Free Pancakes on Shrove Tuesday
Free Pancakes at iHop
Sometimes one wonders if corporate America makes up holidays and national days just to sell greeting cards and products. In fact, I began to ponder this question on a recent trip to a local pancake house. For you see, tomorrow, Tuesday February 24th, is proclaimed as National Pancake Day. An initial search for “National Pancake Day” only returned hundreds of hits that i-Hop is giving away free pancakes on this day.
Then I discovered it’s actually called Shrove Tuesday. Its roots originate mainly from the U.K. where it was once known as “half-holiday”. On this day, at 11 AM church bells would ring to signify the start of what is now known as “Pancake Day”. Pancake races are held in cities and towns across the country.
The most famous pancake race, at Olney in Buckinghamshire, has been held since 1445. The contestants, traditionally women, carry a frying pan and race to the finishing line tossing the pancakes as they go. As the pancakes are thin, skill is required to toss them successfully while running. The winner is the first to cross the line having tossed the pancake a certain number of times.
The tradition is said to have originated when a housewife from Olney was so busy making pancakes, that she forgot the time until she heard the church bells ringing for the service. She raced out of the house to church while still carrying her frying pan and pancake.
In parts of the Christian world, such as the United States, this day is called Mardi Grasor Fat Tuesday. It is a day of eating special foods before ther fasting season of Lent. For example, my wife used to like to get her fill of chocolate before giving it up for the next 40 days.
In any case, i-Hop is running a promotion for free pancakes on this day. From 7 AM to 10 PM, you can receive a short stack of pancakes at no charge. They are requesting a nominal donation that will go to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. In past years, they have raised over $35K for this cause.
As an alternative, you can enjoy great pancakes made at home. Here is some Smart Buy information from www.SmartShopIt.com.
SmartShopIt Price Guide – Bisquick Shake and Pour Buttermilk Pancake Mix (5.1 oz)
Smart Buy Price Range – $1.79 – $1.85
Average Price – $1.95
High Price – $2.25 or higher
(Become a member at http://www.smartshopit.com/ to save time and money grocery shopping. Create shopping lists, see product price and nutrition information, get free coupons and compare products. Also accessible via your mobile web device at http://m.SmartShopIt.com.)
Filed under: Interesting & Fun, Pantry
