Pancake Day (Tuesday 21^st February 2023) will soon be upon on us, and a great time to share some cooking time with your child.

It is amazing the number of different noises that occur when we cook, providing an ideal opportunity to use and introduce your child to the wonderfully descriptive world of onomatopoeic words. These are words that imitate the sounds being described such as bang, crash, whoosh, clip and clop.

So, we have created a list of onomatopoeic words which you could use and share with your child as you describe the sounds, potential chaos and fun that comes from shared cooking time with your child.

Bang, crash, rattle, clang, clank, clatter, clink, plop, slap, crack, splish, splash, splosh, hiss, sizzle, fizzle, crackle, squeal, giggle, smack, splat, gobble, scrap.

A Traditional English Pancake Batter Mix

For a thin pancake batter mix:

• 100g plain flour
• Pinch of salt
• 1 egg
• 270ml of milk or milk and water

Method:

1. Sift the flour and salt together.
2. Make a well in the flour and add the egg and enough milk (milk/water) to make a sticky mixture.
3. Beat well, then gradually whisk in the remaining milk (milk/water).
4. Keep in a cool place until ready to use, always whisk the batter before using.

An American Style Pancake Batter Mix

For a thick, sweet pancake batter mix:

• 150g plain flour
• 1 tea spoon baking powder
• 3 pinches of salt
• 1 egg
• 150ml of milk
• 30g caster sugar

Method:

1. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt together.
2. Stir in the caster sugar
3. In another bowl, whisk the egg and milk together.
4. Pour the egg and milk mixture into the flour and beat with a wooden spoon.
5. If the mixture is left to stand for about half an hour the pancakes tend to have a lighter texture.

Have fun and enjoy!