National Waffle Week
11th September 2015
From 7th to 12th September it’s National Waffle Week and so it seems an appropriate time to muse about these waffley versatile wonders!
History of the Waffle
In the beginning the ancient Greeks cooked flat cakes called obelios between hot metal plates. These then started to spread in popularity throughout medieval Europe. The cakes made from a mixture of flour, water or milk (and sometimes eggs) became known as wafers and were cooked over open fires. In the 13th Century these then started being stamped with various designs ranging from family crests to the now characteristic grid pattern.
These wafers were consumed by all in society, whether king or peasant, and were often eaten in association with religions occasions and saints’ days. Street vendors who congregated outside churches sold these to passers-by and were referred to as waferers. The Dutch were especially keen on these cakes and colonists introduced them to the New World in the early 17th Century. It was here that they met their perfect accompaniment; maple syrup! By 1735 the word wafer evolved to waffle.
In 1904 at the World’s Fair in St.Louis, waffle cones for ice cream debuted. And in the 1930s old stovetop waffle irons were outfitted for electricity and become common household appliances. By 1964, the thicker, yeast-leavened Belgian Waffle was introduced to Americans at the New York World’s Fair where they were quickly adopted as a breakfast of choice!
Waffles are now a tried and tested classic dish in America and have gained much popularity in the UK. From morning to night, the flavours and textures of waffles lend themselves to a variety of different spreads, toppings and accompaniments. Drizzle them with the classic maple syrup, add bacon or top with berries for a healthy option. What’s more, all ages love them!
Some Waffle Facts
- There are several types of waffle; American, Belgian, Scandinavian, Liege, Hong Kong and Dutch stroopwafels.
- If you make too many waffles, you can freeze leftover waffles and reheat in the toaster.
- The World Record for the most waffles eaten in 10 minutes is held by Patrick Bertoletti who consumed 29 waffles during a World Waffle Eating Championship in 2007!
- The World Record for the largest waffle is 110lbs 3.68oz with a diameter of 8ft 1.24inches. It was created by Stichting Gouda Oogst in the Netherlands on 29th June 2013.
Waffles at Iceland
If you’re celebrating National Waffle Week, why not head to Iceland in Garden Square? They’re a great source for these sweet treats. Patisserie Belgian Chocolate Chip Waffles (pack of 4) are £3 and Kingsmill Waffles (pack of 6) are only 75p. But, if the sweet variety just aren’t your thing, they also stock Birds Eye Original Potato Waffles (pack of 10) for just 89p!
Top: Kingsmill Waffles Bottom Left: Patisserie Belgian Chocolate Chip Waffles Bottom Right: Birds Eye Original Potato Waffles
