Side Orders: Free pancakes at IHOP Tuesday

photo The IHOP logo.

Batter up, breakfast lovers, and eat free pancakes. While doing so, you'll be supporting T.C. Thompson Children's Hospital at Erlanger.

It's a really sweet deal. Free pancake day happens Tuesday at the local IHOPs in Hixson, Brainerd, Fort Oglethorpe, Cleveland and Dalton. From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., you can get a complimentary stack of buttermilk pancakes.

IHOP hopes to raise more than $3 million in support of Children's Miracle Network hospitals, a group to which T.C. Thompson belongs.

Last year, the local stores raised more than $9,000 during IHOP's National Pancake Day, a 54 percent increase from 2011, says Yogi Anderson, director of development for the Erlanger Health System Foundation.

"All of the money raised from these restaurants goes to support T.C. Thompson Children's Hospital and will support this special place that cares for our area's children," he says. "These gifts will help provide the best possible healing environment for our region's youngest patients."

This marks the eighth year IHOP has held National Pancake Day, says IHOP's Julia Stewart, interim president and CEO.

"The concept is simple, but our mission is ambitious: to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible," she says.

Stewart says more than 4 million pancakes will be served across the country on Tuesday.

How, you may ask, can they raise money if the pancakes are free? Simple: You need to make a donation, large or small. There's no set price, just what you can afford.

Guests will also have the option to purchase a "Miracle Balloon" for $1 or $5 each to be displayed in the restaurant. Those buying a $5 balloon will be given a $5 gift certificate good for their next IHOP visit.

Frozen Treat

OK, it's been nearly a month since many of you made that New Year's resolution to lose weight. So how are you doing? Still at it? I am, but I've found it easier since getting a new device at Christmas, the Yonanas machine, that makes it all the more delicious and healthful.

Over the past few months, you may have heard about frozen bananas and what a hit they're making among the celebrity circuit in Hollywood, where they're turning frozen fruits into creamy treats with no additives. Now what could be more refreshing?

My Yonanas is much better than a blender. It's has a high-powered blade that breaks down all the fruit, resulting in a remarkably creamy confection that hits the spot when you want a scoop of ice cream but don't want the fat and calories that come with it. It's so much more fun and delicious than eating a plain old banana. Add some frozen strawberries and you have a treat that's packed with nutrition.

The Yonanas is available at Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond for $49.99. But use one of those Bed, Bath and Beyond coupons you get in the mail or cut from the newspaper and you'll save nearly $10. Not a bad way to bring fruit back into your diet in a frosty new way. You can check it out at www.yonanas.com.

Super Bowl Sunday

Where will you be watching the Super Bowl? If you'll be at home or going to a party, here's a recipe from myrecipes.com that will bring cheers.

Sausage Dip

1 pound ground hot pork sausage

1 (10-ounce) can diced tomato and green chiles

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Corn chips

Cook sausage in a large skillet, stirring until meat crumbles and is no longer pink; drain well. Drain diced tomato and green chiles, reserving 1/4 cup liquid. Stir together sausage, diced tomato and green chiles, reserved liquid, and cream cheese. Spoon into a lightly greased 1-quart baking dish; sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly. Serve with corn chips.

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