New Orleans throws a wild two-week party and Brazil does a national samba in the streets, but the British Isles celebrate Mardi Gras with understatement — and pancakes.

The Tuesday before Lent in the Christian calendar is a time to receive absolution of sins. So, traditionally, it's also the time to eat up any rich food in the house before entering the 40 days of Lenten abstinence, hence the Creole-French name Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday."

Foods to avoid during Lent once included flour, fats, and eggs — the three main ingredients of pancakes. In the British Isles, pancakes are still eaten with the same gusto that New Orleans residents throw into parades and King Cake.

Before you go and do likewise with your favorite flapjacks, note that their pancakes are what Americans think of as crepes. Made rich with butter and egg, these thin pancakes are sprinkled with sugar and lemon juice, and eaten rolled. You could also have them with a dollop of jam or fresh fruit, but the traditional presentation is quite austere — and surprisingly delicious.

Celebrate Pancake Tuesday this year with our tasty crepe recipes, or put your own twist on a British tradition by whipping up a buttery stack of flapjacks.

Crepes Crepes Suzette Chocolate Crepes with Fresh Strawberries Orange Crepes Sweet Crepes Lemon Crepes Baked Cheese Crepes Shrimp in a Pancake: Crespelle di Scampi Crepes with Orange Zest and Chocolate Gateau de Crepes aux Pommes

Pancakes Buttermilk and Lemon Scented Pancakes with Warm Blueberry Syrup Apple Pancakes Fluffy Pancake with Fontina Giant Apple-Pecan Pancake Tried and True Buttermilk Pancakes with Orange Syrup and Raspberries Banana Cornmeal Pancakes Banana and Pecan Pancakes with Maple Butter