A History Lesson on the Pancake and More

Today is National Pancake Day, which means freebies at IHOP.

What do we really know about the pancake? Have you ever wondered how they came to be? Well, today is your lucky day. I have the answer (kind of).

First of all, you need to know that pancakes are not a regional food. Every nation makes them in some form or another.

Originally, it was thought that they were created by ancient Greeks in 5 B.C. since the earliest recorded references were recorded by poets then. They were called tagenias.

But, in 1991, an Iceman was discovered in Austria. The 5,300 year-old Otzi, that's his name, had as his last meal...pancakes! Don't ask me to explain how scientists figured it out. You can read more yourself at National Geographic's website.

It amazes me how far back the pancake goes. So how was/is it used in other countries?

In different parts of Africa, they are used with stews, are more like crepes, replace bread, or are made with banana in them. it depends on the region.

In tourist areas of Asia, banana pancakes are king! Yum! My favorite.

In China, they are made with dough instead of batter and are either sweet or savory. India has a wide variety of recipes, while Indonesia makes them from rice flour and coconut milk.

Europe is interesting. There are traditional recipes and new. It depends on where you are. Anything from raisins to yogurt to cheese to any fruit is used.

You get the idea. I could go on and on. The shapes and textures are also different everywhere you go.

Now that you have a better picture of the pancake, let's get to the most important part.

Try this new way to make pancakes! It's called pancake art. You've got to have patience.