Shrove Tuesday

Making pancakes can be just as much fun as eating them; this should be no different for a child with vision impairment. Follow our recipe and top tips to make your perfect pancake!

Before you begin, prepare your workspace: ensure that the lighting is adequate and that all your ingredients are within easy reach. It might be helpful to put your ingredients on a tray, to prevent those pesky eggs from rolling away and cracking.

Some smaller chefs and cooks may need to begin preparations at the table, if they cannot yet reach the kitchen counter; adult supervision might be needed when using the cooker and hob.

What you will need:

• 100g plain flour
• 2 eggs
• 300ml semi skimmed milk
• Pinch of salt

How to make pancakes:

1. Put all ingredients into a bowl or large jug, then whisk to a smooth batter.
2. Set a frying pan over a medium heat and carefully wipe it with some greased kitchen paper.
3. When hot, cook your pancakes for a minute on each side until golden, keeping them warm in a low oven on low heat until you have finished cooking them.
4. Add your toppings: why not try lemon juice, sugar, chocolate spread, fruit, marshmallows or golden syrup? Some people also enjoy savoury toppings…

Whether you pre-measure your ingredients, or encourage your children to use gadgets like talking scales, liquid level indicators or large-print jugs, there are many hints and tips online on building your child's confidence in and out of the kitchen!

Here are some stories you could read together as a family. Once you have finished reading, why not try writing a story about making - and eating – pancakes?

• Pancakes, Pancakes by Eric Carle
• Mama Panya’s Pancakes by Mary and Rich Chamberlain
• Mr Wolf’s Pancakes by Jan Fearnley

Here is a poem called ‘Mix a Pancake’ by Christina Rossetti.

Mix a pancake,

Stir a pancake,

Pop it in the pan;

Fry the pancake,

Toss the pancake—

Catch it if you can.

Why not try and write a second verse? You could write about different fun things to do with the pancake (including eating it, of course!)

In some countries around the world, Shrove Tuesday is also celebrated with vibrant street parties. This is known as Mardi Gras, which translates as ‘Fat Tuesday’ in English.

Get into the festive swing by creating your very own Mardi Gras Mask, then hold a family parade and listen to some festival music!

How to make a Mardi Gras mask

Using half of a paper plate, cut two holes for your eyes and then decorate any way you want: use vibrant paint, then add texture with glue, oatmeal or sand. Use tactile stickers, scented markers, feathers, ribbons or any other loose parts you can find.

Once you have made a decadent Mardi Gras Mask, attach a stick to the bottom to hold on to, or use elastic or string to make the mask secure, and wear it to your own Mardi Gras-themed party.!