No need to waffle on a 8,000 year-old staple!

In observance of International Waffle Day on March 25, let’s batter a little history. The celebration began in Sweden, spreading throughout Europe and to other continents. Historians believe that versions of waffles have been around for 8,000 years. The waffle was brought to America in the 17th century by Dutch immigrants, who propagated the dish in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. It was not until 1725 that a waffle recipe first appeared in a cookbook by contributor Robert Smith. The first patent for a stove-top waffle iron was obtained in 1869 by New Yorker Cornelius Swartwout.

The ingredients for a basic waffle recipe include:

• 1 3/4 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
• 1/2 cup oil

Optional: 2 tablespoons sugar (not in original recipe)
Best served with hot maple syrup and butter

Directions:

• In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients and set aside. Preheat waffle iron to recommended temperature.
• In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Stir in the butter milk. Pour wet mixture into the flour mixture and beat until blended.
• Ladle the batter into a preheated waffle iron. Cook the waffles until golden and crisp. Serve immediately.

Reference material taken in part from the following source(s): win calendar.com