By: Alyssa Deguzman

Grab some waffles and celebrate because today is National Waffle Day! This commemoration began over 150 years ago when a man named Cornelius Swartwout invented a modern version of the waffle iron. Though waffle irons existed long beforehand, Swartwout developed a more ideal and convenient way to cook this delicious cake-like food. On August 24, 1869, his patent was issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Waffle lovers in the United States have honored this day annually for the last 153 years.

What is a Waffle?

Waffles are a crisp raised caked baked in a hinged metal griddle with a honeycombed engraved surface. This delightful food is prepared from leavened batter or dough cooked between two patterned hot plates. They’re also made in various shapes and sizes and eaten all over the globe. Whether being enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, snack, or dessert, this fluffy patterned food is a classic.

Types of Waffles

Believe it or not, it or not, there are many different types of waffles. Sweet, salty, savory, there’s a waffle for every flavor. It all narrows down to the style of waffle iron being used and the recipe.

A few different types include:

• Brussels Waffle (Belgian Waffle)
Brussels waffles come from Belgium and are known as Belgian waffles internationally. They have a rectangular shape and are fluffy on the inside with a crispy exterior. Brussels waffles are usually consumed for dessert and are generally topped with powdered sugar, whipped cream, fruit, or chocolate sauce to name a few.

• Belgium Waffle
Ironically, Belgium waffles are not from Belgium. They actually originate in America and are fairly similar to Brussels waffles. The main difference is Belgium waffles are made with baking powder instead of yeast, which slightly shifts the consistency. They’re also circular shaped and commonly served in breakfast meals.

• American Waffle
American Waffles are denser and thinner than Belgian waffles. The pockets are usually smaller and are perfect for holding toppings and syrup. They come in various shapes and sizes, generally served for breakfast, lunch, and even dinner. This is the most popular type of waffle used for chicken and waffles.

• Hong Kong Waffle (Bubble Waffle)
Hong Kong waffles are also referred to as bubble waffles. This street dish is cooked in a special mold that creates crisp edges and soft “bubbles” that are easily broken off for snacking. Some boba shops sell bubble waffles with ice cream and fruit.

• Liege Waffle
Liege waffles are similar to Brussels and Belgium waffles but are smaller and denser with a caramelized sugar coating. They are regularly sold by street vendors as handheld desserts.

How to Make Waffles

Waffles are quick and easy to make, especially with pre-made mixes. All you need is a waffle maker and a few simple ingredients. To enhance and customize the flavor, use Tea Zone powders and Tea Zone syrups.

Ingredients:
• 1 bag of Tea Zone Waffle Powder Mix (makes approximately 20 – 25 waffles)
• 2 tsp Tea Zone Powder of Choice (for flavored waffles)
• 20 oz Milk of choice (dairy or nondairy)
• 10 Eggs
• Cooking spray

Optional Ingredients for Toppings:
• 2 oz Tea Zone Syrup of choice
• Fruits of choice
• Whipped cream
• Ice cream of choice
• Chocolate sauce

Directions:
1. In a bowl, whisk all the ingredients together (minus cooking spray and optional toppings).
2. Spray waffle maker with cooking spray and wait a little for it to heat up.
3. Pour enough batter into the waffle maker and close the lid.
4. Let the batter cook to your liking, allowing it to become crisp and careful not to burn.
5. Once cooked, remove the waffle and put it on a plate to cool.
6. Repeat steps 4 & 5 as necessary depending on how many waffles you're making.
7. Top your waffles off with toppings of choice and enjoy!

Ways to Enjoy Waffles

The best part about this versatile food is that they can be consumed in any way. Sweet, salty, or savory, they are the perfect food for any time of the day.

A few different ways are:

• Just plain and by itself
• With protein on the side (chicken, meat, fish, etc.)
• Topped with fruit, syrup, whipped cream, or ice cream
• All of the above!

Five Fun Waffle Facts

1. Waffles can be traced back to ancient Greece.
2. Thomas Jefferson brought the first waffle iron to America and would throw waffle parties.
3. The world's biggest waffle is 8 feet long, weighing about 110 pounds.
4. Waffles were the inspiration for the very first pair of Nikes.
5. There are two waffle holidays: National Waffle Day (August 24) and International Waffle Day (March 25).