The student life can be a tough one. With so many different social situations, experiences and milestones to navigate, knowing the proper dining and drinking etiquette is a vital, but difficult skillset to master. To help first-time home leavers navigate these tricky waters, Findus Crispy Pancakes has collaborated with drinks expert, Joe Wadsack, to develop a series of tips and tricks to matching the perfect tipple with Britain’s favourite savoury snack.
Whether it’s a swanky – albeit budget – date night, an evening with the lads, or a bad break-up, students across the UK are sure to be tucking into Findus Crispy Pancakes this semester following the freezer staple being saved from extinction earlier this year.
To help students find the perfect pairing, Joe is offering some helpful tips on selecting the ideal wine or beer for each of the pancake recipes: Cheese; Cheese & Ham; Beef & Onion; and Chicken, Bacon & Sweetcorn.
TV drinks guru, Joe Wadsack, comments: “The palate is incredibly delicate and no meal should be eaten without giving some thought to the accompanying drink. Every pancake has unique tasting notes. As someone who enjoyed a Findus Crispy Pancake or two during my university days, I feel it’s my duty to ensure that they can be enjoyed to the fullest; and that means pairing them with the best beers and wines to complement the flavours, which in turn elevate that pancake dining experience.”
Joe’s top tips for matching Findus Crispy Pancakes include:
Ham & Cheese: With a genuinely nutmeggy flavour, complemented by a rich béchamel filling, the Ham and Cheese pancake is reminiscent of a traditionally-French Croque Monsieur. For this, I’d recommend a soft, delicate white, such as Picpoul de Pinet, to bring out the Parisian pops of flavour, or a light, dry country rosé.
Suggested dining occasion: A candlelit date night.
Cheese: With enticing, rich Italian undertoes, the Cheese Findus Crispy Pancake pairs best with something light and fruity, to perfectly offset the savoury bang of cheese. Try a delicious glass of Pinot Grigio or Soave from North East Italy, which is dainty and sweet and the ideal marriage to the rich and saucy pancake.
Suggested dining occasion: A comforting accompaniment to help mend a broken heart.
Beef & Onion: With punchy, meaty flavours, the Beef & Onion pancake needs something with subtle, cool, crisp tones that isn’t too bitter. A decent bottle of English pale ale, like Fullers London Pride, is the best buddy for this pancake, where the rich, almost Mexican taco-esque flavours are brought-out by the crisp ale. Or if you’re the daring kind, a shot of tequila is sure to add a bit of extra bite.
Suggested dining occasion: A fun lads’ night in, even if your team is on the losing end.
Cheese, Bacon and Sweetcorn: This pancake is packed full of creamy tastes, so what you need to round-off the west-coast, American-inspired flavours of bacon and toasted corn, is a pale and light beer, such as a fresh bottle of Corona. The sweet flavour of this long-necked favourite will help accentuate the velvety undertones of your Findus Crispy Pancake. If you’re more of a wine person, I’d choose an inexpensive Californian Chardonnay to bring out those chowder-reminiscent flavours.
Suggested dining occasion: A relaxed afternoon picnic in the sunshine.
The Findus Crispy Pancake range is available from Asda, Morrisons and Tesco with a RRP of £1.00*.
