March 25th is International Waffle Day.  It is known as  Våffeldagen in Sweden, which is where the holiday originated.  March 25th is considered the start of spring in Sweden and Europe and is the Feast of the Annunciation, (Lady Day).  It became a custom for Swedish families to celebrate the two holidays by making waffles on this day.

What is SO great about waffles?

The original waffle dates back to Greece in the 1300’s.  The Greeks cooked flat cakes between two metal pans and topped them with herbs and cheeses.  What was good then, is still good today. If you like a crispy grilled cheese, try making it in your waffle iron instead of a grill. Butter two slices of bread on one side. Place the first slice, buttered side down, in a preheated waffle maker. Lay a couple of slices of thinly sliced cheddar cheese and one thin slice of prosciutto on top of the bread and top with second slice of bread, (buttered side up). Close the lid of the waffle maker and allow to cook for 3-5 minutes until the bread is toasty and the cheese has melted.  

Try baking brownies in your waffle maker and then use these delicious, crispy fudgy ‘waffles’ for a foundation for your next hot fudge sundae or banana split. Just butter the waffle iron and fill about three-quarters of the way full with your brownie batter. (Some waffle iron should still be showing). Close and cook until the waffles are cooked through, 4-6 minutes.

Try baking banana bread or your favorite muffins in your waffle iron. Just make up your favorite banana bread or muffin recipe and fill your waffle maker about 2/3 full of the batter. Gently close the lid and allow to bake until cooked through and crispy. (Just remember to butter the waffle iron well between each ‘waffle’.)