Is it waffles Belgian, or waffles Belgium? Well, either would be a bit wrong, because the rightest answer is probably waffles Brussel!
A deeply indented waffle with a golden brown, crisp exterior and a light airy inside is well known in the USA as a waffle from Belgium. Surprisingly, and here's a breakfast bet you can have with your friends, they are a recent discovery outside Europe and were actually called a' Brussels waffle' until a patriotic Belgium gent brought the notion to the 1965 World's Fair which took place in the USA.
Waffles started way back in the Middle Ages, with hinged long handled irons that cooked both sides at once in a fire. Our modern waffle iron evolved directly from this and even our heart and Mickey Mouse shaped waffle irons copy old styles with coats of arms or verse.
A good modern waffle iron should have the following features;
* Made of durable, easy to clean materials such as aluminum or stainless steel.
* It should be sturdy and easily stored, with a hinged top lid, and have heat insulated handles.
* Visual and audio cooking timer guides, and at least a one year warranty.
* Deep indentations to properly trap food and sauces.
* Be powered by 850 to 1400 watts, with adjustable temperature.
* Have non stick coated plates that are removable for easy and hygienic cleaning.
* Have decent grooves across the cooking surface to drain away excess cooking mixture, foods and oils.
Since their emergence waffles have been made in many varieties. In the west we think of waffles as a sweet breakfast or desert, yet relations of the waffle are crepes and pancakes. Crepes almost have the same recipe as the waffle, except for the addition of yeast or baking soda, which is the magic ingredient that makes them light and fluffy, as opposed to being a very thin pancake or crepe when made without.
A memorable waffle breakfast consists of; fresh squeezed orange juice with mint or cherry, then a banana and sour cream waffle, followed by peaches and cream stuffed waffle with praline sauce, and of course, fresh brewed Italian coffee. Then don't ignore waffles at lunch time with savory choices such as Shiratake pumpkin bisque, topped off with a Belgian khalua pecan waffle and Earl Grey tea.
You can even celebrate Halloween with a unforgettable pumpkin waffle, called 'the Ultimate' that features pumpkin with cinnamon, ginger, cloves and a pinch of nutmeg.
The internet has 160,000 postings for waffle recipes, you can also see how to make waffles and waffle meals by using YouTube. Awesome.
However you spell it, it might not be the middle ages anymore but waffles still rock a very modern world!
For more pictures and information about four very popular waffle irons follow the link below.
http://www.waffleironheaven.com
Sunday, 18 July 2010
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