Pancake

Maple syrup lovers can get a second helping this weekend at three Maryland state parks. Syrup-making demonstrations are planned today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cunningham Falls State Park near Thurmont. Pancake breakfasts are available today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cunningham Falls. Pancakes also will be served today from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Herrington Manor State Park near Oakland, along with a syrup-making demonstration. - Associated Press

The Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer will host an all-you-can-eat pancake supper from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at 7606 Quarterfield Road in Glen Burnie. A variety of pancakes, along with sausage, fruit and drinks, will be served. Tickets are $5, $2.50 for children ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and younger. Proceeds benefit the North County Emergency Outreach Network. Call 410-766-8778. div.talkforum #creditfooter { display: none; } div.talkforum .feedItemAuthor { display: none; }

Grace Baptist Church, 17 Somerset Road in Pasadena, will hold a pancake supper and movie night Friday, beginning at 6 p.m. Free. Call 410-255-5616.

Dripping with butter and maple syrup or topped with fruit and whipped cream, the humble pancake is at once so decadent and comforting that it is right that it should have its own holiday. Pancakes are the traditional food for the last meal before the start of Lent, the Christian season of fasting that starts next week. Whether it is known as Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day, this day was used by our penitent ancestors to consume the last of the sugar, butter and eggs before the traditional 40 days of denial began.

The Kiwanis Club of Ellicott City will hold its seventh pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at Kiwanis-Wallas Park in Ellicott City. The cost is $6 and includes pancakes, sausage, sausage gravy, eggs, fruit and beverages. Children ages 8 and younger eat free. Entertainment Books for 2009 will be for sale and craft tables will offer seasonal gifts. Proceeds will help fund the club's local and international public service projects. Information: Gus Katsampis, 410-465-1891. Library happenings The Miller branch library, 9421 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, will offer a fall cookie decorating class for ages 11 to 17 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 3. Participants can design and decorate cookies with seasonal colors and themes; then eat their creations.

When I should have left well enough alone, I strayed. It happens, in life and in recipes. I fooled around with the family's pancakes. The established recipe has served us well. It consists of a cup of flour; 3/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; a scant amount, maybe 1/4 teaspoon, of salt; 1 egg; 1 cup buttermilk; and 2 tablespoons of butter. I mix the dry ingredients in a bowl, beat the egg, then pour the egg and buttermilk into the flour mixture. I melt the butter in a cast-iron frying pan, then pour all but what's needed to coat the pan into the batter and cook pancakes, one at a time.

Menorah lighting scheduled Dec. 9 Area synagogues, Jewish schools and organizations, and local officials will participate in a Hanukkah menorah-lighting ceremony at 4 p.m. Dec. 9 in Centennial Park, Ellicott City. A representative from each participating synagogue will light a candle of the 6-foot menorah. Music and singing is planned, and jelly doughnuts, a traditional Hanukkah food, will be served. The event is sponsored by the Jewish community of Howard County. Information: Helaine Brenner, 301-580-3400.

Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks will sponsor its Great Snipe Hunt -- a hay ride and trek into the woods to search for the (imaginary) Rockburn Snipe, largest of the species. Bring a large brown paper bag and a flashlight. The event for children ages 4 to 7 with parents will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday at Rockburn Branch Park in Elkridge. No harm will come to the snipe. The cost is $20 for a family of up to five people. Registration is required because space is limited.