Waffles, those delectable grids of golden-brown batter, have captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world for centuries. From Belgium to America, these versatile treats have earned themselves a special place in culinary culture. And what better way to honor this beloved breakfast staple than with International Waffle Day?
International Waffle Day, celebrated annually on March 25th, has its roots in Sweden. But what does Sweden have to do with waffles, you might wonder? Well, the holiday actually originated as a result of a linguistic misunderstanding. In Swedish, March 25th is known as “Vårfrudagen,” which translates to “Our Lady’s Day” in English. Over time, the pronunciation evolved, and “Vårfrudagen” sounded remarkably similar to “Våffeldagen,” which means “Waffle Day” in Swedish. Thus, the concept of International Waffle Day was born, offering a delicious excuse for people to indulge in waffle goodness.
While International Waffle Day may have originated in Sweden, its celebration has spread far and wide, captivating waffle enthusiasts across the globe. From Europe to the Americas, people embrace this day with enthusiasm, reveling in the joy of crispy, fluffy waffles topped with an array of delicious accompaniments.
One of the most appealing aspects of waffles is their versatility. Whether you prefer them sweet or savory, there’s a waffle recipe to satisfy every palate. Classic options include Belgian waffles, known for their deep pockets perfect for holding syrup and whipped cream, and Liege waffles, which are denser and sweeter, thanks to the addition of pearl sugar in the batter.
For those with a savory tooth, savory waffle variations offer a tantalizing twist on the traditional breakfast fare. Savory waffles can be made with ingredients like cheese, herbs, or even bacon, creating a delightful culinary experience that’s perfect for any time of day.
One of the joys of eating waffles lies in the endless possibilities for toppings. Whether you prefer the simplicity of butter and maple syrup or enjoy more adventurous combinations, there’s no shortage of options to explore. Fresh fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, and bananas, add a burst of sweetness and color to waffles, while indulgent toppings like Nutella, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce elevate them to dessert status.
For those craving a savory twist, toppings like fried chicken, bacon, avocado, and fried eggs transform waffles into a satisfying meal that’s sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Beyond the culinary delights, International Waffle Day is also a time for community and connection. Whether shared with family, friends, or fellow waffle enthusiasts, the act of enjoying waffles together fosters a sense of camaraderie and celebration. From intimate brunch gatherings to large-scale waffle parties, this day offers an opportunity to come together and appreciate the simple pleasure of good food and good company.
International Waffle Day is more than just a celebration of a beloved breakfast food—it’s a global phenomenon that brings people together across cultures and continents. Whether you prefer your waffles sweet or savory, piled high with toppings or enjoyed plain and simple, there’s no denying the universal appeal of these delightful treats. So, on March 25th, why not join in the celebration and indulge in a delicious waffle—or two? After all, there’s no better way to honor this beloved culinary tradition than by enjoying a plateful of crispy, golden goodness.
Classic Belgian Waffle Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Beat Egg Whites: In another clean mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in Egg Whites: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter until evenly incorporated. This will help make the waffles light and fluffy.
- Cook the Waffles: Pour the batter onto the preheated waffle iron, using the amount recommended for your specific waffle iron size. Close the lid and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until the waffles are golden brown and crisp.
- Serve Warm: Remove the cooked waffles from the iron and serve immediately while warm. You can top them with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Enjoy: Enjoy your classic Belgian waffles as a delightful breakfast treat or a delicious dessert. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining batter until all the waffles are cooked.
Note: If you prefer, you can customize this recipe by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra flavor. Additionally, feel free to adjust the sweetness level by increasing or decreasing the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences.
Rosemary Infused Waffles with Balsamic-Glazed Strawberries
Ingredients:
For the Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 1 3/4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
For the Balsamic-Glazed Strawberries:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat the Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and chopped rosemary until well combined.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Beat Egg Whites: In another clean mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in Egg Whites: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter until evenly incorporated. This will help make the waffles light and fluffy.
- Cook the Waffles: Pour the batter onto the preheated waffle iron, using the amount recommended for your specific waffle iron size. Close the lid and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until the waffles are golden brown and crisp.
- Prepare Balsamic-Glazed Strawberries: In a small saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and lemon zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries are softened and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Serve: Place a cooked waffle on a plate and top with a generous spoonful of the balsamic-glazed strawberries. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, whipped cream, and a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve the gourmet waffles immediately while warm, and savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures. These waffles are perfect for a special breakfast or brunch occasion, impressing your guests with their unique and sophisticated twist on a classic favorite.
Keto-Friendly Almond Flour Waffles
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated erythritol (or sweetener of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any low-carb milk alternative)
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, erythritol, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in the almond milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Let the batter rest for a few minutes to allow the coconut flour to absorb some of the liquid.
- Cook the Waffles: Lightly grease the waffle iron with coconut oil or non-stick cooking spray. Spoon the batter onto the preheated waffle iron, using the amount recommended for your specific waffle iron size. Close the lid and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until the waffles are golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Carefully remove the cooked waffles from the iron and serve immediately while warm. Top with sugar-free maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream (made with keto-friendly sweetener), or sugar-free chocolate sauce for a delicious low-carb treat.
- Enjoy: Indulge in these keto-friendly almond flour waffles guilt-free, knowing that they are low in carbohydrates and packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or as a satisfying snack, these waffles are sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track with your keto lifestyle.
Not Your Grams Kitchen 