Waffles

Waffles

A stack of Belgian waffles
Course	Breakfast, Dessert
Place of origin	Various
Serving temperature	Hot or cold
Main ingredients	Flour, eggs, sugar, milk, butter
Variations	Belgian, American, Scandinavian
Cookbook: Waffles   Media: Waffles

Waffles are a type of dough-based or batter-based cake cooked in a Waffle iron, a device that provides its distinctive shape. Originating from various regions, waffles can be found in numerous forms worldwide, with variations in ingredients, sizes, and toppings. They are commonly eaten for breakfast or dessert, often served with toppings such as syrup, butter, fruit, chocolate, whipped cream, or ice cream.

History

The history of waffles dates back to the Middle Ages, where they were initially cooked over an open fire using two metal plates with wooden handles. The word "waffle" is from the Dutch word wafel, which itself derives from the Middle Dutch wafele. Early waffles were made with grains other than wheat and often included ingredients like honey and eggs.

Types of Waffles

Belgian Waffles

Belgian waffles are thicker than American waffles, with larger squares and deeper pockets. They are often made with a yeast-leavened batter, which makes them lighter and crispier. Belgian waffles were popularized in the United States during the 1964 New York World's Fair.

American Waffles

American waffles are denser and thinner than their Belgian counterparts, with smaller squares. They are typically made from a batter leavened with Baking powder, and are often served as a breakfast dish, topped with maple syrup and butter.

Other Varieties

Other notable varieties include Liège waffles, a richer, denser, sweeter, and chewier waffle native to the region of Liège in Eastern Belgium; and Scandinavian waffles, which are typically heart-shaped and served with jam or cream.

Preparation

Waffle batter is generally made from flour, eggs, sugar, milk, and butter. It can be prepared by mixing the dry ingredients separately from the wet ingredients and then combining them. The batter is then poured into a preheated waffle iron and cooked until golden brown.

Cultural Significance

Waffles have a significant cultural presence, especially in countries like Belgium, where they are a national culinary pride. They are also a popular street food and are celebrated with events such as National Waffle Day in the United States and Sweden.

See Also

• Pancake
• French toast
• Crepe

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