"national pancake day" news and stories

Happy National Pancake Day!

Dubbed "one of humankind's oldest forms of bread" by The New Food Lover's Companion, pancakes need no introduction, having appeared on all sorts of American menus, from maple syrup-drenched fast food varieties to uniquely seasoned gourmet versions.

Since today's holiday conveniently falls under National Breakfast Month (September), we've compiled a list of our favorite sweet pancake recipes. But as flavorful and palate-pleasing as these suggestions might be, don't let them limit you -- the beauty of the pancake is that it can accommodate almost any single flavor combination desired.

• Lemon-ricotta pancakes (pictured above)
• Coconut pancakes with cardamom syrup
• Pumpkin pancakes with cinnamon butter
• Blueberry-banana-oatmeal pancakes
• Eggnog pancakes
• Peanut butter and banana pancakes
• Blueberry buttermilk pancakes
• Carrot cake pancakes

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Flapjack fans have a reason to celebrate Fat Tuesday a week later.

On Feb. 23, IHOP will offer a free short stack of their buttermilk pancakes to every customer from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. In return, pancaking patrons are asked to leave a courtesy short stack of their own for Children's Miracle Network hospitals.

IHOP first celebrated "National Pancake Day" in 2006. Since that time, the restaurant chain has raised more than $3.25 million and served more than 6.1 million pancakes. This year, IHOP hopes to reach a total fundraising effort of $5 million -- making for five million in five years.

Last year's National Pancake Day was IHOP's largest one-day event in the company's 51-year history -- proving free food for a good cause is always a reason to "flip" out.

To find an IHOP near you or to donate online, visit www.ihoppancakeday.com.

Finally. After a couple of days of food holidays like National Crab Newburg Day and National Cherries Jubilee Day, here's something I can really sink my teeth (and fork) into.

Not that I do that often, actually. The only time I seem to eat pancakes is if I go out for breakfast, which isn't often at all. But it's one of my fall resolutions to change that.

Yes, I make fall resolutions.

Here's a recipe for Blueberry Pancakes and here's one for Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes, both from About.com. CDKitchen has a recipe for Raspberry Chocolate Chip Pancakes, while AllRecipes has one for Dad's Delicious Whole Grain Pancakes. Sarah told us about Banana Cocoa Nib Pancakes, and they look great.

Don't forget the maple syrup!