National Waffle Day: August 24
Tomorrow is National Waffle Day! What a great holiday–I’m surprised I’d never heard of it before this year, seeing as I am such a big fan of waffles. The obscure holiday celebrates the anniversary of the first American waffle iron patent.
Cornelius Swarthout of Troy, NY received his patent on August 24, 1869—but that’s not to say that he invented the waffle or even the first waffle iron. Mr. Breakfast has a wonderful history of waffles included on his description of National Waffle Day. And while you’re at it, check out his 10 tips for making perfect waffles, all of which are important points. As far as tip #4 goes (don’t overmix), I feel as if Mr. Breakfast’s description of how to fold the egg whites could use some clarification, so as quoted from my recipe for savory waffles with stir-fried vegetables and mustard sauce, here are better how-to hints for making sure you don’t overmix:
“Fold the batter into the beaten egg whites with a rubber spatula, using a twisting motion with your wrist to bring the contents from the bottom of the bowl up and over to the top. Be careful not to stir the mixture because that will lead to your egg whites deflating, causing a more runny texture to your batter than is ideal. Continue until the batter has uniform consistency.”
So, armed with this new knowledge of waffle-making, get out there and make some waffles. Once you get the egg white beating and folding technique down in the relatively low-key realm of waffledom, you’ll be ready to tackle souffles. I’ll try to make one next week and have my lovely wife take some photographs of the process…
August 23rd, 2007 at 8:24 pm
National Waffle Day??? Amazing! I was actually going to check out a new waffle bar near my house this evening (Yes, you heard that right, we have “waffle bars” in Portland! Well actually, just the one…), but now I think I’ll wait until tomorrow to commemorate the occasion. Thanks for the heads up. Cheers!
August 23rd, 2007 at 10:52 pm
This is one holiday I won’t be celebrating . . . I have some frozen buckwheat waffles in the freezer, but I’ve got some other good food planned for breakfast tomorrow, homemade banana bread from one of our farm volunteers. I’ll warm it in the oven and slather it with good organic cultured butter.
Maybe I’ll have waffles on Saturday instead . . . slathered with more of the same butter, and with REAL farm made maple syrup!!!!!