Having originated of ancient Greece, the modern day waffle recipe as we have come to know it dates back centuries to Medieval time with the creation of elaborately decorated cooking irons that were – initially – used to produce communion wafers also known as "oublies" – which loosely translates to "forgotten person" or "forgotten one" – a memorialization or remembrance of sorts.
That the waffle recipe has its origins in religious celebration is interesting inasmuch as another breakfast or brunch recipe – the pancake – because the de facto most searched recipe for one single day out of every year – "Shrove" or "Pancake" Tuesday, signifying the beginning of Lent – once a time of fasting on the Christian calendar in the weeks before Easter.
Of its earliest incarnation, the waffle recipe was often topped with savory treats like herbs and cheeses, where as the sweeter version we have come to know traces back to the Dutch, not Belgium and is believed to have been brought to North America shores via the first settlers of New York – then known as "New Netherlands" or "New Amsterdam". The Belgian waffle recipe typically features a larger size, deeper grooves and a lighter batter than may or not use yeast for added fluffiness.
For a lighter waffle recipe, whip your egg whites until they peak and gently fold into your liquid ingredients.
If you're thinking of turning your waffle recipe into dinner, replace the sugar with some of your favorite spices and – viola! – a savory waffle recipe that pairs perfectly with the crunch of fried chicken – and you will want to hang onto that warm syrup with butter you prepared for brunch as it works just as well for dinner!
Cook: 10 Min
Serves: 6
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