Oh yum! It’s International Waffle Day
Waffles with cream and honey, waffles with banana and caramel sauce, waffles with curry on top, with berries and ice cream, choc-chip waffles ... they're all so yummy and comforting.
I AM a lover of all things sweet, and when it comes to waffles, I am a lover of them savoury, as well.
Give me a waffle topped with chicken-a-la-king and you have my heart.
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What I love about them the most is that they are such a versatile dessert and can be enjoyed with any toppings. Although, I am not so sure how to classify this food item because, with a savoury topping, it can actually become a meal.
I was delighted to learn that there’s a whole day dedicated to the waffle, and it’s acknowledged on March 25 each year. The first waffle made an appearance in Sweden in the 1600s and was served with fruit and jams. A few hundred years later, the Belgian waffle emerged, which was a far sweeter version with more filling and was served with cream, too.
Okay, the brief history lesson is over – let me tell you about my favourite waffle joint.
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I am originally from the lower South Coast, from a small town called Port Shepstone. Ramsgate, which is just a few kilometres from me, is home to the renowned – The Waffle House – which makes the best waffles in the world, and if you’ve eaten there, you will agree.
I have tried just about everything on their menu, but the chicken à la king waffle and banoffee hit the spot for me. This eatery is definitely worth the drive.
If you can’t make it, here’s a recipe for you to try at home:
Easy waffles by Martha Stewart
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and levelled
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
Maple syrup and butter, as desired, for serving
Directions
- Preheat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk milk and eggs; pour over the flour mixture and whisk gently to combine; don’t overmix. Gently whisk in butter.
- Following the manufacturer’s instructions, cook waffles until deep brown and crisp. (For a standard waffle iron, pour a generous 1/2 cup of batter into the centre, spreading to within 1/2 inch of the edges, and close; the waffle will cook in 2 to 3 minutes.) Serve warm, with maple syrup and butter, as desired.
Five facts about waffles:
– The Swedes are known for having a sweet tooth with their numerous candies and pastries.
– Belgian waffles were known originally as Brussels waffles.
– The Pilgrims brought the first waffles to America.
– Eggo Waffles were available for consumer purchase in 1953.
– Thomas Jefferson came back from France with the first waffle irons.
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