Tips for a healthy pancake day

It's pancake day, and time to enjoy a tasty treat. But don’t forget about your heart health.

Lemon and blueberry pancakes

These fluffy American-style pancakes from our Heart Matters recipe finder are perfect for breakfast or as a Shrove Tuesday sweet treat.

Makes 4 pancakes

1. First make the sauce. Put sugar and water in a small saucepan; heat gently until sugar has dissolved, stirring. Add blueberries; bring to the boil and bubble over a medium heat for 2-4 minutes until syrup has thickened slightly. Stir in lemon juice; heat again until bubbling. Remove from heat, set aside and keep warm.
2. Make pancakes. Sift flour into a bowl; stir in sugar and lemon zest. Add milk and egg; whisk to make a smooth batter. Stir in blueberries.
3. Heat oil in a large, non-stick frying pan.
4. Spoon in all of the batter to make 4 mini pancakes, keeping them apart. Cook over a medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Carefully turn over; cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
5. Place 2 pancakes on each serving plate; drizzle over sauce and serve immediately

More serving suggestions

Breakfast bonanza

Pancakes may not be an everyday choice, but breakfast should be. Why not kick start a new routine this Shrove Tuesday with a small pancake topped with banana, pineapple and low fat yoghurt.

Fruity fillings

Branch out from the lemon juice and sugar and try chopped or mashed banana, stewed fruit or berries to help you towards your five a day.

Savoury option

A chunky vegetable ratatouille or home made vegetable curry makes a great alternative filling for everyone who feels they are sweet enough already. It’ll provide fibre, vitamins and minerals too. Use an unsaturated oil like olive, rapeseed or sunflower instead of ghee or butter.

Dairy alternative

Instead of whipped cream or ice cream try a thick low fat yoghurt or fromage frais for an option that's lighter on calories and saturated fat.