Picture the scene. A diner in San Francisco, a few years ago. An over-excited eight-year-old boy who is on holiday and has been up since 5am because of the time difference has just ordered a stack of pancakes. He loves American pancakes, particularly with syrup.
The pancakes arrive. A stack turns out to be an actual Tower of pancakes. There are at least eight on the plate, each one an inch thick, and they are dusted with icing sugar. The boy pours syrup over the pancakes. 'Go easy,' says his mum. 'I love syrup,' the boy says happily.
He takes a few bites. The syrup has soaked into the pancakes. The boy pours more syrup on the pancakes. 'You'll be sick,' his mum warns. 'No I won't,' says the boy, defiantly. He manages a few more bites.
Suddenly the little boy goes pale. Then jade green. 'Are you alright?' his mum asks anxiously. 'I'm going to be sick,' the little boy says as his family starts to panic. 'Where's the loo?' the mum asks the waitress. 'The... loo?' the waitress repeats. The mum remembers this is America. 'The bathroom,' she says, trying not to shout. The waitress gestures to the other side of the diner. The boy and his mum run to the bathroom, the little boy holding his hand over his mouth. They get to the door... just. A. Little. Too. Late.
I'm pleased to say that this experience didn't put my son off pancakes, or, for that matter, syrup. We absolutely love American pancakes in this house, but on Shrove Tuesday we will of course be eating the crepe-kind. If you plan to do the same, here's the lovely Emma Forbes to show you how to make perfect ones, courtesy of We Love Pancakes.