Shrove Tuesday is celebrated the Tuesday before Ash Wendesday, the beginning of Lent. Shrove is a time of confession as we prepare for Lent but it was also traditionally a time to gorge ourselves on those fun, fattening foods we may be giving up for Lent. Butter and eggs were a common item to give up hence the mass pancake binge on Shrove to use up your butter and eggs in one last endulgenace. 

The celebration of Madi Gras (Fat Tuesday) and Carnival are the French and Southern European versions of this pre Lent festival. 

   
 
In our family for about 10 years now we have hosted a pancake potluck with our friends to share the tradition of Shrove. I make the pancakes, provide the butter and basic syrup and ask our friends to bring a topping to share such as strawberries, whipped cream, applesauce, jam, etc. whatever their favorite pancake topping is. 
   
 

Pancakes are incredibly inexpensive, really yummy and help you bring together your friends and family for a traditional European holiday and great conversations on Christ’s sacrifice and looking forward to celebrating his resurrection on Easter. 

Give those pancakes a flip! 

   
    
 
And enjoy them with your folk!