Around the globe, today marks a day of celebration as well as self-examination.  Fat Tuesday, Pancake Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday is the eve of Lent, when most Christians consider what they should repent for the next 40 days — while enjoying the last bit of decadence.

In Italy, as in many other countries, Shove Tuesday celebrations include live music, dance, delicacies and a Masquerade or Carnivale, the name deriving from the words carne levare, or “take away meat.”  For those who observe Lent strictly, liturgical fasting can mean going completely vegan – no meat, dairy products or eggs.

Popular pre-Lent meals are pancakes, crepes and doughnuts, since they’re a convenient a way to finish eggs, sugar, butter, and other rich ingredients that may be on hand.

So, to celebrate in my home, I’m going to make my Sweet Potato Pancakes.  While they may not be truly over-the-top decadent, they certainly taste that way!

Here’s to willpower, until Easter!

Tina’s Sweet Potato Pancakes

INGREDIENTS

¾ cup/3 oz. all-purpose flour
¾ cup/3 oz. whole wheat flour
4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. grated nutmeg
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 ½ cups/12 oz. mashed, cooked sweet potatoes
2 eggs
1 ½ cups skim milk
Oil or butter for cooking the pancakes
Maple syrup or honey for serving

DIRECTIONS

Whisk the dry ingredients together in a medium bowl.  Set aside.  In a large bowl, whisk together the sweet potatoes, eggs and milk.  Add dry ingredients to the wet ones, stirring just until combined. Batter will be thick.

Heat a griddle or large sauté pan over medium heat.  Add a small amount of oil or butter to just coat the surface.  Drop ¼ cup of batter onto the pan, spreading to 3” diameter if needed.  Cook for about 2 minutes per side or until golden on both sides and cooked through.

Pancakes can be held on a baking tray in a 200°F oven as the remaining ones are cooked.

Yield:  6 servings (18 – 3” pancakes)
Time:  40 minutes

Nutrient information per pancake: Calories – 60, Total Fat – 0.5, Cholesterol 25 mg, Sodium – 310 mg, Total Carbohydrate – 12 g, Fiber – 1 g, Sugars – 2 g, Protein – 3 g, Vitamin A – 60%, Calcium – 10%