How to cook the perfect pancake

John Torode gave ITV a lesson in pancake making Credit: PA Images

It's that time of year again... Shrove Tuesday is nearly here and many of us are getting ready to cook up a batch of pancakes.

The 40 days leading up to Easter are traditionally a time for fasting.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and so, traditionally, a big feast day was held on Shrove Tuesday to use up all the rich and indulgent ingredients.

It is a custom which dates back hundreds of years.

But what is the secret to creating perfect pancakes? We spoke to chef John Torode to find out his top tips.

Traditional pancakesIngredients: Eggs, Milk, Flour, Oil

To serve: lemon and sugar

Method:

American pancakes

Ingredients: 350g self-raising flour, 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 100g butter, 400ml milk, 200ml buttermilk, 2 eggs beaten, 50ml vegetable oil for greasing

To serve: blueberries and maple syrup

Method: