Waffle Day!
March 25 is International Waffle Day so what better badge to earn this week than Waffles! Originating in Sweden, international waffle day encourages the consumption of all things waffled. It’s hard to disagree with that!
History of Waffles
Waffles have been around since at least the 1600’s when they made their way to America with Dutch colonists in the 1620’s. The word “waffle” however does not seem to make an appearance until roughly 100 years later when it appeared in Robert Smith’s Court Cookery. At the time, waffles were usually served sweet in much the same way we eat them today with fruit or syrups or they were served savory with things like kidney stew on top.
Ancient waffle irons resembled pie irons still used today for camping and cooking over an open fire. They consisted of two hinged plates featuring a ring of squares surrounding a central rosette at the end of long handles called reins. Batter was poured into the iron, pinched closed and then cooked over the fire.
Want to learn more about the history of waffles? Visit Wonderopolis and read their article Where Was the Waffle Invented.
Types of Waffles
There are dozens of types of waffles throughout the world. Some are sweet, some savory. Some have indentations while others bubble outward. They are made round, square, heart shaped and even shaped like Mickey Mouse!. Toppings range from fruit or syrup to fried chicken or artichoke tzatziki.
Read our blog post: 10 Types of Waffles for more information on different waffle types around the world.
Waffle Recipes
Basic waffle recipes can be found in just about any cookbook or with a quick search on the internet. But what about crazy waffle recipes that take the use of a waffle maker to a whole new level. RecipesForYouTwo has a fabulous list of of 22 unique waffle recipes. From pizza waffles to egg and cheese hashbrown waffles, there is something for every person. What unique way do YOU use your waffle maker?
One of my favorite recipes on their list is the Latke waffle recipe from SkinnyTaste. These Vegetable Latkes are made with shredded potatoes and a mix of carrots, zucchini and bell pepper, and then cooked in the waffle iron for a yummy crispy treat.
Waffle Crafts
Who says waffles are just for eating? Use waffles to make a variety of crafts.
Edible Art
Start by using cut up waffles to create shapes. Lay them on a plate to create anything from a flower to dragon. Use fruit, marshmallows or other edible treats to add eyes, leaves, mouths, etc. Make sure to take a picture of your creation before eating!
Waffle Postcard
One of the cutest waffle crafts I have found is a unique waffle postcard made of clay (and yes, it is actually mailable!) For full instructions go to the SheKnows website.
Waffle Makers
Waffle makers come in all shapes and sizes. There are specific waffle makers for Belgium or Brussels style waffles or the bubble style Hong Kong Waffles. Waffle makers for American style waffles come is a wide variety of shapes from a square or circle to hearts or even Mickey Mouse. You can even get cast iron waffle makers for making waffles over the campfire.
For a great list of different types of waffle makers along with pictures of each, visit HomeStratosphere and read their article 12 Different Types of Waffle Irons for Making Perfect Waffles.
How to Throw a Waffle Frolic
Ever hear of a waffle frolic? Me neither. At least not until I started working on the Waffle badge. Turns out Waffle Frolics were all the range for several hundred years. These waffle parties started in the 18th century and continued to be quite popular until somewhere in the mid-20th century.
The idea behind a Waffle Frolic is to celebrate the deliciousness of waffles with a party. Start by making waffle themed invitations to send to your friends. Invite them over for a meal featuring a wide variety of waffles. Every dish you serve from appetizers to desserts should feature a waffle of some variety.
Want to really get in the spirit? Request guests dress in waffle inspired outfits as well.
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Sources:
- https://americanhistory.si.edu/blog/history-waffle
- https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/brief-history-waffle-iron-180972980/
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/early-americans-threw-waffle-frolic-153154607.html
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