FREE Pancakes 02/24/09

Be a part of the pancake pandemonium as IHOP serves up FREE pancakes in celebration of National Pancake Day on February 24, 2009, at IHOP restaurants across the country.
From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., families and friends can enjoy a free short stack of IHOP’s famous buttermilk pancakes, and in turn, make a donation to IHOP’s national charity partner, Children’s Miracle Network, which helps improve the lives of children at the 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals nationwide. One hundred percent of the funds raised locally will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network hospital in the area.

National Pancake Day is a centuries-old tradition on the day before Lent, also known as “Shrove Tuesday” and Mardi Gras. For centuries, the English have “flipped” for pancakes on this day with rich lore and colorful events including pancake races. On February 24, IHOP will bring back this beloved tradition with its third National Pancake Day Celebration. After all, what could be more enjoyable (and delicious!) than eating free pancakes and supporting the community at the same time?

A great offer like this does have some rules - there is a limit of one free short stack per guest, and the offer is valid at participating restaurants for dine-in only while supplies last, and is not valid with any other offer, special, coupon or discount."


http://www.ihoppancakeday.com/

Mardi Gras Side Dish - Creole Okra

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)

* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice
* 3/8 teaspoon dried thyme
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* salt and pepper to taste
* 1 (16 ounce) package frozen cut okra

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute the onion and garlic until limp. Add the green pepper; cook and stir until tender. Drain the tomatoes, reserving juice, and pour them into the skillet. Season with thyme, parsley, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes over medium heat.
2. Add the frozen okra, and pour in enough of the reserved juice from the tomatoes to cover the bottom of the pan. Cover, and cook for 15 minutes, or until okra is tender.