Waffle Day

A Crispy Celebration of Breakfast Bliss

Ah, National Waffle Day. It’s that time of year when we raise our forks to those golden, crispy squares of deliciousness. As someone who’s always up for a good breakfast (or breakfast for dinner, let’s be honest), I can’t help but get excited about this tasty holiday. So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive into the world of waffles, shall we?

The Humble Beginnings of the Waffle

You might think waffles are as American as apple pie, but their story goes way back. We’re talking Ancient Greece back. Yeah, those philosophical folks were onto something when they started cooking flat cakes between metal plates. These early waffles, called ‘obelios’, were more like flat cakes, but they set the stage for what was to come.

Fast forward to medieval Europe, and you’ve got the French and Belgians putting their own spin on things. In the 13th century, a fellow named Robert of Douai penned one of the earliest known waffle recipes in France. These waffles were sold by street vendors and quickly became a hit. The French called them ‘wafla’, which comes from the Frankish word ‘wafla’, meaning ‘honeycomb’ or ‘cake’.

Meanwhile, in Belgium, waffles were becoming a bit of an art form. The Belgian waffle as we know it today didn’t come about until the 18th century, but when it did, it was a game-changer. The deep pockets, the crispy exterior, the fluffy interior – it was waffle perfection.

The Waffle Iron Revolution

But it wasn’t until 1869 that things really heated up. That’s when Cornelius Swarthout, a savvy New Yorker, patented the modern waffle iron. Talk about a game-changer! Suddenly, making waffles at home became a whole lot easier. No more standing over a fire with metal plates – just pour, close, and wait for that heavenly smell.

Swarthout’s invention was a thing of beauty. It was made of cast iron and designed for use on a wood or gas stove. The iron had a clamshell design with a hinge that allowed it to be flipped, ensuring even cooking on both sides. This design is still the basis for many modern waffle irons.

But the evolution didn’t stop there. In 1911, General Electric produced the first electric waffle iron. This made waffle-making even easier and more accessible to the average household. By the 1930s, waffle irons were a common wedding gift in the United States. Imagine that – waffles as a symbol of marital bliss!

From Belgium with Love

Now, if you’ve ever had a Belgian waffle, you know they’re something special. Thick, fluffy, and with those deep pockets perfect for holding syrup – what’s not to love? These beauties made their big debut in the US at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. And let me tell you, Americans went nuts for them.

But here’s a bit of trivia for you: what we call a ‘Belgian waffle’ in the US isn’t exactly what you’d get in Belgium. In Belgium, there are actually two main types of waffles:

1. Brussels Waffles: These are the ones most similar to what we call Belgian waffles. They’re rectangular, have deep pockets, and are typically served with a dusting of powdered sugar.
2. Liège Waffles: These are denser, sweeter, and chewier than Brussels waffles. They’re made with a dough similar to bread dough and have pearl sugar mixed in, which caramelizes during cooking.

Both are delicious in their own right, and if you ever find yourself in Belgium, I highly recommend trying both. Multiple times. For research purposes, of course.

Why August 24th?

So, why do we celebrate National Waffle Day on August 24th? Well, it’s not just because someone really liked waffles (although that would be a good enough reason for me). It’s actually the anniversary of Swarthout’s waffle iron patent. Pretty neat, right?

But here’s where it gets a bit confusing. There’s also an International Waffle Day, celebrated on March 25th. This day originated in Sweden, where it’s called Våffeldagen. It coincides with the Feast of the Annunciation and marks the beginning of spring. The Swedish tradition involves eating waffles with whipped cream and jam.

So, if you’re a true waffle enthusiast, you could argue that you get to celebrate twice a year. I’m certainly not complaining!

More Than Just Breakfast

Here’s the thing about waffles – they’re not just for breakfast anymore. Oh no, these versatile treats have broken free from their morning shackles. Here are just a few ways people are enjoying waffles these days:

• Chicken and waffles: A personal favourite and a classic combination of sweet and savoury. The contrast between the crispy, savoury chicken and the sweet, fluffy waffle is simply divine.
• Waffle ice cream sandwiches: Perfect for those hot summer days. Just sandwich your favourite ice cream between two crispy waffles. Pro tip: use slightly stale waffles for extra crunch.
• Savoury waffles: Try adding herbs, cheese, or even bacon to your waffle batter. Top with a fried egg and some hollandaise sauce for a waffle Benedict.
• Waffle pizzas: Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it. Use a plain waffle as your base, add sauce, cheese, and toppings, then pop it under the grill. The crispy waffle adds a great texture to your pizza.
• Waffle s’mores: Because why not? Use waffles instead of graham crackers for your s’mores. The pockets in the waffle hold the melted chocolate and marshmallow perfectly.
• Waffle bread pudding: Got some leftover waffles? Tear them up and use them in a bread pudding. The waffle’s texture makes for a fantastic pudding.
• Waffle French toast: Dip your waffles in an egg mixture and fry them up like French toast. It’s a breakfast inception!

Celebrating in Style

So, how does one properly celebrate National Waffle Day? Well, I’ve got a few ideas:

1. Host a waffle party: Invite your mates over, set up a waffle bar with all the toppings, and let everyone go wild. It’s like a pizza party, but better. Set out different batters (plain, chocolate, savoury) and a variety of toppings. Let your guests get creative!
2. Try a new recipe: Maybe it’s time to branch out from your usual. How about a red velvet waffle? Or a zucchini waffle for the health-conscious? Pumpkin spice waffles in autumn, anyone?
3. Visit a local waffle spot: Support your local businesses and treat yourself to a professionally made waffle. Who knows, you might discover your new favourite breakfast joint. Many places offer special deals or unique flavours for National Waffle Day.
4. Gift a waffle maker: Spread the waffle love by gifting a waffle maker to a friend. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Include your favourite waffle recipe to get them started.
5. Get creative with toppings: Who says waffles have to be sweet? Try some savoury toppings like avocado and poached egg, or go wild with a fruit and nut medley. How about a waffle eggs Benedict or a waffle taco?
6. Waffle cooking competition: Challenge your friends to a waffle cook-off. See who can come up with the most creative or delicious waffle concoction. Winner gets bragging rights (and more waffles).
7. Waffle-themed movie night: Watch movies that feature waffles (yes, they exist!) while enjoying a waffle feast. “Stranger Things” has some iconic waffle scenes, for instance.

The Great Waffle Debate

Now, I can’t talk about waffles without mentioning the great debate: waffles vs pancakes. It’s a touchy subject, I know. But let’s be real for a second – waffles have those perfect little pockets for holding syrup. Pancakes? They’re just flat. Don’t @ me, pancake lovers.

But in all seriousness, both have their merits. Pancakes are quicker to make and don’t require special equipment. They’re also more versatile when it comes to mix-ins like blueberries or chocolate chips.

Waffles, on the other hand, have that satisfying crunch. They’re also better at holding toppings, thanks to those pockets. And let’s not forget about the versatility – a waffle iron can be used for so much more than just waffles (waffle iron grilled cheese, anyone?).

In the end, it comes down to personal preference. But on National Waffle Day, there’s only one correct choice.

A Global Affair

While we’re celebrating National Waffle Day here, it’s worth noting that waffles are a global phenomenon. In Belgium, they take their waffles seriously. You’ve got your Brussels waffles, your Liège waffles – each with its own unique characteristics.

In the Netherlands, they’ve got stroopwafels, those delicious caramel-filled wafer sandwiches. They’re traditionally served on top of a hot drink, allowing the steam to soften the caramel. Heaven in a bite, I tell you.

And in Hong Kong, egg waffles (also known as bubble waffles) are all the rage. These waffles are made with a sweet, egg-rich batter cooked in a special mould that creates a bubble-wrap-like appearance. They’re often served rolled into a cone and filled with ice cream and other sweet toppings.

In Scandinavia, heart-shaped waffles are popular. They’re thinner and crispier than Belgian waffles and are often served with jam and whipped cream.

Even Japan has gotten in on the waffle action with their taiyaki – fish-shaped waffles filled with sweet red bean paste or custard.

