
Happy Shrove Tuesday everyone!
Traditionally a day when people mix a batter of flour, eggs and milk and toss it frantically in a frying pan.
Well that was the tradition, until Nanny put her nose into things. Three years ago I wrote about
Nanny banning pancakes, now she is up to her old tricks again.
The Shrove Tuesday annual pancake race in Ripon has been scrapped this year because of health and safety considerations.
The revived event (originally dating back 600 years) has been carried out for the last 11 years in modern times; with local children, traders, clergy and soldiers taking part.
Unfortunately, Nanny's health and safety Gestapo have put their size ten jackboots into the batter and have caused the event to be cancelled.
For why?
The Dean of Ripon, the Very Rev Keith Jukes, co-organiser of the races, explained:
"
We have looked at this and there are a number of reasons it won't take place and a big reason sadly this year is health and safety.
Any organisation which runs an event has to go through a number of risk assessments. The insurance companies demand it and in the end you have to work out whether it's a risk you take.
There is also the whole issue of road closures which can be an expensive business."
Pass the sick bag someone!
A risk assessment for a pancake race?
The insurance companies, and councils that kowtow to them, are destroying the fabric of people's daily lives.
It is time that these two malign influences on our lives were cut out from society, in the manner that one would cut out a scrofulous tumour.
In order to really annoy Nanny, here is a nice recipe for Swedish pancakes; go on, live a little!
Ingredients - 2 cups milk
- 4 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Lingonberries or raspberries
- Seedless raspberry jam or fruit spread, warmed Whipped topping
Preparation In a blender, combine the first six ingredients. Cover and process until blended. Heat a lightly greased 8-in. nonstick skillet; pour 1/4 cup batter into centre of skillet. Lift and tilt pan to evenly coat bottom.
Cook until top appears dry; turn and cook 15-20 seconds longer. Repeat with remaining batter, adding oil to skillet as needed. Stack pancakes with waxed paper or paper towels in between. Reheat in the microwave if desired.
Fold pancakes into quarters; serve with berries, raspberry jam and whipped topping.
Please note it contains eggs, milk, salt and sugar...all the things that Nanny hates!
Happy Shrove Tuesday everyone!
Get tossing!