IT’S the day eagerly anticipated by children all over the country, which means the pressure is on for parents.
And if you’re someone who struggles to get the perfect flip on there’s a few things to look out for to find the best time to turn it over.
Culinary scientist Jessica Gavin shared a video on YouTube explaining the exact moment to look out for to ensure you get the perfect pancake flip this Shrove TuesdayCredit: Jessica Gavin
This one is definitely not ready, Jessica said, pointing out that it’s far too runnyCredit: Jessica Gavin
Instead, you need to look out for the edges starting to set and bubbles appearingCredit: Jessica Gavin
It’s also a good idea to carefully lift up the pancake to check the colour on the bottomCredit: Jessica Gavin
Jessica Gavin is a ‘culinary scientist’, who “uses food science to make delicious meals”, and shared a video on her YouTube page explaining the different factors to consider.
“This is when to flip your pancakes,” she began, before showing a pancake that was definitely not ready.
“This is still too on the surface. If you flip it, it’s going to just create streaks in the pan.”
Instead, you need to look out for the edges starting to set and, most importantly, when the bubbles start breaking through the surface.
“Check the underside for a golden brown colour,” Jessica continued.
“The surface is nice and dry and a little bit toasty.
“You have an even golden colour on top, and the edges are nice and tall.”
You might find yourself tempted to push down the top of the pancake with your spatula, but that’s the worst mistake you could actually make.
“Make sure to never press down on the pancake, or you’ll lose that nice, tall, fluffy structure and all those air bubbles you worked hard to create,” she added.
“Nobody likes super thin pancakes!”
People quickly took to the comments section to weigh in, with hundreds thanking Jessica for sharing the tips.
“I always press on my pancakes…not doing that again!” one said.
“Thank you so much,” another added.
“They kept on breaking and then I realised they needed to be thicker because of this video.”
“Your pancakes are fire!!!! I wish could make them like that,” a third commented.
To which Jessica replied: “You can!! I hope this video helps!“
Tips for feeding your family for less
PREPARING tasty meals for a family doesn’t have to be expensive.
Clinical Nutritionist, Suzie Sawyer from Feel Alive UK , has shared how you can cut costs and feed a family of four for just £20 a week.
She advised: “It’s always best to plan meals for the week ahead, whether you’re on a budget, cooking for a hungry family or just looking after yourself.
“However, it’s essential if you’re feeding a family of four on a budget of £20 per week – that’s just £2.85 per day! While it might take a little more planning, it can definitely be achieved.”
LOOK FOR ‘UGLY’ FRUIT AND VEG: Suzie says Morrisons is a great place to start.
She says: “The supermarket chain, Morrisons, in particular have launched a range of ugly fruit and vegetables and also ‘wonky’ fruit.
“We have all come to expect perfect specimens in the supermarket, therefore the less attractive ones get left on the shelf.
“However, they are still packed with essential nutrients and are considerably cheaper in price.”
BUY SUPERMARKET BUDGET BRANDS: A simple yet effective way to feed a family of four on a budget, advises Suzie, is to buy supermarkets’ own budget brands.
She says: “Buy supermarket budget brands – they will generally contain the same levels of nutrients, although they may not taste quite as good.
“However, that could often be down to more sugar, salt or artificial flavours so they might even end up being healthier!”
BATCH COOK: Nutritionist Susie says shoppers should cook in bulk if they’re trying to feed a family of four on a budget.
“Cooking in bulk is a great way of saving money,” explains Suzie.
“For example, a lentil spaghetti bolognaise can be batch cooked and frozen. Many dishes, especially curries, actually taste better after freezing.”
CLEVER SHOPPING: Suzie says there can be a vast difference in price in differing supermarkets – but Morrisons is famous for its low prices.
She says: “There can be a vast difference in price between the big chains so do price match.
“Plus, it’s worth remembering that small corner shops are always going to be much more expensive.
“And there will always be a price benefit from buying in bulk with larger quantities.”
BUY DRIED VERSIONS RATHER THAN TINNED: The nutritionist says buying dried versions of items like beans and lentils – rather than tined – are great family food staples that come within a £20 budget.
Plus – Morrisons have a great range available in all their stores.
Suzie says: “Buy dried versions rather than tinned – I’m talking beans and lentils, which are great sources of protein.
“Buy them in bulk and soak them before using as per their instructions on the pack. Plus, you’ll not be eating salt and sugar generally added to canned food.”
BUY FRUIT AND VEGETABLES LOOSE: Suzie also recommends shoppers feeding a family of four for £20 a week by their fruit and vegetables loose.
She says: “It’s a great idea to check the per kilogram price on foods so you can buy the cheapest but these will generally be lower on loose fruits and veggies, rather than those pre-packaged.
“Plus, you don’t need to buy fruits and vegetables ready chopped (they’ll have lost nutrients in any case), cheese ready-grated or other produce pre-prepared.”
The clinical nutritionist also added that it’s important to note that it’s not easy to get all the nutrients the body needs on a daily basis, (bearing in mind there are 45), particularly on a tight budget.
“And don’t flip towards you or else all the butter will get on you,” someone else pointed out.
While another commented: “This helped so much – thank you!
“I have never made pancakes before so I was worried that I was going to mess them up but thank goodness i found your video – I got it first try!” someone else gushed.
Jessica also shares her food tips, tricks and recipes on her Instagram page and website .
The perfect pancake will be tall, golden brown and crispy on the outside while fluffy on the insideCredit: Jessica Gavin
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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