National Pancake Day is not just about enjoying pancakes, it’s also a chance to give back. Many restaurants, including IHOP, offer free pancakes on February 28 to encourage customers to donate to charity.
Every year pancake lovers come together to celebrate National Pancake Day. Pancakes can be enjoyed in many ways, whether fluffy, thin, or topped with fruit or syrup.
IHOP is credited with introducing this Holiday in 2006, intending to give back to their community. The company invites customers to indulge in a free stack of buttermilk pancakes, encouraging them to donate to a charitable cause. Since 2006, IHOP has raised over $24 million for local charities.
The day of Pancakes is rooted in the tradition of Shrove Tuesday, the day before the beginning of Lent in the Christian Calendar. Historically, it was a day to use rich ingredients including eggs, milk, and sugar before the fasting period of Lent began.
Pancakes come in many different types. The classic American pancake is thick and fluffy, usually served with syrup and butter. Buttermilk pancakes are similar but have a tangy taste. Banana pancakes use mashed bananas for extra flavor, while chocolate chip pancakes have chocolate chips mixed in.
Crepes are a type of pancake, but they are much thinner and more delicate compared to traditional pancakes. Originating from France, crepes are made from a simple batter of flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt, which is poured onto a hot pan and spread out to form a thin layer. Unlike thicker pancakes, crepes cook quickly and have a soft, flexible texture.
Foran High senior, Hailey Cahill states, “My favorite type of pancake is a chocolate chip with bananas, I love the mixture of the two.”
Pancakes always bring back happy memories. Whether it’s the smell of them cooking or picking out fun toppings. From cozy mornings with family to late-night pancake runs with friends, they’re a little piece of fun and comfort.
Foran High senior Skylar Hacker states, “Pancakes remind me of when I was little and my family would make it on Sundays.”
