Maybe it's both - as these traditions carry a similar spirit - a moment of joyous indulgence before a period of reflection.
National Pancake Day or Mardis Gras, originates from Christians and French Catholics who observe Lent - the period of forty days leading up to Easter - and traditionally is a period of fasting.
So on the day prior to Ash Wednesday, (known as Shrove Tuesday in some parts of the world), folks would use all the dairy products and rich foods by making pancakes.
Joy has been listening to shows this week, and discovered a couple which feature the date. The first comes from RCA's The Magic Key featuring the music of Rio and New Orleans during Mardi Gras.
Next up, we have the hapless Fibber McGee, who has decided to get up and make a pancake breakfast in bed for Molly... After several hours and a disaster of pots and pans in the kitchen, Fibber finally makes the perfect hot cakes, which he and Doc Gamble enjoy - but by this time Molly has fallen back asleep!
Molly might not have got her pancakes, but this episode from 26th February 1952 was certainly a good way for Pet Milk to advertise their product to make a perfect pancake!
If you'd like to follow Fibber's Pet Milk Recipe for Pancakes here it is:
"Take 2 cups plain pancake mix, stir in gradually 1 cup of Pet Milk mixed with 1 cup water. You see, the value of Pet Milk in cooking is that it adds that full, rich flavor to your foods - and will pack these easy-to-make pancakes full of whole milk minerals. And, in these days of high food prices, Pet Milk is a family favorite because it's economical and costs less than any other form of milk. So get some Pet Milk from your grocer today!
If you click on the Pet Milk link you can learn the history of Pet Milk, find some of their other recipes, and find a store near you that sells it. I am sure that Pet Milk would be pleased to learn that their advertising is still effective 73 years later!
Enjoy your hot cakes today!
