scotland, Ayrshire Pancakes]</ref> [[Image:Crêpe opened up.jpg|thumb|left|Crêpe opened up]] '''French crêpes''', popular in [[France]], [[Canada]], and [[Brazil]] (where they may be called pancakes or crêpes) are made from flour, milk, and eggs. They are thin and are usually served with a large amount of sweet or savoury filling, ranging from [[fruit]] and/or [[ice cream]], to [[seafood]] (in Brazil, most usually ground meat). '''[[Germany|German]] pancakes''' are the same as English pancakes. In some regions they are called ''Pfannkuchen''; in others (Berlin, Brandenburg, Saxonia) ''pfannkuchen'' are ''[[Berliner (pastry)|Berliner]]s'', a type of [[doughnut]], and pancakes are called ''Eierkuchen''. In [[Swabia]] sliced pancake strips (''Flädle'') are often served in [[soup]]. [[Image:Palatschinke.jpg|thumb|right|''Palatschinken'', [[Central European]] pancake]] In the '''[[Netherlands]]''' and '''[[Flanders]]''', pancakes are called [[Pannenkoeken]] and eaten at [[dinner]]time. Pancake [[restaurant]]s are popular family restaurants and serve many varieties of sweet, savory, and stuffed pancakes. Pannenkoek are slightly thicker than crepes and usually quite large (12" or more) in diameter. The batter is egg-based and the fillings can include sliced apples, cheese, ham, bacon, candied ginger and many other ingredients - alone or in combination - as well as "stroop", a thick syrup. One classical Dutch filling is a combination of bacon and stroop. In '''Austria''' pancakes are called '''[[Palatschinken]]''', a word derived from Latin '''placenta''' by way of Romanian, and are usually filled with apricot jam, chocolate sauce or hazelnut spread. Similar pancakes with similar names can be found throughout the former '''[[Austria-Hungary]]''' (today Austria, [[Slovenia]], Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia), see ''[[Palatschinken]]''. In '''Poland''' pancakes called '''Naleśniki''' are similar to those in Austria. They can be served as a main dish. They can be served sweet usually with fresh fruits (e.g [[Bilberry]]), [[Lekvar|Powidła]], fruit jam. Also with variety of savory fillings e.g. fried chicken or even [[tuna]] with different additions like cheese potatoes or ham. In Poland '''Naleśniki''' are also used for making [[croquette]]s. '''Scandinavian pancakes''' are similar to English pancakes. They are often served with jam and/or ice cream or whipped cream, and sometimes as a main dish with a variety of savory fillings. Traditional [[Sweden|Swedish]] variations can be somewhat exotic. ''Plättar'' resemble tiny English pancakes, and are fried several at a time in a special pan. Others resemble German pancakes but include fried [[pork]] in the batter; these are baked in an oven. [[Potato pancakes]] called ''raggmunk'' contain shredded raw potato, and may contain other vegetables (sometimes the pancake batter is omitted, producing ''rårakor''). ''Raggmunk'' and ''rårakor'' traditionally eaten with pork rinds and/or [[lingonberry]] jam. Norwegians like their pancakes with sugar or blueberry jam, and they are often served with hot soup. Norwegians eat a great deal of rice pudding/porridge - leftovers from this can be made into small pancakes called "lapper". '''In [[Russia]], [[Poland]] and [[Ukraine]],''' [[blintz]] and blini are made from wheat or buckwheat flour, yeast, butter, eggs and milk. Blini cooking has an ancient history in Russia dating back to the pagan traditions and feasts. '''In [[Hungary]],''' [[palacsinta]] is made from flour, milk and/or soda water, sugar, and eggs and served as a main dish or as a dessert, depending on the filling. Sweet wine can also be added to the batter. ===Africa=== Pancakes in '''[[South Africa]]''' are similar to English pancakes. They are traditionally prepared by the [[Afrikaans]] community on gas-stoves, and called ''pannekoek'' in Afrikaans, often eaten on wet and cold days. ''Pannekoek'' are most commonly served with cinnamon-flavored sugar<ref>[http://www.vlooi.co.za/resepte/pannekoek.html]</ref> (and sometimes lemon juice); the sugar may be left to dissolve onto the pancake; if eaten immediately the pancake has a crispy texture. This is a staple at [[Dutch Reformed Church]] fetes.