Shrovetide

We look for any excuse to celebrate all manner of holidays at our house, and Shrove Tuesday is no exception. A tradition from my husband's family, we always enjoy a pancake dinner on the last day before Lent, a carry over from the days where all the good stuff (eggs, butter, fat and sugar) were used up before Lenten fasting. In other parts of the world Carnival and Mardi Gras are celebrated with much the same purpose-to let loose, before the strict days of prayer, confession and reflection leading up to Easter.

My children love to have breakfast for dinner any time of year, and I prepare it with equal enthusiasm because it is quick, easy and quite possibly best of all, inexpensive! I usually make my grandmother's recipe, but many folks also make a baked pancake or Dutch Baby on this day. This year, I will make both the usual recipe (for the picky kids) and some cottage cheese pancakes, which are a bit tangy, tender and moist throughout. A friend always used to serve them to guests at her cabin in the woods, a perfect setting to enjoy these cozy cakes. They are quite scrumptious topped with warm maple syrup, but would also be delicious served with a warm fruit compote or jam.

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

makes 16 dollar pancakes

1 C unbleached flour

1/2 t baking soda

1/4 t salt

2 T sugar

4 eggs

1 C cottage cheese

1/2 C milk

2 T melted butter

Mix wet ingredients in a large bowl. Sift in flour, baking soda, salt and sugar and whisk, just until combined.

Heat large griddle or skillet over medium flame until hot. Grease pan or spray with cooking spray. Dollop batter onto skillet, using a 1/4 cup measure. Cook until golden brown on first side, about 3 minutes. Carefully flip and cook on remaining side until cooked through, about 3 minutes more. Remove to plate and repeat with remaining batter. Cover plate of pancakes with foil and keep warm in a 200 degree oven until ready to serve.

Updated to add: the kids LOVED the cottage cheese pancakes. And because they contain extra protein, I think I will make them for power breakfast days (like during testing!).