Freemason recipes: Pancake breakfast

 

A Ceremonial Pancake Breakfast in the Spirit of Freemasonry

Serves 20–24 Brethren and Guests

Ingredients

For the Pancakes

• 10 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 5 tbsp baking powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp salt
• 10 large eggs
• 10 cups buttermilk
• 1 cup melted butter
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Breakfast Table

• 2 lbs breakfast sausage
• 2 lbs bacon
• 3 dozen scrambled eggs
• Maple syrup
• Butter
• Fresh fruit
• Coffee and tea
• Orange juice

Opening of the Kitchen

Before the griddles are heated, the Master of Breakfast may declare:

"Brethren and friends, we assemble not for labor upon stone, but upon batter. May our pancakes be level, our bacon plumb, and our coffee strong."

All present answer:

"So may it be served."

The Working of the Batter

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another vessel, whisk eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry.
4. Stir until just combined. Lumps are acceptable and should not be overworked, lest harmony be disturbed.

The Steward may then proclaim:

"From many ingredients, one batter; from many individuals, one table."

Raising the Griddle

1. Heat griddles to medium heat (about 375°F / 190°C).
2. Lightly butter the cooking surface.
3. Pour approximately ¼ cup batter per pancake.
4. Cook until bubbles form and edges set.
5. Turn once and finish until golden.

As the first pancake is turned:

"Thus do we seek improvement through proper instruction."

The Feast

Arrange pancakes in neat stacks.

Serve alongside:

• Bacon, representing diligence.
• Sausage, representing fortitude.
• Eggs, representing renewal.
• Coffee, representing vigilance.
• Maple syrup, representing the sweetness of fellowship.

Closing Toast

When all have been served:

"May this table remind us that fellowship is best shared, labor is best rewarded, and pancakes are best enjoyed while warm."

The assembly responds:

"To friendship, charity, and breakfast."

Optional Lodge Presentation

• Stack pancakes in three tiers.
• Garnish with blueberries and strawberries.
• Serve coffee in matching mugs.
• Decorate with simple blue-and-gold table accents if desired.

This gives the event a ceremonial flavor while remaining suitable for a public lodge breakfast, family day, or charitable fundraiser.