A History of Waffles - Communion Wafers to Eggo
Tasting History with Max Miller・18 minutes read
Waffles have a rich history dating back to the 18th century, with unique recipes like one from 1714 featuring ingredients like butter, rose water, and yeast, and evolving into different flavors and styles across Europe and America. Despite waning popularity in some countries, waffles have remained a staple in American culture with various types like the Liège waffle and toaster waffles.
Insights
- The historical waffle recipe from 1714 included ingredients such as eggs, sugar, nutmeg, cream, rose water, and yeast, showcasing a unique blend of flavors and textures that differed from modern waffles served with syrup.
- Waffles have a rich history tracing back to communion wafers, with medieval recipes featuring unconventional ingredients like fish roe and cheese, evolving over time to include diverse flavors like cardamom and chocolate, reflecting the cultural and regional variations in waffle-making traditions.
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Recent questions
What ingredients are in a historic waffle recipe from 1714?
The historic waffle recipe from 1714 includes eggs, sugar, nutmeg, cream, flour, butter, rose water, and yeast. Specific quantities are 2 eggs, 2 tsp sugar, 1 tsp nutmeg, 1 cup cream, 225g flour, 225g melted butter, 1 tsp rose water, and 1.5 tsp dried yeast.
How were waffles cooked in the early 18th century?
In the early 18th century, waffles were cooked using a cast iron waffle iron or an electric waffle maker. The batter did not require greasing the surface due to the butter already in the mixture. The batter was left to rise for at least an hour before cooking.
What is the history of waffles traced back to?
The history of waffles is traced back to communion wafers, which evolved into sweet wafers with varied flavors across Europe. Medieval literature references waffles, with recipes including unique ingredients like fish roe and cheese-filled waffles. Waffles spread across Europe with different flavors associated with different times of the year.
What sponsor offers a coffee subscription service?
Trade coffee is mentioned as a sponsor, offering a subscription service for fresh coffee from local roasters. This service allows customers to receive high-quality coffee beans regularly, enhancing their coffee-drinking experience.
What was the evolution of waffle parties in America?
Waffle parties were popular in America, evolving from simple waffle frolics to more sophisticated events by the 20th century. Waffles remained popular in America, leading to the creation of varieties like the Liège waffle and toaster waffles. While waffles waned in France and England, they continued to thrive in America with various adaptations and flavors.
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Summary
00:00
"18th Century Waffle Recipe with Wine"
- In the early 18th century, waffles were served with melted butter and wine instead of syrup.
- A historic waffle recipe from 1714 is detailed, featuring ingredients like eggs, sugar, nutmeg, cream, flour, butter, rose water, and yeast.
- The recipe calls for specific quantities of ingredients: 2 eggs, 2 tsp sugar, 1 tsp nutmeg, 1 cup cream, 225g flour, 225g melted butter, 1 tsp rose water, and 1.5 tsp dried yeast.
- The batter is prepared by mixing yeast, sugar, and nutmeg with flour, then adding beaten eggs, cream, melted butter, and rose water.
- The batter is left to rise for at least an hour before cooking the waffles.
- Trade coffee is mentioned as a sponsor, offering a subscription service for fresh coffee from local roasters.
- A wine and butter sauce for the waffles is made with melted butter, cinnamon, sugar, and sherry.
- The waffles are cooked using a cast iron waffle iron or an electric waffle maker, with no need to grease the surface due to the butter in the batter.
- The history of waffles is traced back to communion wafers, evolving into sweet wafers with varied flavors across Europe.
- Medieval literature references waffles, with recipes including cheese-filled waffles and unique ingredients like fish roe.
12:17
Evolution of Waffles Through History
- Fish-flavored waffles were popular during Lent, lacking cream, eggs, and butter.
- Paris saw a rise in flavored wafer sellers, leading to turf quarrels and King Charles the Ninth imposing spacing restrictions.
- Belgium and Holland introduced fluffier waffles in the late 16th century, using yeast for a lighter texture.
- The introduction of yeast led to the traditional grid pattern waffle with deep pockets for fluffiness.
- Waffles spread across Europe with various flavors like cardamom, wine, and chocolate, associated with different times of the year.
- Waffle parties were popular in America, evolving from waffle frolics to more sophisticated events by the 20th century.
- Waffles waned in France and England but remained popular in America, evolving into varieties like the Liège waffle and toaster waffles.
