The first United States patent for a waffle iron was issued to Cornelius Swarthout of Troy, New York on August 24, 1869. In honor of this anniversary, National Waffle Day is observed each year on August 24th.
Eaten throughout the world, a waffle is a leavened batter or dough that is cooked between two plates that are patterned to give a characteristic size, shape and surface impression. Waffles come in many forms. Depending on the type of batter or iron used, the resulting waffle will vary by consistency, size, shape and flavor.
Waffle irons and waffles originated around the 14th century. An anonymous husband penned the first known waffle recipe as a set of instructions for his wife. According to the manuscript, Le Ménagier de Paris, each of the four recipes began:
Beat some eggs in a bowl, season with salt and add wine. Toss in some flour, and mix. Then fill, little by little, two irons at a time with as much of the paste as a slice of cheese is large. Then close the iron and cook both sides. If the dough does not detach easily from the iron, coat it first with a piece of cloth that has been soaked in oil or grease.
- 1911 – First electric waffle iron introduced by General Electric.
- 1953 – Frank Dorsa’s Eggo Frozen Waffles are sold in Supermarkets for the first time.
- 1964 – Belgian Waffles debut at New York’s World’s Fair.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Following are a few waffle recipes for you to make and share with your family and friends!
True Belgian Waffles
Classic Buttermilk Waffles
Apple Cinnamon Waffles
Banana Oatmeal Buttermilk Waffles
Best Chocolate Chip Waffles
