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Be Good for Pancake Sake: The Elf on the Shelf Menu Debuts at IHOP

A review of my family's elf-themed breakfast experience at IHOP College Park

By Kristen Wright Matthews, Editor & Publisher, Macaroni Kid College Park * East Point * Morrow November 22, 2019

Thanks to IHOP, the magic of the holidays and good behavior have arrived a little early this year with the restaurant’s new The Elf on the Shelf menu. Available now until January 1, 2020, the menu features Jolly Cakes, Oh What Funnel Cakes, a Holiday Ham & Sausage Omelette, Merry Marshmallow Hot Chocolate, and a Little Elves Combo for kids really looking to get into the holiday spirit. 

Well, count my boys in because they were definitely ready to jump in my sleigh when I told them we’d be trying out the elf-themed menu. By the time we arrived, they knew exactly what they wanted. There was no arguing and no wrestling included (Thanks IHOP!) I just might bring a Scout Elf of my own home this year. 

My little one opted for the Little Elves Combo with Jolly Cakes because he loves pancakes any way you make them. These fluffy, green, and topped with sweet cream cheese icing, whipped topping, and shimmery sprinkles really put you in the spirit as they remind you of a culinary Christmas tree. I almost talked myself down from the cliff because that amount of sugar could have been disastrous with a spunky kid like mine. Then I thought, it’s only one meal and I loved watching the glow on his face as he devoured his favorite thing...pancakes!

My tween did not hesitate to order the Little Elves Combo with Oh What Funnel Cakes. It was a no-brainer because, during our annual trip to the fair, that’s his go-to item. IHOP did not disappoint! A golden, crispy treat dusted with powdered sugar, topped with glazed strawberries and a serving of nostalgia…good for the belly and the soul! 

Both options include a scrambled egg, a bacon strip, and a pork sausage link. As an added bonus, I ordered them each a Merry Marshmallow Hot Chocolate – a must-have when dining at IHOP – plus a little shine to make spirits even brighter. It’s a rich hot chocolate flavored with toasted marshmallow syrup and topped with whipped topping and shimmery sprinkles. 

The final item on the special menu is the Holiday Ham & Sausage Omelette, a festive dish for those not looking for a sugar high, this hearty omelette is filled with diced ham, sausage, roasted peppers, onions, hash browns, and Jack & Cheddar cheese then topped with more diced ham and sausage, Cheddar cheese and White Cheddar cheese sauce. It’s a big one, but the holidays only come around once a year. Take the rest home as I did and eat it for dinner! Who doesn’t like breakfast for dinner?  

As if the priceless smiles aren’t enough because parents are also getting an extra special treat as kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of one adult entrée every day from 4 – 10 PM, The Elf on the Shelf menu included! *This offer is only available for a limited time at participating locations. Drinks are not included unless otherwise specified. Not valid with any other discounts or coupons. Dine-in only.

If you’re unfamiliar with The Elf on the Shelf, the tradition began with a children’s book that includes a toy Scout Elf that “spies” on kids to determine whether they’re being naughty or nice. Parents convince their children that the elf is alive and moves about the house during the night while they sleep. Each morning it shows up in a different place. It is believed that the Scout Elf travels back to the North Pole daily to report to Santa. 

The Elf on the Shelf fun starts with the Welcome Back Breakfast, the moment every year when each family’s scout returns home for the holidays. This year, IHOP is inviting us all to join in on the world’s largest Welcome Back Breakfast ever – hosted in honor of the Scout Elves. 

The elves turned the IHOP kitchen upside down creating the perfect items for a holiday-inspired and sweet celebration for families to enjoy. If you haven’t tried this magical menu yet, you don’t want to miss this opportunity while it lasts. Dash on over to your local IHOP for #ScoutElfReturnWeek, Friday, Nov. 29 through Sunday, Dec. 1. Kids who visit participating IHOP locations will receive a special Elf-themed activity sheet along with their meal. But don't fret, this menu will be available until New Year's Day. 


We received compensation for this review but all opinions are our own. 



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