for foodie fun!

Celebration is not always just about the food. Sometimes it is the utensils or gadgets necessary to prepare the foods. These go beyond just the iron kettle and the cast iron skillet. Kitchen utensils have a unique history all their own with culinary gizmos, gadgets and gear from the easily recognizable to the virtually "what in the world do I do with this?"

June 29, believe it or not, is..

Ah-h-h-h, the waffle iron, probably at one time the most used and now possibly among the least used kitchen appliances you own. Why the change? The invention of the toaster eventually led to pre-made toaster waffles. Then, of course, came the microwave, the ultimate time saver. Yet, if you grew up with the aroma of homemade waffles at seemingly the crack of dawn, you probably still have a waffle iron. Is it packed away? Time to get it out! Let 'waffle, waffle, waffle' be the call of the day as you alert your own kids its time for breakfast, lunch or even breakfast supper!

A Bit of Waffle Iron History...

Waffle Irons were first found in an area of Northwestern Europe known as the Low Countries around the 14th century, which includes Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as other places. Originally they were made to be used over an open flame, and were thus constructed on the end of two long, typically wooden, handles with a clamshell system at one end, which would be held over a fire to bake.

It wasn’t until 1869 that Cornelius Swarthout patented the first waffle iron in the US. What made his waffle iron unique was that he joined the cast iron plates by a hinge that swiveled in a cast-iron collar. Read more HERE...

Can the waffle iron be used for more than just the classic breakfast waffle?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stroopwafel

Stroopwafels

The use of waffle irons goes back to more than just the renown simple breakfast food. Gouda in the Netherlands is the home of a delicious cookie type treat known as a ‘stroopwafel’. Developed by Gerard Kamphuisen, this sweet syrup filled confection became quite popular, leading to a boom where up to 100 stroopwafel makers were to be found in the city. The stroopwafel has since become quite popular around the world.

One of the most popular uses of waffles came about seemingly by accident, allegedly created by George Bang in 1904. He had run out of bowls to give out with his Banner Creamery Ice Cream, and started giving out rolled up waffles to use instead. It’s alleged because there are other origin stories as well, including a Belgium gent from Ghent, who moved to Norfolk, Virginia, and decided that a rolled up Waffle was the perfect place to put a scoop of ice-cream!

Waffle irons were originally made for waffles: crispy squares, waffles in the round, rectangular waffles. Then came multi-waffle irons that make more than one at a time. The Belgian waffle-makers produce deep squares and thick waffles begging to be topped with strawberries and cream. Today they are NOT just for the delicious breakfast staple waffles any more! Waffle Iron Day is a GREAT opportunity to experiment with different options. Get creative!

http://nummykitchen.blogspot.com/2009/05/chocolate-chip-mickey-and-minnie-mouse.html

Chocolate Chip Mickey & Minnie Waffles

Don't own a waffle iron?

This is the day to add a new gadget to your kitchen repertoire. There are shapes available from Mickey Mouse to the state of Texas. And, you don't have to limit it's use to breakfast either. Make an entire menu from waffles, spanning breakfast to dinner and everything in between. Ever tried baking a pizza (or even thought about it for that matter) in a waffle iron?

Why not go for Carrot Cake Waffles, Cinnamon Rolls in a Waffle Iron, Waffle Iron Hash Browns, Waffle Iron Ham & Cheese Panini, Crisp-Chewy Waffle Iron Brownies, Waffle Iron Eggs, etc. Check 'em out HERE!