I have to admit to being somewhat disinterested in Valentine's Day. There, I've said it! Don't get me wrong, Valentine's has its place and is lovely in young relationships, or in relationships amongst the young. But after 12 years of marriage and six kids, I pretty much know my hubby loves me, and I really don't need a bunch of flowers and a box of chocs to confirm it.

However, I am still spending the next day or so filled with eager anticipation because hot on the heels of Cupid is...the Flying Pancake!

Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is one of those Great British traditions that follow you around wherever you are. I have friends in the States who always mix up their batter to make the thinnest pancakes possible, much to the bemusement of their American neighbours, and my sister, who lives in the UAE, is already prepared with her eggs, flour and milk.

And while most Brits will be enjoying pancakes dripping in lemon and sugar this Tuesday, hands up who honestly knows why? Shrove Tuesday is always the day before Lent, and pancakes were invented to use up ingredients like milk, butter and eggs, which traditionally could not be eaten again until Easter.

Of course nowadays we don't give these things up. Some people might choose something to give up, like chocolate, coffee or, in my husband's case, housecleaning - yes, I know, it sort of defeated the purpose - but for the most part, Pancake Day is just a fun, stress-free (those crepes on the ceiling are funny) yummy tradition.

So, come on Cupid mate, get a move on and be careful where you're shooting those arrows, they might just be intercepted by flying pancakes.