You've always wanted to try it, but somehow it's never been the right time or place. It could be messy. What if you overshoot and end up splattering it all over the ceiling? What if it sticks, or worse yet, just flops? You've put it off long enough. Tuesday's the day. You won't be alone. Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is celebrated the day before Lent. This year that's February 20.

Pancake-making probably originated as a way to use up eggs and fat, which were originally no-no's for the 40 days before Easter. Leave it to the Brits to add some absurdity to the equation: tossing and races.

According to legend, the sport of tossing began when, on Shrove Tuesday, the cook of Westminster School would toss a pancake to the students, creating a mad scramble. The kid with the biggest piece won some small change. Meanwhile, the tradition of pancake racing began in 1445, when rumor has it that a woman from Olney heard the bell calling for confession and, afraid she was late, ran to church with pan still in hand. In the following years the neighbors, not to be outdone, got into the act, adding the challenge of tossing pancakes while running.

But let's stick to the basics for now. Experts say to flip the perfect pancake you need a) a good pancake and b) good technique. There are as many pancake recipes as there are people to eat them. If you want a "classic" British pancake, which is similar to what we call a crepe, try www.bbc.co.uk/food/news_and_events/events_pancakeday.shtml. As for flipping, the only good technique is the one where the pancake doesn't end up on the floor, sticking to the ceiling, or flopped half in and half out of the pan. Experts suggest you practice alone before performing before an audience. Why must experts take the fun out of everything?

This Tuesday it's time. Gather your family and friends, have breakfast for dinner, and start your own tradition. As for flippage, heed the words of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia: "In a big family the first child is kind of like the first pancake. If it's not perfect, that's OK; there are a lot more coming along."