National Waffle Day
National Waffle Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated on August 24. Even though they are originally from France and Belgium, waffles have become a staple food in American and Canadian households. Some prefer sweet waffles, served with fruit and maple syrup for example, and some enjoy the American Soul Food dish of waffles with fried chicken. Sweet or savory, National Waffle Day is the perfect day to experiment with new toppings and have some delicious waffles.
Background of Waffles
National Waffle Day is observed on August 24 as that was the day in 1869 when Cornelius Swarthout of New York first patented the waffle iron. This invention made it easier and quicker to make waffles.
In 1953 Eggo frozen waffles were released in supermarkets across the United States. These quickly became popular as a waffle iron wasn't needed to cook them. The company was eventually bought by Kellogg's, and in the 1970s the slogan "L'eggo my Eggo" was known across the whole country.
The Belgian Waffle gained popularity in the United States in 1964 when it was presented at the World's Fair in New York. It was first advertised as the Brussels Waffle, which didn't attract much interest from the American people, so the family that was selling them at the World Fair began calling them Belgian Waffles, and interest in the delicacy began to rise. The waffles at the World Fair were served plain, or with whipped cream and strawberries.
Waffles have become so loved worldwide that most countries have developed their own way of cooking and serving them!
The Journey of Waffles
Waffles have a rich history that dates back centuries. Ancient Greeks were known to cook flat cakes between two metal plates, which is believed to be the earliest predecessor of the modern waffle. However, it was in medieval Europe that waffles gained prominence. The French and Belgians developed distinctive styles of waffles that have endured to this day.
In the 18th century, waffles migrated to North America with European settlers. They became particularly popular in the United States and Canada, evolving into a beloved breakfast and brunch item. The introduction of the waffle iron in the 19th century, patented by Cornelius Swarthout of New York in 1869, revolutionized waffle-making, making it easier and quicker to prepare these delectable treats.
Five Brilliant Ways to Top your Waffle
Everyone has their favorites, but if you want to try something new and are in need of inspiration, here are some brilliant ways to top your waffle:
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Classic Maple Syrup and Butter: Sometimes simplicity is key. Drizzle your waffle with pure maple syrup and add a knob of butter to let the flavors of the waffle shine through.
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Fresh Fruits and Whipped Cream: Add a burst of freshness to your waffle by topping it with a variety of fresh fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, or bananas. Finish it off with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
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Nutella and Sliced Almonds: For a naughty treat, spread a generous amount of Nutella over your warm waffle and sprinkle it with sliced almonds. The creamy chocolate hazelnut spread paired with the crunch of almonds creates a delightful contrast of textures.
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Savory Spinach and Feta: If you're in the mood for a savory twist, sauté some fresh spinach with garlic and olive oil, then crumble feta cheese on top of your waffle. The combination of flavors will create a savory and satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
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Caramelized Bananas and Pecans: Elevate your waffle with the natural sweetness of caramelized bananas and the nutty crunch of pecans. Simply cook sliced bananas in a butter and brown sugar mixture until golden and caramelized, then sprinkle with toasted pecans over your waffle.
Use this list as a springboard into mixing and matching flavors and be creative with your own combinations. The possibilities are simply endless when it comes to waffle toppings, so have fun experimenting and discovering your favorites!
What to do on National Waffle Day
Throw a Waffle party and invite your friends and family over. You can have as many different toppings as you want so everyone can experiment with new flavors, or you can stick to classic flavors such as good old maple syrup. You can also steer away from traditional American waffles and try making a different recipe, such as stroopwafel or a Hong Kong Egg Waffle.
If you don't feel like cooking many restaurants and diners offer National Waffle Day deals and offers, so take advantage of those!
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