Mix a pancake,
Stir a pancake,
Pop it in the pan;
Fry the pancake;
Toss the pancake,
Catch it if you can (101).
Talk about a book that will make you crave breakfast! Pancake, A Global History by self-proclaimed “enthusiastic food historian” (39) Ken Albala, is a fun journey down Pancake Lane – accompanied by some fantastic photos and recipes. You get to see everything from their history, to their meaning in society, to how different cultures celebrate with pancakes, etc.
Definition:
A pancake is considered, “any form of starch can and has been used to make pancakes through the annals of history … it’s not what goes into the bowl that defines the pancake, but what comes out of the pan” (9). “Pancakes … can be sweet or savoury, adorned or simple, consumed during any meal and in any setting” (14).
One of the most fascinating things I learned is that, all around the world, the pancake is associated with comfort and family values. Although all pancakes are different in different cultures, their meaning remains the same throughout. That’s such a rare and special thing.
My favorite pancake that I learned more about is the Russian Blini. In Russia, the Blini is served on New Years with champagne, and after funerals (96); it is considered to be “one of the most expensive and elegant of foods” (97). O-la-la, how fancy …
Blini
Ingredients
2 cups buckwheat flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 eggs
milk (enough to make a thick pancake batter)
butter for frying
sour cream to taste
osetra caviar (the best you can afford)
Directions
Mix together the flour, baking powder, eggs, and milk. Pour into a hot buttered frying pan to make small bite-sized pancakes. Add a dollop of sour cream to each and top with the caviar. Serve with ice-cold vodka, or champagne and make a toast to Tsar Nicholas (111).
It is just so interesting to me, considering in the US, pancakes are such a lazy-Sunday-morning type of meal. Anyways, we're always chatting about pancakes here:
http://www.facebook.com/bisquickpancakes
If you end up trying Blini, or if you just have fun pancake chatter, please share!
Sinerely, Cate