If you're planning on enjoying pancakes this evening, forget buying pre-mixed packs.

Below is a simple recipe our chief reporter Joanne Rowe swears by. For something a little more fancy, click here)

Meanwhile, if you're after something more artistic, check out the ideas in this video by Bolton-based online retailer AO.com

1) Blend 100g of flour with a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl, then crack two eggs into a well in the middle and pour in 50ml of semi-skimmed milk plus 1tbsp of sunflower oil.

2) Gradually whisk all the ingredients together and beat into a smooth, thick paste adding a little more milk if it is too thick to beat.

3) Steadily pour in a further 250ml of milk and keep whisking until the batter is the consistency of single cream. Leave the batter to rest for 30 minutes.

4) Heat the frying pan over a moderate heat, wipe with oiled kitchen paper and ladle in some batter, tilting the pan to make a thin, even layer.

5) Leave to cook for 30 seconds until golden then flip and cook for another 30 seconds.

6) Turn out onto a warm plate, make more pancakes and serve with fillings of choice.