(Image via theshiksa.com)
August 24th is National Waffle Day in the U.S. According to MrBreakfast.com, August 24th is the day in 1869 that Cornelius Swarthout received his patent for a waffle iron. There is also an International Waffle Day that is celebrated on March 25th that originated in Sweden. But, really, any day can be waffle day. They are easy to make and are great for any meal. And during this summer’s heat wave, I made these a few times for supper because I wasn’t standing in front of a stove on a ridiculously hot and humid day.
The best place to start is with a classic waffle recipe from Allrecipes.com.
Classic Waffles
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups warm milk
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
As a side note, Allrecipes.com also offers suggestions on what you might like to drink with your waffles. They suggested coffee. Seems like a normal choice, as would tea or juice.
However, I would be remiss as a blogger if I didn’t give you evidence that they also suggested a Harvey Wallbanger as their first choice of drink! (Well, it does have orange juice in it.) Here’s the proof, click on it to get a clearer image. The recipe follows. CHEERS!
Harvey Wallbanger
- 3/4 oz vodka
- 1 1/2 oz orange juice
- 1/4 oz Galliano
- orange slice for garnish
- maraschino cherry for garnish
OK, back to waffle recipes. Martha Stewart has a Potato Waffle recipe that can be made in advance because it “reheats exceptionally well”.
Potato Waffles
- 2 (about 13 ounces) medium Yukon gold potatoes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt, plus more for cooking water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 2 cups nonfat buttermilk
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
If you want some variety to your waffle-making, Grouprecipes.com has a basic waffle recipe that also includes a dozen variations to the recipe so that you can also make dessert and savoury waffles.
A Dozen Delicious Waffle Variations
- 3 C sifted all-purpose flour (or part whole wheat flour)
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 2 T sugar (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 egg yolks, beaten
- 4 egg whites beaten until stiff
- 1 1/2 to 2 C sweet milk or buttermilk
- 4 T melted butter
Beer is an important ingredient in a variety of batter recipes and waffles are no different. This recipe from Allrecipes.com also includes honey that is supposed to add a nice crunch to the waffles. I’m sure a bottle (or few) of beer goes well with these waffles. Just like the Harvey Wallbangers go with the classic breakfast waffles. 
Beer Batter Waffles
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 eggs, separated
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
