Guest Blog - Margaret's Cottage B&B

Shrove Tuesday is just around the corner on 1 March and I shall be reaching for my favourite pancake pan and whizzing up a feast for my family and our lovely B&B guests.

I would dearly love to take all the credit for the wonderful pancake recipe we use at Margaret’s Cottage B&B, but it originates from my dear Cousin Aveen and naturally, she is mentioned on our breakfast menu.

My absolute favourite way, with Cousin Aveen’s pancakes, is to stack them high and enjoy fresh plump blueberries, sliced ripe banana and sticky sweet Canadian maple syrup to turn breakfast into a fabulous treat. But who needs to wait for breakfast, or for pancake day...I’d like to share our wonderful recipe with you now [it’s just too good to keep as a secret!]

You will need:

Neil’s Soda bread, self raising flour.

Butter milk

Eggs

Sugar

Some cream [if it’s in the fridge-but don’t buy any for this recipe]

Method:

Put a griddle pan on a medium heat.

Meanwhile mix the following:

• 4 tablespoons of flour

• 1 tablespoon of sugar

• 2 large eggs

• Enough buttermilk to make a thickish batter. I also add a good slug of double cream too. But don’t let the batter be thin.

Beat the batter until smooth, pour into small rounds on the hot griddle pan. When the batter forms “holes” turn each pancake over. Cook until golden brown.

Serve immediately.

The pancakes can also be made ahead of eating and stored in a warm oven, wrapped in foil, however they are better eaten straight away.

Spring also brings the wonderful celebration of Mother’s Day on Sunday 27 March... 

Now I firmly believe we should always treat and spoil our Mums and if you are looking for the perfect treat, Margaret’s Cottage in Ardglass and Mrs. C’s Home Kitchen in Dundrum are pairing up, to put our culinary skills together and produce a fabulous afternoon tea box for two, to takeaway and enjoy in your own home, or perhaps on a picnic.

Our Mother's Day Afternoon Tea Box For Two is £25, and contains delicious delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with cream and jam, delicious cupcakes, our legendary mini millionaire shortbread, Mrs. C’s amazing mini brownies, zesty lemon tartlets and this box is a beautiful gift to give the Mother or Grandmother in your life.

Ordering your takeaway afternoon tea is essential to avoid disappointment, and you can find us on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/mrscshomekitchen and www.facebook.com/margaretscottageardglass