The Queen meeting President Eisenhower in 1959
(Picture: PA Wire)It is common knowledge that finding a recipe is not possible without digging through pages of its origin – and royal recipes are no exception.
A legend has resurfaced that Queen Elizabeth shared her time-tested pancake recipe - accompanied by an inviting note - with President Eisenhower.
Her batter mixture, also known as “drop scones”, involves much the same ingredients expected from any syrupy breakfast, with a charming story to match.
Records from the National Archives show a 63-year-old letter penned to the US leader in 1959.
“Dear Mr President,” she wrote. “Seeing a picture of you in today’s newspaper, standing in front of a barbecue grilling quail, reminded me that I had never sent you the recipe of the drop scones which I promised you at Balmoral.
“I hope you will find them successful.”
The personal touch means that this royally endorsed dish results in cakes thicker and smaller than its American equivalent.
Now, the recipe has risen to popularity online after a Reddit user reposted the archived image.
For your own attempt at this royal fare, here is the Queen’s pancake recipe:
Ingredients (for 16 people)
4 teacups flour*
4 tablespoons caster sugar
2 teacups milk
2 whole eggs
2 teaspoons bicarbonate soda
3 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 tablespoons melted butter
The steps in this recipe are written in quick succession, rather than a numbered list on the original copy.
It said: “Beat eggs, sugar, and about half the milk together.
“Add flour and mix well together, adding remainder of milk as required – also bicarbonate and cream of tartar.
“Fold in the melted butter.”
Although the recipe ends here, it is likely the monarch assumed that any respectable American would know how to cook up a plate of pancakes from this mix.
The Queen also offers some tips to get them just right: “Though the quantities are for 16 people, when there are fewer, I generally put in less flour and milk, but use the other ingredients as stated.”
She added: “I have also tried using golden syrup or treacle instead of only sugar and that can be very good, too.
“I think the mixture needs a great deal of beating while making and shouldn’t stand about too long before cooking.”
*1 teacup = 3/4 cup or 150g
