Waffles: Questions, Answers and History
First Posted 2017; updated Now 2022
 |
Classic Waffles with Maple Syrup Courtesy of Pexels Unsplash.com and licensed for reuse under thisCreative Commons Licence |
Are Waffles Healthy?
If not smothered in butter and maple syrup, waffles can be healthier than other baked treats. For a start, in 67goingon50's recipe, there's little fat and only a small amount of sugar. 67's waffles have 2/3 white flour and 1/3 wholemeal; they are served heaped with fresh, sweet fruit like strawberries and a small amount of double or clotted cream. Replace the cream with thick unsweeted sugar-free yoghurt flavoured with extract of vanilla or orange and that's a healthy treat.
Some recipes don't beat the egg whites separately
Folding in beaten egg whites makes wonderful mind-blowing waffles -- uniformly thick with a fluffy interior and crisp exterior -- and is strongly recommended. That said, if you haven't the time or energy, a standard egg-milk mix still produces good waffles.
How do I know the waffle iron is ready?
Most modern waffle makers have a green light indicating the machine is ready. But a simple test is to sprinkle a few drops of water on the plates; if they sizzle and dance around for 2-3 seconds before disappearing, the machine is ready. If the drops linger longer, the plate needs to heat for longer; if the drops disappear immediately, the plates are too hot.
 |
| Overfilling the waffle wells may lead to leakage |
Sometimes the batter leaks out. Why?
Overfilling the waffle well will do this. It's important to work out how much waffle mix to put into each well. What you are looking for are waffles of a uniform thickness, beautifully shaped with no holes or lacey edges (though holes/lacey edges are not a bad thing). You'll need to do some tests on your machine but 2/3 full is a start.
How do I know the waffles are cooked?
When the waffle machine is closed, it emits steam as the batter cooks; it can be seen coming off the waffle maker. When it stops, the waffles are ready. Another clue is if the thermostat light turns off. The usual recommendation is between 5-10 minutes but machines vary. Look for a uniform golden colour edging towards brown.
What do I do with leftovers?
Waffles will be okay for three days, if well wrapped in clingfilm and refrigerated or stored in an air-tight container.
They also freeze well. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper and lay out waffles with a little space in between; freeze 6 hours or overnight; move to an air-tight container & store in freezer for use as and when
- Defrost overnight. Place on a baking rack on a baking tray; bake in pre-heated oven 350F/180c, 10-15 mins; keep an eye out - they burn easily.
- Cook from frozen in the toaster; this is a brilliant way of getting no-sugar, low-fat, good fibre carb breakfasts into kids.
 |
| Waffles with Fresh Fruit & Yoghurt Courtesy of Pexels Unsplash.com and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence |
Should I cook waffles I intend to freeze for a shorter period?
Undercooking waffle batter runs the risk of having an uncooked middle; overcooking them could result in burnt waffle if you put them in a toaster. 67 found waffles intended for the freezer and toaster will be perfect if one minute is lopped off the cooking time. If re-heating in an oven, proceed as normal.
How do I clean the waffle maker?
Clean after every use.
Unplug from power supply, allow to cool.
Wipe with soft damp cloth, getting into all the corners; dry thoroughly.
If food is baked on, apply small amount of warm water & mild detergent, wipe with a (not too) wet cloth then wipe clean with paper towel.
Do not: immerse waffle maker in liquid of any kind
use harsh or abrasive cleansers/scourers
HISTORYUndercooking waffle batter runs the risk of having an uncooked middle; overcooking them could result in burnt waffle if you put them in a toaster. 67 found waffles intended for the freezer and toaster will be perfect if one minute is lopped off the cooking time. If re-heating in an oven, proceed as normal.
How do I clean the waffle maker?
Clean after every use.
Unplug from power supply, allow to cool.
Wipe with soft damp cloth, getting into all the corners; dry thoroughly.
If food is baked on, apply small amount of warm water & mild detergent, wipe with a (not too) wet cloth then wipe clean with paper towel.
Do not: immerse waffle maker in liquid of any kind
use harsh or abrasive cleansers/scourers
It's said that waffles came about when an armoured knight sat down on pancake batter and created its distinctive grid shape.
 |
| Cast Iron Waffle Iron from the 1800's Courtesy of Pinterest and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence |
It's a colourful fable but in fact, the true history of the waffle is much more interesting.
Food historians say waffles first appeared in ancient Greece when cooks roasted flat cakes between 2 metal plates attached to a long wooden handle.
By the time of the Crusades, which brought spices and sweets to the dining table, the batter became thicker and softer, and the irons, deeper.
15th century Belgium began to produce rectangular plates and the now-familiar grid pattern -- some say as a cost-cutting measure to cook less batter over a greater surface.
Whatever, waffles took Belgium by storm and over the next 200 years the country produced many varieties. Waffles were taken with tea and chocolate in the afternoon in the tiny country but the rest of Europe developed its own versions. Germany had coffee flavoured waffles; French waffles - part of a roaring trade in street stalls - were enhanced with cloves, Spanish wine and lemon zest. In America, colonists - thanks to Thomas Jefferson falling in love with waffles during his sojourn in France - were throwing waffle parties known as 'waffle frolics.' (The mind boggles!).
 |
| American Waffles with Maple Syrup Google Stock Image |
The 1958 World Fair made the Belgian waffle world famous but over the next 30 years, Americans cemented its fame. It was the Americans who linked waffles with breakfast, serving them with maple syrup, sweet bacon and sausages. And it was the American south which immortalised the savoury waffle, serving them with a filling of crisply fried chicken or smothered in chicken stew.
In the UK, US-style waffles suddenly became fashionable a few years ago in up-market eateries. Before then, waffles were linked with Ireland, as another manifestation of potato pancakes. Cooked and raw potatoes produced a half pancake, half hash-brown hybrid. Frozen mass-produced potato waffles are apparently still highly popular in Irish households.
 |
| Irish Potato Waffles with Bacon & Spring Onion |
Sources:
http://mentalfloss.com/article/78997/wafel-wafers-belgian-breakfasts-brief-history-waffles
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Waffles
http://www.goodlifeeats.com/how-to-freeze-and-reheat-pancakes-and-waffles/
http://mentalfloss.com/article/78997/wafel-wafers-belgian-breakfasts-brief-history-waffles
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Waffles
http://www.goodlifeeats.com/how-to-freeze-and-reheat-pancakes-and-waffles/
B Lee/Bright Sun Enterprises accept no liability for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.
No comments:
Post a Comment