<ref>[http://www.landbou.com/LandbouWeekblad/Kos_en_resepte/0,,1294-1317_1737818,00.html Landbou.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> American-style "silver dollar" pancakes are also eaten in South Africa, where they are known as "plaatkoekies" or "flapjacks". ===Asia=== [[Image:Dosa-chutney-sambhar.jpg|thumb|right|''[[Dosa]]'', Indian pancake with [[chutney]] and [[sambhar]]]] '''In [[Malaysia]] and [[Singapore]]''', a pancake-like snack known as Apom Balik (in Malay) or Ban Chian Kuih (面煎粿 in Chinese). The Chinese version is made with a filling, traditionally ground peanut with sugar, butter and additional condiments like sweetened coconut or egg. Increasingly non traditional condiments like cheese, kaya (egg & coconut milk custard), blueberry or chocolate are used in response to demand for more interesting twist. There are other interesting variations, such as those made with [[soya bean]] milk replacing egg and water. The Malay version (Apom Balik) frequently has sweet corn and condensed milk as filling. '''In the [[Philippines]]''', pancakes or "hotcakes" are also served with syrup (maple or imitation corn syrup) margarine and sugar or condensed milk. They are usually served for breakfast, but there are roving street stalls that sell smaller hotcakes topped with margarine and sugar as an afternoon snack. '''In [[Vietnamese cuisine]]''', there is a wide variety of traditional pancakes; these include ''[[bánh xèo]]'' and ''[[bánh khọt]]'' in southern Vietnam, and ''[[bánh căn]]'' and ''[[bánh khoái]]'' in [[central Vietnam]]. '''In [[India]]''', a dish called the Pooda (sometimes called Cheela) is a variety of Pancake. They can be made either sweet or salty and are of different thickness as per region. Is made in a frying pan and of a similar batter as its European couterparts. [[Dosa]] could be said to be another [[India]]n pancake. It is prepared by fermenting of rice batter. However the most correct definition would be what [[Punjabis]] call a ''Meetha Pooda'' and are a common Breakfast food item in Punjab. Its is sweet yet could be eaten with Pickle also. '''In [[Korea]]''', pancakes include ''[[jeon (food)|jeon]]'', ''[[pajeon]]'', ''[[bindaetteok]]'', ''[[kimchijeon]]'', and ''[[hotteok]]''. Banana pancakes, in particular, are a popular menu item in Western-oriented [[backpacking (travel)|backpacker]]s' cafes in many Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, India, and China. == Details == [[Image:Pancakes with strawberries and cream.jpg|right|thumb|Pancakes with [[strawberries]] and cream.]] Pancakes are comparable to [[waffle]]s without syrup traps, although waffles often contain more eggs and are cooked in a waffle iron. Most types of pancakes, but not the [[Brittany|Breton]] [[galette]], are cooked one side at a time on a griddle and flipped halfway through the cooking process to cook the other side of the pancake. The process of tossing or flipping is part of the essence of the pancake, and one of the skills that separates the experienced cook from the beginner. In [[Canada]] and the [[United States]], the pancake is usually a [[breakfast]] food, but it is so popular that a franchised restaurant formerly called [[International House of Pancakes]], now referred to as IHOP, has more than 1000 restaurants serving at all hours of the day. A "pancake supper" can be a social event (in the manner of an ice cream social or barbecue), with pancakes served at dinnertime. Pancake suppers are sometimes held as fund raisers. In [[Australia]] and [[United Kingdom|Britain]], pancakes are eaten as a [[dessert]], or served savory with a main meal. They can sometimes be eaten as a main meal (the savory variety, also known as [[crepes]]), as they are in the U.S. and Canada. It is so popular that franchised restaurants called Pancake Palour and Pancakes on the Rocks are present. In [[Sweden]] and [[Finland]], it is traditional to eat [[peasoup|yellow pea soup]] followed by pancakes on Thursdays. A smaller pancake, often called a "silver dollar" pancake, is sometimes used in the creation of [[hors d'oeuvres]] in place of [[crackers]] or other bread-like items. == Pancake