* What's new: New York Cheesecake pancakes at IHOP.

* The blueprint: Two buttermilk pancakes loaded with chunks of New York-style cheesecake, slathered with strawberry topping, powdered sugar and whipped topping that tastes darn close to real-life whipped cream.

* What it'll set you back: Total calories: 520 (for two pancakes). Fat grams: 21. Dietary fiber: 3 grams. Carbs: 74 grams. Manufacturer's suggested retail price: $4.99 for the pancakes, plus two eggs any style and crispy hash-brown potatoes. Sausage, bacon and ham are available for an extra charge.

* The verdict: Of the nine specialty pancakes on IHOP's Discover America lineup, the No. 1 choice among customers has been New York Cheesecake Pancakes. The calories and fat gram count do not include the eggs, hash browns, butter (totally unnecessary) or syrup. With the price of gas keeping families at home this summer, at least your stomach can go on vacation for $5. New York Cheesecake Pancakes are a tribute to the Empire State. The ingredients are not from New York, but the recipe is authentic Big Apple -- the kind of hernia-causing, manhole-cover-size cheesecake you find on a twirling display in a New York delicatessen or diner. It's a good thing that breakfast is served 24 hours, because these New York Cheesecake Pancakes are sweeter than most diet-busting desserts. The cheesecake pieces are thick, gooey and incredibly rich. Your mouth flips from flaky and grainy to smooth and creamy with one bite. Then comes the strawberry topping and the powdered sugar and whipped topping. This is breakfast? Traditional breakfast buffs looking for a twist on IHOP pancakes will feel comfortable with Maine Blueberry or Oregon Mixed Berry Pancakes. Georgia Praline Peach Streusel Pancakes are out of the question -- but pretty darn tasty. IHOP's Discover America pancakes are in restaurants through the summer.

Ken Hoffman

The Drive-Thru Gourmet

c. King Features Syndicate