Basic pancakes

This Shrove Tuesday shocked me. So many people bought pancake mixes which are really not necessary, especially as many required adding milk and eggs (so, they're just an expensive pouch of flour then?) This is my attempt at stopping this monstrosity and getting people to make them PROPERLY.

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 2 minutes per pancake

Cost of make: £0.06 per pancake (price calculated on 26.03.14)

Ingredients (to make 5 pancakes)

• 100g plain flour

• 1 large egg

• 200ml milk

• 1 tsp cooking oil per pancake

Equipment

• 1 frying pan

• 1 food processor (if you do not own, use a mixing bowl, a fork and arm muscles)

• 1 spatula (if you do not possess the flipping skills)

• 1 plate

Instructions

1. Turn on the hob to a high heat and place the frying pan on top to warm
2. In the food processor, place the flour and egg(s) and mix (or manually). It will not look like batter at this point
3. Add the milk a little at a time whilst mixing until a runny batter (more or less may be required than in the ingredient list)
4. Add a little oil to the hot frying pan. Swirl it around so that the whole pan is covered
5. Pour gradually some batter into the pan. With the other hand, hold the handle of the frying pan and swirl around so that the batter is spread evenly across the pan. It should be about as think as a pound coin
6. After around 40 seconds, the mixture on the top side should be firm and the bottom golden. Slide the spatula underneath the pancake and flip it right over. The bottom side should be golden (see first picture)
7. After around 30 seconds the (now) underside should also be cooked. Using the spatula remove from the pan and place on the plate
8. Continue this for the rest of your pancakes, If you are making more than 10, it may be worth having the plate in the bottom of a warm oven to keep them warm
9. Smother in your favourite toppings and devour.

WARNING! The last pancake is never really a pancake, usually too thick or only half the size. Always over prepare if you are cooking for others or your friends may feel like you have favourites.

These are just a few topping ideas....

Greek yoghurt and mixed berries. This if you are feeling healthy-ish.

Butter alone. A seriously underrated topping. 

Lemon and sugar. Everyone's favourite topping.

Simple potato wedges

These bad boys are a perfect carbohydrate in a meal or as a cheeky snack. 

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Cost of make: £0.34 (price calculated on 24.03.14)

Ingredients

• 1 large potato
• 1 stock cube (any flavour works well, chicken is my personal favourite)
• 1 tbsp cooking oil

Equipment

• 1 sharp knife
• 1 chopping board
• 1 baking tray (deeper trays work better but flat trays will also work)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven at 180* (gas mark 4)
2. Wash the potato and chop into wedges
3. Place wedges into a baking tray and drizzle oil over before sprinkling the stock cube over the top (don't bother opening the cube, you can just press it against the table and it will turn into a pouch of dust)
4. Place in the oven for about 25 minutes or until cooked through (soft in the middle, test by snapping the largest wedge)
5. Remove from oven and serve. They go really well with mayonnaise.

Hello there!

Dear all,

You might be wondering what this blog is, why it is written and who on Earth writes it. Well, I am a student teacher in London and I have a passion for cooking and blogging. This is just a space to put my dos and don'ts when it comes to the kitchen. Being a student, I love nothing more than a bargain so if money is tight, these recipes and tips may be just what you are looking for.

Enjoy!

Hattie  x