Holy Flapjacks! It's National Pancake Day

Celebrate Fat Tuesday the right way by getting a free short stack at your local IHOP, because it's National Pancake Day. As one of the most delicious days of the year, IHOP has been doing this this promotional event since 2006 as a benefit for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Guests are invited to donate some of the cash they have left over from their free pancake excursion to the non-profit, which helps children with life-threatening illnesses.

Weirdly enough, IHOP did not invent this holiday. According to the BBC, Shrove Tuesday—from the word shrive, or to confess ones sins— has its roots in Medieval England when people would make pancakes because they would have to use up rich ingredients like eggs, milk, and butter the day before the Lenten fast began. Today it's known around the world as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras: a day to eat plenty and party hard.

Lines are guaranteed to be out the door throughout the day at your local IHOP, especially during meal times. So if you're looking to avoid long wait times, then it may be a good idea to whip up some flapjacks for "breakfast for dinner" at home.  Try The Daily Meal's recipes for banana bread pancakes, or get a little fancy with lemon soufflé pancakes.