Saturday, January 9, 2010

Best Waffles


Waffles: a Sunday Brunch family favorite. Served with vanilla ice cream and strawberries is how we like them, but whipped cream, Canadian Maple Syrup and even Nutella are favorite toppings too. They are best eaten right off the waffle iron, work well on those lazy weekend mornings when there is lots of coffee flowing, a good newspaper to read, or better yet, lively conversation while you await your turn for the next hot one to be served.


The waffle has a distinguished history. The Iron Age produced the iron plate or griddle on which pan-cakes were made, and it was just a matter of time until an enterprising chef could see that using two heated iron plates, one on each side of the pan-cake, would speed up the cooking process. These original pan-cakes were savory, usually flavored with cheese and various herbs.

Then, in the 1200s, a craftsman concocted the idea of forging cooking plates with designs on them that would be transferred onto the pancake. Early irons featured coats of arms, religious symbols, and even landscapes. But nothing caught on like the honeycomb design that became the forerunner of what we know today as the waffle. The way these honeycomb waffles could hold syrup and honey made them popular with vendors who sold them right on the street.
"A waffle is like a pancake with a syrup trap."
— Mitch Hedberg
Waffles were introduced to the US in 1620 by Pilgrims who brought the cooking technique over from Holland. On August 24, 1869 Cornelius Swarthout got the first patent for a waffle iron in the U.S. and the rest, as the saying goes, is history. Waffles have morphed into ice cream cones, waffle cones, and numerous other delicacies.

Recipe

Makes three 10-inch waffles

1¾ cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 beaten egg yolks
1¾ cups milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 stiffly beaten egg whites

Sift dry ingredients together. Combine yolks, milk, and oil. Stir into dry ingredients. Fold in whites, leaving a few fluffs. Bake on hot waffle iron.


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  • 23 comments:

    Sara said...

    Mmmmm, gorgeous waffles! Yum! :)

    Michele said...

    Yum! I love waffles and these look amazing!

    Julie @ Willow Bird Baking said...

    Hurrah! I'm getting a waffle iron soon and can't wait to try this out.

    pigpigscorner said...

    How I wish I have a waffle machine! Looks so good!

    Christina and Jacob said...

    These look really delicious, especially with the whipped cream and strawberries on top. Great job!

    vanillasugarblog said...

    you know the only time I order waffles when we eat out is at a fancy hotel or upscale restaurant. why? becuase they are the only ones that have the fresh strawberries--it's the only way I will eat waffles with fresh whipped cream and fresh berries. I can't eat that junk at Ihop at all. so you know I adore what you made.

    Katrina said...

    Yum. Thanks for the fun post about something we love and now we'll have to have for breakfast tomorrow!

    grace said...

    your waffles do indeed look perfect, even before the addition of berries and cream--lovely!

    Shelley said...

    Love the historical notes!

    Nutella is a dangerous, dangerous substance.

    Cute quote about the waffle being a "syrup trap."

    lisa is cooking said...

    Your waffles look light and delicious! I'll have to try folding in whipped egg whites next time.

    angela@spinachtiger said...

    I love waffles. You can make a bunch and freeze them and then toaster pop them. Brown eyed baker has a recipe for bacon buttermilk waffles that is also amazing.
    Happy New Year and here's to a good breakfast with lots of talking, and waiting for that delicious waffle.

    Monica H said...

    These are gorgeous waffles. I've been craving them for a while. I might have to break down and make them!

    Eliana said...

    This waffle looks heavenly. Waffles are one of my favorite brunch/breakfast foods.

    EB of SpiceDish said...

    Syrup traps are some of my favorite things!

    La Bella Cooks said...

    Not much better on a Sunday (or Saturday!) morning than a gorgeous waffles topped with berries. Your photo is so inviting.

    faithy said...

    I love waffles! Waffles are my fave! I have to try your recipe one of these days..which is SOON! :)

    I've nominated your blog for Happy 101 Award..check it out at http://theamateurbaker.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-happy-101-award.html

    Cherry Blossom said...

    They look absolutly perfect - wonderful - i wihs i had one right now

    LyB said...

    I recently acquired a waffle iron and I love it so! I usually make buttermilk waffles but your recipe sounds delicious, I can't wait to try it!

    Unknown said...

    Love the first picture!! These look delicious!

    Bren said...

    You could gladly take over Waffle House, a staple here in ATL! these loook sooo good and I love them. I hate to admit that I hop has decent ones, but nothing like some homemade ones! :)

    Lori said...

    Loved this waffle history lesson! I just got a waffle maker as a belated bday present and now I can't wait to try out this recipe.

    Beth said...

    I love waffles! You've reminded me of the box of pearl sugar that has been sitting in my cabinet since a friend brought it from Belgium a few months ago. Must try to make authentic waffles soon!

    Trisha said...

    This makes me want to buy my own waffle iron! I just discovered your blog and am slowly falling inlove with it - great great job!