THE WORLD IS BEAUTIFUL

by **Paul** Thu 24 Aug 2023, 6:23 am

National Waffle Day
Pass the syrup! We’ll welcome any occasion to indulge in this iconic international treat.

August 24 is National Waffle Day. Pass the syrup! We’ll 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. It’s defining factors are it’s 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.

National Waffle Day Activities

Go savory

Waffles aren’t just for breakfast and dessert. Try a garlic and herb batter and use it in place of bread with an entree or as a sandwich.

Get a waffle iron

Time to snag that waffle iron you’ve been thinking about. With endless shapes and designs — including cartoon characters, mini size, and vintage cast iron — you may find, just like waffles, you want more than one.

Eat waffles with other foods

Chicken and waffles are a very popular pair. But what about waffle ham and cheese, waffle pizza, waffle nachos, or waffle s’mores?! Get adventurous. You never know what waffle match made in heaven is out there waiting for you.

5 FACTS ABOUT WAFFLES THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND

Choices, choices

There are at least 13 prominent types of waffles.

Super Size Me

The world’s largest waffle flips out the griddle at a whopping eight feet and 110 pounds.

New country, new twists

Belgium style waffles are by far the most popular around the world, but every country from the United States to Hong Kong has its own unique cultural twists.

Ingredients for maximum fluff

Peaked egg whites folded into the batter, club soda, and cornstarch can make your waffles extra fluffy.

Waffle parties

Early Americans, including Thomas Jefferson, threw waffle frolics, parties with the sole purpose of feasting on waffles.

Why We Love National Waffle Day

New shapes

Waffles can be made into all kinds of shapes from states to floral damask patterns. We love enjoying one of our favorite foods with a new look.

Savory and sweet

We love the versatility of waffles because we can have them at every meal. With cheese, ice cream, fried chicken, savory sauces, chocolate, dipped, fried, on a stick... the choices are endless.

An international delight

A thin and crispy caramel filled stroopwafel in Germany or a hot waffle topped with three kinds of gelato in Italy? A local dive diner serving up a classic waffle breakfast or a new up and coming cafe with waffle topped bloody marys? We love traveling, near and far, sampling as many waffle delicacies as we can.