Annual Shrove Tuesday meal at St. Andrew's Presbyterian

Posted Feb 16, 2012 By John Curry

EMC Events - Shrove Tuesday. Pancake Day. Pancake Tuesday. Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras. Shrovetide Tuesday. Bursting Day (Iceland). Call it what you will but here it comes.

Yes, Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day is coming up on Tuesday, Feb. 21. This is the day preceding Ash Wednesday which is the first day of Lent.

In most English-speaking countries, the tradition exists for the eating of pancakes before the start of Lent. Pancakes have become the traditional food eaten on Shrove Tuesday because they are made out of the main foods available, namely sugar, fat, flour and eggs, whose consumption was traditionally restricted ruing the ritual fasting associated with Lent. Having pancakes on the day before Lent was considered as a good way to use up these rich foodstuffs such as sugar and eggs before the fasting season began. Lenten fasting traditionally emphasized eating plainer food and refraining from eating food that would give pleasure which often meant no meat, dairy or eggs.

To mark Shrove Tuesday and the impending beginning of Lent, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Richmond is holding its annual Shrove Tuesday meal on Tuesday, Feb. 21 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. with everyone welcome to attend.

There will be freshly grilled pancakes, sausages, bacon, baked beans and dessert.

There will be syrups of different flavours to pour on your pancakes as well as sugar free toppings for those with health issues.

Tickets at $8 per adult and $5 per child will be available at the door.

For more information, please phone 613-838-3723. St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church is located at 3529 McBean Street in Richmond.