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Everyday is like National Waffle Day! (But August 24th is the official date!)
American's welcome any occasion to indulge in this iconic international treat. With so many varieties — Belgium, Hong Kong, stroopwafels, galettes – to enjoy in countless ways from adding classic toppings like butter and syrup, fruit, and chocolate, to waffle sandwiches and hotdog buns, we can’t wait to eat them at every meal.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL WAFFLE DAY
The contemporary waffles we enjoy today hail from France and Belgium. Earlier versions of the waffle, made of grain flour and water, date back to Ancient Greece. At that time they made obelios, or flat cakes, cooked between hot metal plates. In the Middle ages wafers were made using round plates with images of Jesus, The Crucifiction, and other religious scenes and symbols. Through the centuries both the ingredients and cooking methods of waffle making evolved until finally landing on one of the dozens of common varieties we love today. The Belgian Waffle made its way over to America during the 1962 World’s Fair in Seattle, but it wasn’t popular until the 1964 to 1965 World’s Fair was hosted in Queens, New York. The waffle was originally known as the Brussels waffle. Defining factors are a crispy exterior and light, airy, and fluffy interior. It was served both plain and with whipped cream and sliced strawberries. No one was really attracted to the “Brussels Waffle,” but the family selling them in Queens realized it was due to the name. As soon as they advertised it as a Belgian waffle, they saw a spike in consumer interest and popularity.
Waffle day began in Sweden through a mishap that mixed up similar words meaning waffles and “Our Lady’s Day”. It is celebrated in several European countries by eating waffles on March 25, and marks the beginning of spring.
QUICK FUN FACTS
In America, more women love waffles than men. 89% of all women and 69% of all med love waffles.
Pancake and waffle batter include the same base ingredients with waffle batter containing more sugar for caramelization and more fat for crispier edges.
Belgian, American, Brussels, Liège, Flemish, Bergische, Hong Kong, Pandan, Scandinavian, Gofri, Galettes, and Stroopwafels are some of the most popular varieties of waffles.
While waffles have been around for centuries and the Dutch are credited with bringing them to the States, Cornelius Swartwout is given a great deal of credit for being the first to ever hold a patent for a waffle iron.
In 1953, Eggo waffles, the first frozen waffles, make their way to supermarket freezers.
The world’s largest waffle flips out the griddle at a whopping eight feet and 110 pounds.
Peaked egg whites folded into the batter, club soda, and cornstarch can make your waffles extra fluffy.
WAFFLES BRING EVERYONE TOGETHER
If they’re good enough for Leslie Knope from “Parks and Recreation” they’re good enough for us. The comedic deputy director says that friends, waffles, and work are the most important things in life. There’s nothing like gathering around and having a nice, warm breakfast with your loved ones with waffles as the main course.
We have every ingredient you ever need for waffles including toppings, syrups, savory options and so much more. Visit us or order online.