Flipping up a treat at The Fox: Our head chef's perfect pancake recipe

This Pancake Day, our head chef of The Fox dining rooms, Dan DaCosta, has divulged his recipe and tips for making the perfect pancake.

He reveals: “You can’t beat the classic crepe style pancake but I do add a few twists to inject extra flavour. The trick is to keep the batter as light and thin as possible, and just flip once.”

In keeping with his ‘simple but seasonal’ style of cooking, Dan suggests bypassing the nation’s favourite topping of lemon and sugar, in favour of seasonal poached rhubarb with fresh Chantilly cream. “The sharp note from the rhubarb is an excellent addition,” he explains, “and the Chantilly adds the sweet creaminess”.

The perfect pancake

Ingredients (for 10 pancakes)

500ml whole milk

3 whole eggs

280g plain flour

50g sugar

Pinch of salt

Zest of 1 orange

Pinch of cinnamon powder

Diced butter for the pan

Method

• Combine together the sugar, salt, orange zest, cinnamon powder and flour in a bowl. Stir to evenly incorporate
• Whisk together the eggs and milk, and slowly add this to the dry ingredients whilst whisking. Adding slowly will help to prevent lumps
• Warm a large non-stick pan, adding a nob of the diced butter to grease the pan
• Ladle the mix into the centre of the pan and swirl slowly to coat the entire pan
• As the mix starts to bubble and set on the top, it’s time for the flip!
• Fry for another minute on the other side for that nice golden colour then remove from the pan

Serving up sophisticated modern British cuisine perfect for all occasions, The Fox is a two AA rosette restaurant spanning three eclectic spaces; the majestic Music Room with vaulted ceilings and crackling fireplace, the Orangery flooded with light thanks to its ornate floor to ceiling windows and The Terrace with its vibrant décor and relaxed ambience.

Perfect for celebrating a special occasion or a memorable meal for two, the restaurant is open daily for dinner (6pm – 10pm) and afternoon tea and what’s more guests don’t need to be members or staying at the hotel to enjoy the hospitality.

You can make a table reservation at The Fox online by visiting foxhills.co.uk or call the hotel on 01932 872050.