Today’s spotlight is on Waffles.

A waffle is a cake-like food made from leavened batter or dough that is cooked between two patterned plates. The batter is poured between two hot, patterned plates, which gives the waffle its characteristic size, shape, and surface impression. Waffles come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are eaten all over the world.

Waffles are made with a pourable batter that usually consists of flour, milk, oil, sugar, eggs, salt, and baking powder. Baking powder is the typical leavening in American waffles, and yeast waffles are eaten in Belgium and France. Waffles are traditionally served at breakfast but can also work well as a snack or dessert.

 

History

The history of waffles dates back to ancient Greece, where chefs roasted flat cakes called  “obleios”. These were flat cakes made of grains and cooked between two metal plates. The Greeks would then top them with honey and sesame seeds. The word “waffle” is related to “wafer”, which were used in early Christian fasts.

The first waffle irons with the characteristic honeycomb pattern appeared in the 1200s. The original irons featured a hinged design and were constructed of two hinged iron plates connected to two long, wooden handles. The plates were often made to imprint elaborate patterns on the waffle, including coats of arms, landscapes, or religious symbols.

The first known waffle recipe appeared in 1393 in the anonymous manuscript Le Ménagier de Paris. The recipe includes eggs, salt, wine, and flour, but no leavening agent. It is possible that yeast in the wine or naturally occurring in the air leavened the dough.

The recipe calls for beating eggs in a bowl, seasoning with salt, and adding wine. Then, toss in some flour and mix. The recipe also says to fill two irons at a time with as much of the paste as a slice of cheese is large.

In the 15th century, the Dutch began using rectangular plates with a grid pattern to cook waffles. Experts believe the grid pattern was a way to cook less batter over a greater surface area. The Dutch are also credited with bringing waffles to America.

In the 1620s, Dutch colonists brought waffle-making to America. One hundred years later, the word “waffle” appeared in the English language for the first time in Robert Smith’s Court Cookery.

The modern waffle maker was invented in 1869 by American inventor Cornelius Swartwout. Swartwout filed a patent for a waffle iron that closely resembles waffle makers today. The patent was granted on August 24, 1869. Swarthout’s innovation helped usher in the modern breakfast. The day his patent was issued, August 24th, is now celebrated as National Waffle Day.

 

Here are some fun facts and world records about waffles:

• The world’s biggest waffle: Was 8 feet long and weighed 110 pounds.
• Tallest stack of waffles: Was 91.5 cm (36.02 in) and was achieved by Francis De Buck and Michel De Buck in Blankenberge, Belgium.
• Waffle Trainers: Nike’s first pair of sneakers were made using a waffle iron.
• Waffle: The word comes from the Dutch word “waffle” which means “wafer”.
• Obelios: In ancient Greece, chefs roasted flat cakes between metal plates fixed to long wooden handles.
• Brian Pankey: Completed 56 consecutive waffle flips in a skillet while juggling two raw eggs.
• The Dutch: In the 15th century, the Dutch began using rectangular plates with a grid pattern to cook waffles.
• The first known “waffle” recipe: Was made in the late 14th century, but it was a waffle in name only, as it did not include a leavening agent.
• In the Beginning: Waffles were first made in the Middle Ages and sold as crispy street snacks outside churches.
• Take me to Church: Some say that every Belgian person is obsessed with waffles and eats them at every meal. In Catholic masses in Belgium, the priest gives out a communion meal of waffles and beer instead of bread and wine.

 

Here is a modern Waffle Recipe for you to Try:

Ingredients:

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch (optional, see note)
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 large eggs, separated
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

 

Instructions:

1. Preheat the waffle iron and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a medium bowl, use a whisk or an electric mixer to whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Add the yolk mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. Use a rubber spatula to carefully fold the egg whites into the batter until just combined.
6. Pour ½ to1 cup of the batter into the waffle iron and cook until the waffle is golden brown, 5 to 8 minutes. When the waffles are finished, you may hold them on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven until ready to serve.
7. Enjoy!

 

Consumption
Belgium is the country with the most varieties of waffles, with more than a dozen different types. The Belgian waffle, or Brussels waffle, is the most famous waffle in the world. It is often eaten as a breakfast food and is topped with whipped cream, confectioners’ sugar, soft fruit, and chocolate spread.

In 2021, the United States sold more than $221 million worth of frozen waffles, which is equivalent to 885 million waffles. Since only 37.5% of Americans eat waffles, those who do eat an average of 7 waffles every year. According to Statista, 123.44 million Americans consumed waffles in 2020.

 

 

Celebrate Waffles

National Waffle Day is celebrated on August 24 each year. The day commemorates the anniversary of the first waffle iron patent issued in 1869. The invention made it easier and quicker to make waffles. You can celebrate National Waffle Day with waffles and waffle-themed food. Let us know in the comments about your favorite waffles.