National Pancake Day

September 26 is National Pancake Day. The pancake is a flat, thin cake usually containing flour, eggs, milk, and butter. It's normally fried, using an oil or butter. The English variety is often unleavened, while the American and Scottish varieties typically have baking powder or some other rising agent. In the United States, they're traditionally considered a breakfast food.

Archaeological research suggests that pancakes were likely one of the earliest and most widespread grain-based foods eaten in prehistoric times. However, the details of the food differs from country to country and sometimes from region to region. The ancient Greeks had several kinds of pancakes. The earliest known references to them came from poets in the 5th century, B.C. Ancient Romans also had a type of pancake.

Today there's many varieties and flavors of pancakes, even within the United States. They can be used with meats and vegetables, but it's more common to have a sweet topping. Fruits, nuts, chocolate, etc. can be added to the batter for flavored pancakes. Toppings widely vary too. My husband likes maple syrup or honey on his. I prefer fruit toppings or fruit syrup, perhaps with a spoonful of whipped topping. However you like yours, I bet a stack of pancakes is sounding good right now, so let's go celebrate with some.

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