The Wonder Of Waffles

Waffles - A Most Conventional Idea

Though waffles may be fun with their unusual honeycomb network and configuration, waffles originated with the same batter as pancakes. It's curious and most probable that waffle irons were created so toppings and syrup wouldn't run off onto plates. With the use of waffle irons, the result was a square pancake, albeit one with ridges that could hold syrup in each of the nooks.

Which Came First? The Waffle Or Waffle Iron?

History credits the Dutch and Belgians with the first uses of waffle irons in the 1300's. The waffle irons that make these delicious breakfast cakes were first made with plates in the familiar honeycomb pattern or with fanciful designs like religious symbols or for royalty, a coat of arms. The Dutch were the first to use landscape patterns on these plates. The plates were coated with the basic flour, baking powder, egg and water batter and then, baked in an open hearth. By the late 1600's, the popularity of waffles spread to Spain and Italy. Scandinavians also took up the trend.

Waffles - Vive La Difference

Thanks to the popularity of waffles, there were no limits to shapes that could be produced. Scandinavians use a waffle iron that has scalloped edges and is round in shape. This results in heart-shaped waffles. Belgians love waffles with deep honeycomb pockets. The Italians call their waffles "pizzelle". These are less dense in texture and thin enough to shape into "cones" that are filled with mascarpone cheese that has been sweetened. American waffles are familiarly square and have enough small pockets to hold maple syrup and butter to keep them from running as with pancakes.

Enjoying the Variety of Waffles

Waffles can be used in a variety of ways other than just for breakfast. For instance, waffles make wonderful sandwiches when paired with thin slices of meats and delicious cheeses. Waffles take on virtually any ethnic style of cooking with ease. This makes it easy for the cook to choose from among a wide selection of menus that begin with waffles. Waffles are used in regular and haute cuisine styles of cooking. The great thing about waffles is that they can be frozen for future use.

Toppings For Waffles

Breakfast toppings for waffles can be as simple as melted butter and maple, blueberry or other fruited syrups. Or, toppings can be a bit of ham, sour cream and dill. There's practically no end to the toppings for waffles used as a special dessert treat. Fruit preserves, jams and cream cheese are just a few. Blend cream cheese with a little confectioners sugar and lemon juice and top waffles for a lemony dessert treat that mimics Danish pastry. Or, for a really quick dessert, blend strawberry preserves with cream cheese and top waffles with this delicious confection. Summer is the best time for special dessert waffles. Top waffles with your favorite ice cream flavor. Then, add a second waffle. This is a "hand to mouth" dessert delight no one can resist.

Love Your Waffles, Love Waffle Convenience

Because waffles can be frozen, they are convenient enough for a quick supper. Slather them with mayonnaise, turkey or ham and some Swiss of Jack cheese, bake until the cheese melts. Another quick waffle meal is chicken or crab with a light cream or Hollandaise sauce. Simply prepare your favorite white or Hollandaise sauce. Place the white meat chicken or crab meat atop the waffles and serve with the sauce. Adding white wine to the sauce gives it an elegant flavor.

Waffles, Waffles, Waffles

When it comes down to it, waffles are as simple to prepare as pancakes. The basic batter is the same for both. However, there are any number of ingredients that can be added to the basic batter to make waffles for breakfast, lunch or dinner. For kids, try adding food coloring to the batter. They might like peanut butter and jelly waffles. Sweeten the batter with a dash of maple syrup. Add sliced strawberries, blueberries or apples and cinnamon directly to the batter. For lunch, add shredded cheddar cheese or tiny bits of ham or chicken to the waffle batter. Since basic waffle batter contains no sugar, the choices of added ingredients or waffle toppings are endless.

How To Make Perfect Waffles

For cooking enthusiasts, making waffles is an art. There's something very satisfying when cooks set a plate of waffles down before their families or guests. Maybe, it's the gusto with which waffles are received. Making perfect waffles begins with a basic recipe. Use the best all-purpose flour, fresh baking powder, eggs at room temperature and fresh, cold water. The water in the basic batter recipe can be substituted by fruit juices for breakfast and dessert. Or, for lunch and dinner waffles, substitute clear broth.