The Science of the Perfect Waffle

Making the perfect waffle is part art, part science. Here are a few tips I’ve picked up over the years:

• Don’t overmix the batter: A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough, chewy waffles.
• Let the batter rest: Give it about 10 minutes before cooking. This allows the flour to absorb the liquid, resulting in a more tender waffle.
• Preheat your waffle iron properly: A drop of water should sizzle on the surface. This ensures your waffle will start cooking immediately, creating that crispy exterior.
• Don’t peek!: Opening the iron too early can lead to a torn waffle. Wait for the steam to subside before checking.
• For extra crispiness, try adding a bit of cornstarch to your batter. It helps absorb moisture and creates a crispier exterior.
• Separate your eggs: Whip the whites separately and fold them into the batter at the end. This creates lighter, fluffier waffles.
• Use buttermilk: The acidity in buttermilk reacts with the baking soda, creating a fluffier waffle. No buttermilk? Add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Don’t skimp on the fat: Whether it’s butter, oil, or a combination, fat is crucial for a crispy exterior and rich flavour.

Waffle Wisdom

Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of waffle mishaps and triumphs. Here are a few pearls of waffle wisdom I’ve gathered:

1. Freeze with care: If you’ve made too many waffles (is there such a thing?), you can freeze them. Just make sure to reheat them in a toaster for maximum crispiness. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid.
2. Experiment with flours: Try using different flours like buckwheat or almond for a unique flavour and texture. Just remember that alternative flours may require adjustments to your recipe.
3. The overnight trick: For a time-saving hack, mix your batter the night before and let it rest in the fridge. Morning you will thank evening you. This works especially well for yeasted waffle batters.
4. Don’t forget the classics: Sometimes, a simple waffle with butter and maple syrup is all you need. Don’t overcomplicate things. Quality ingredients shine in simple preparations.
5. Share the love: Waffles are best enjoyed with company. Whether it’s family, friends, or that neighbour you’ve been meaning to chat with, waffles have a way of bringing people together. There’s something about the smell of freshly cooked waffles that just makes people happy.
6. Clean your waffle iron properly: A clean iron is crucial for perfect waffles. Let it cool completely, then wipe with a damp cloth. For stubborn bits, use a soft brush. Never submerge your waffle iron in water!
7. Experiment with add-ins: Try adding fruit, nuts, or even chocolate chips to your batter. Just be careful not to add too much – it can make your waffles soggy.

The Future of Waffles

As we celebrate National Waffle Day, it’s exciting to think about the future of this beloved breakfast staple. With the rise of gluten-free and vegan diets, we’re seeing more and more alternative waffle recipes. Chickpea flour waffles, anyone? How about waffles made with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) instead of eggs?

And let’s not forget about the savoury waffle trend that’s been gaining traction. We’re seeing waffles used as buns for burgers, as a base for eggs Benedict, and even as a replacement for toast in avocado toast.

The waffle iron itself is evolving too. We now have mini waffle makers for bite-sized treats, double waffle makers for those who can’t wait, and even waffle makers with interchangeable plates for making different shapes.

Who knows? Maybe next year we’ll be celebrating with 3D-printed waffles or waffles made from cricket flour (hey, it’s high in protein!). There’s even talk of smart waffle makers that can be controlled from your phone. Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly cooked waffles, all prepared while you were still snoozing!

Whatever the future holds, one thing’s for sure – waffles aren’t going anywhere. They’ve stood the test of time, evolving from simple flat cakes to the diverse and beloved food we know today. Who knows what innovations the next century will bring to the humble waffle?

Wrapping It Up

As we come to the end of our waffle journey, I hope you’re feeling inspired to celebrate National Waffle Day in your own way. Whether you’re a waffle purist or an adventurous topping explorer, there’s a waffle out there for everyone.

So on August 24th, take a moment to appreciate the humble waffle. Its crispy exterior, its fluffy interior, its perfect little syrup-holding pockets. It’s more than just a breakfast food – it’s a testament to human ingenuity and our endless quest for deliciousness.

And remember, in the words of Parks and Recreation’s Leslie Knope, “We need to remember what’s important in life: friends, waffles, and work. Or waffles, friends, work. But work has to come third.”

Happy National Waffle Day, everyone. May your waffles be crispy, your toppings be plentiful, and your waffle iron always be ready for action. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some waffles to make. It’s research, I swear!