Day == {{mainarticle|Shrove Tuesday}} In Canada,<ref>{{cite web | title = The Presbyterian Church in Canada | work = The Presbyterian Church in Canada | url = http://www.presbyterian.ca/rpc/pcpak/05feb/equip_feb05.pdf | accessdaymonth = 4 January | accessyear = 2007}}</ref> the United Kingdom,<ref>{{cite web | title = Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday), in the UK | work = British Embassy, Washington D.C. | url = http://www.britainusa.com/sections/articles_show_nt1.asp?d=0&i=60062&L1=0&L2=0&a=41276| accessdaymonth = 17 November | accessyear = 2006 }}</ref> Ireland,<ref>{{cite web | title = Shrove Tuesday - Pancake Day! | work = Irish Culture and Customs | url = http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACalend/ShroveTues.html | accessdaymonth = 17 November | accessyear = 2006 }}</ref> and Australia,<ref>{{cite web | title = Easter in Australia | work = The Australian Government Culture and Recreation Portal | url = http://www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/articles/easter/ | accessdaymonth = 17 November | accessyear = 2006 }}</ref> pancakes are traditionally eaten on [[Shrove Tuesday]], which is also known as "Pancake Day" and, particularly in [[Ireland]], as "Pancake Tuesday". (Shrove Tuesday is better known in the United States, France and other countries as [[Mardi Gras]] or [[Fat Tuesday]].) Historically, pancakes were made on Shrove Tuesday so that the last of the fatty and rich foods could be used up before [[Lent]]. It is traditional to turn pancakes over by tossing them in the air using the [[frying pan|pan]] and without using any other implements. This is a tricky manoeuvre that requires practice to perfect. Charity or school events are often organized on Pancake Day. One popular event is a "pancake race" in which each participant carries a pancake in a frying pan. All runners must toss their pancakes as they run and catch them in the frying pan. This event is said to have originated in the town of [[Olney]], [[England]] in 1444 when a housewife was still busy frying pancakes to eat before the Lenten fast when she heard the [[bell (instrument)|bell]]s of [[St Peter]] and [[St Paul]]'s Church calling her to the Shriving Service. Eager to get to church, she ran out of her house still holding the frying pan complete with pancake, and still wearing her [[apron]] and headscarf. Pancake Day is widely celebrated in Australia; ready-made pancake mixes often sell out. Every Shrove Tuesday since 1950 the towns of [[Olney, Milton Keynes|Olney]], [[England]] and [[Liberal, Kansas]], USA have competed in the International Pancake Race. Only local women may compete; they race along a previously agreed course and their times are compared to determine the international winner. The Rehab UK Parliamentary Pancake Race also takes place every Shrove Tuesday, with teams from the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the Fourth Estate battling it out for the title of Parliamentary Pancake Race Champions. The fun relay race is all about raising awareness of the work of national [[brain injury]] charity, Rehab UK, and the needs of people with acquired brain injury. == See also == *Thin pancakes: **[[Blintz]] **[[Crêpe]] **[[Galette]] *[[Kaiserschmarrn]] *[[Tortilla]] *[[Dutch baby pancake]] *[[Dorayaki]] ==Footnotes== {{reflist}} == External links == {{commons|Pancake}} {{cookbook|Pancake}} *[http://www.sideburn.demon.co.uk/olney/pancake.html History of the Olney, England pancake race] *[http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodfaq2.html#pancakes foodtimeline.org - History of the pancake] [[Category:Breakfast foods]] [[Category:Pancakes]] [[Category:World cuisine]] [[Category:American cuisine]] [[Category:Vermont culture]] [[Category:Vermont cuisine]] [[Category:Mardi Gras food]] [[cv:Икерчĕ]] [[de:Eierkuchen]] [[es:Panqueque]] [[eo:Patkuko]] [[fr:Pancake]] [[gl:Filloa]] [[ko:팬케이크]] [[it:Pancake]] [[he:פנקייק]] [[la:lucunculus]] [[nl:Pannenkoek]] [[ja:ホットケーキ]] [[no:Pannekake]] [[nds:Pannkoken]] [[pl:Naleśnik]] [[pt:Panqueca]] [[simple:Pancake]] [[sl:Palačinka]] [[sr:Палачинка]] [[fi:Ohukainen]] [[sv:Pannkaka]] [[th:แพนเค้ก]] [[wa:Vôte]] [[zh:薄烤饼]]