Pass the Pancakes Please!!!

By Mary Miller Cullins

Today, February 5th, is National Pancake Day, and doesn’t a hot, buttery, pancake sound good right about now?  

IHOP restaurant began National Pancake Day in 2006, and since then the company has raised $10 million for charities and given away more than 14 million buttermilk pancakes.  Today, guests of IHOP from around the country can enjoy a free short stack of pancakes.  Patrons will also have an opportunity to leave a donation for the Children’s Miracle Network or other designated local charities.

A pancake is a thin, flat, round cake prepared from a batter and cooked on a hot griddle or frying pan. In Britain it is made without a raising agent, and is similar to a crepe.  In America, a raising agent is used, typically baking powder;  the American pancake is similar to a Scotch pancake or drop scone.

Pancakes are usually  served with a variety of toppings or fillings including jam, fruit, syrup, chocolate chips, and butter.  In the U.S. they are typically considered to be a breakfast food, but many of us enjoy a good pancake dinner now and then.  (And I’m sure I’m not the only one to arrive at Chris’ Pancakes & Dining very late in the evening and devour a short stack right before bed time)!

So, if you haven’t had your pancake fix today, National Pancake Day, you still have lunch, dinner, and late night options.  In addition to IHOP and Chris’, take it from a pancake expert, Uncle Bill’s and Courtesy Diner have some of the best flapjacks in town!  Pass the syrup, please.

Strawberry Pancakes—My all time favorite!  What’s yours?