It’s National Waffle Iron Day

Waffle lovers rejoice for today is your day. Today we celebrate the Waffle Iron. And let’s face it, without a waffle iron, all you’ve got are pancakes. It’s only fitting that a kitchen tool that has been around since the 14th Century get it’s own day of recognition.

The first waffle irons, used over an open fire, had very elaborate designs such as coats of arms or religious symbols.

Today most waffle irons are made of two honeycomb-pattern metal plates that are hinged together. The first US patent for a waffle iron was issued in 1869. In 1911, General Electric produced an electric waffle iron prototype and in 1918, the first electric model was available to the public.

Today irons come in a variety of designs, from the traditional honeycomb to characters and animals. Waffle makers give us the deep Belgium to the waffle cones. Most breakfast brunch bars include waffles, even if you make them yourself.

For me, waffles and fruits just seem to go hand in hand.

Malted Belgian Waffles with Cinnamon Apples
Cinnamon Apples
2 Golden Delicious Apples
2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons Butter
½ tablespoon Cinnamon

Wash and thinly slice the apples, set aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add apples, brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir to coat apples. Let cook, stirring occasionally, while the apples soften. Keep warm to serve with waffles.

Malted Waffles
2 cups Flour
1/4 cup Malted Milk Powder
1-1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon fine Salt
1-1/2 cups cold Milk
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/4 cup Butter, melted
2 Egg Whites
Melted Butter as needed for Waffle Maker

For Serving
1/2 cup Butter, melted
Mable Syrup as desired
Cinnamon for dusting

In a large bowl, whisk flour, malt powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt until combined.

In a second bowl, whisk milk and vanilla. Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Melt butter, add to the batter.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold whites gently into the waffle batter.

Heat Waffle Maker. Brush generously with melted butter. Pour batter into the heated iron according to manufacture’s direction (do not over-fill). Close lid, cook according to instructions.

Repeat with remaining batter until all the waffles are made.

Melt butter and warm syrup for serving. Place waffles on individual plates, drizzle each with butter and syrup. Divide cinnamon apples among the waffles. Sprinkle with cinnamon as desired.

Serve with crisp bacon and fresh coffee if desired.