A Brief History of Waffles (2024)

FAQs

What is the history of waffle frolics? ›

Waffle frolics were a thing in the mid 18th to mid 19th century. Basically you'd invite friends and family over to play games, eat food, and make waffles.

Medieval origins

In ancient times the Greeks cooked flat cakes, called obelios, between hot metal plates. As they were spread throughout medieval Europe, the cake mix, a mixture of flour, water or milk, and often eggs, became known as wafers and were also cooked over an open fire between iron plates with long handles.

In these research contexts, waffles are mentioned as a symbol of hygge, social togetherness, taking the time for others, volunteering, Norwegianness, hospitality, community, and informality. Approachable politicians have made their share of waffles.

The Origins of Waffles

Waffles eventually made their way to medieval Europe in the 13th century, where they became a popular treat during religious festivals. The term “waffle” itself is derived from the Dutch word “wafel,” which referred to the honeycomb pattern found on the cakes. But that was then…and this is now.

The shift from the religious celebration to Waffle Day occurred because the Swedish Vårfrudagen, meaning "Our Lady's Day" or "the Day of our Lady" (the Feast of the Annunciation), sounds similar to våffeldagen ("waffle day") in faster speech, and so over time Swedes began calling it Waffle Day and celebrating by eating ...

1 Waffles have been eaten since the 14th century. 2 Nike's first pair of sneakers, Waffle Trainers, were made using a real waffle iron. 3 “Waffle” descends from the Dutch word for “wafer.” 4 The world's biggest waffle was 8 feet long and weighed 110 pounds.

The Greeks called these early pancakes "tigani" which comes from a word that means frying pan. Archeologists have even found evidence that our prehistoric ancestors made pancakes 30,000 years ago. But waffles? Waffles didn't come along until just over 1,000 years ago.

The square bumps give the waffle little square holes, perfect for holding syrup and melted butter. Of course, waffles can be many other shapes; our all-time favorites are these furniture-shaped waffles shown here. But they all taste great with syrup.

Let's be honest: Waffles may be delicious, but they aren't exactly good for you. They're usually made with ingredients that nutritionists say to limit, such as white flour, butter, and lots of sugar. A Belgian waffle from IHOP, for example, has 590 calories, 29 grams of fat, and 17 grams of sugars.

Waffle is language without meaning; blathering, babbling, droning.

Who brought waffles to America? ›

Waffles were first brought to the Americas by Dutch colonists in the 1600s, however it wasn't until the late 1700s that they made their leap into popular culture.

When someone refers to another person as a "twatwaffle," they are essentially calling them an idiot, fool, or expressing their disapproval in a rude and disrespectful manner. It is important to note that this term is considered offensive and impolite, and its usage may be inappropriate in many situations.

In Medieval Europe, the Catholic Church began making waffles to serve as a sort of companion to the communion wafer symbolizing blessings. These waffles were drawn with Biblical scenes, crosses, and other religious symbols, and were served after meals as a symbolic final blessing.

American waffles

A traditional American waffle is much thinner and denser than a Belgian one made with yeast. American waffles also have much smaller pockets, which make them ideal for holding syrup or gravy along with the usual waffle toppings of fruit, powdered sugar or whipped cream.

It's an urban myth that Waffle Houses have no locks.

While it's true that Waffle Houses are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (even on Christmas!), it's not true that the restaurants don't have locks on the doors, according to the Waffle House website.

Waffle irons were common in France as early as the 12th or 13th century, and became widespread in the Netherlands and the rest of Europe from the 14th century. Secular waffle irons developed alongside host presses, a similar but religious tool used to produce sacramental bread.

Bubble waffles is a traditional street snack unique to Hong Kong. It originated in the 1950s and ranked first in the list of "Hong Kong's 100 Most Popular Street Foods". In Chinatowns of the United States, especially in New York, they are sometimes called Hong Kong cakes.