In many traditions, Lent is a time for cleaning, in preparation for Easter and spring. First your soul, then your kitchen, then the rest of the house was cleansed and purified of the past year's accumulations. Old clothes are mended, and new clothes purchased at this time of year. In the Ukraine, houses were whitewashed inside and out during Lent. In this way, everything was made ready to face the season of Salvation and Rebirth. Traditions of 'spring cleaning' stem from this religious observance.
Plain Mlyntsi (Griddle Cakes)
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
Place the dry ingredients in a bowl, stir them together well with a fork. Add the remaining ingredients and beat well with a manual or electirc beater until thoroughly blended.
Heat a heavy griddle or frying pan, cast iron is best. Grease the pan lightly with a few drops of oil.
Test the griddle with a few drops of cold water. The griddle is hot enough when the drops keep a globular shape and skitter across the pan. If the water spreads out, the pan is too cool. If they evaporate immediately, the pan is too hot, and the cakes will burn.
Pour the batter into the pan with a small scoop or measuring cup to form cakes about 3 inches in diameter.
Cook the cakes until bubbles break on the surface, flip them quickly and cook the other side.
Do not turn more than once.
Serve very hot with syrup, honey, or thick sour cream.
From: http://www.catholic-pages.com/dir/link.asp?ref=20322