National Waffle Day

National Waffle Day takes place on August 24, because it was on that day in 1869 that Cornelius Swartwout, of Troy, New York, was given a patent for a waffle iron. Precursors to waffles existed over 4,000 years ago, when hotcakes were cooked on heated stones that were flipped so that both sides received heat. At some time during the Iron Age, heated iron plates, or griddles, were used on both sides of these cakes. In Ancient Greece, and later during the Middle Ages, many variations of these cakes were made, which were called oublies. The first known "waffle" recipe was made in the late 14th century, but it was a waffle in name only, as it did not include a leavening agent. What we now know as a waffle began taking shape in the 15th century, with the food being made in the familiar grid pattern, and leavening agents began being used during the following century. In 1725, the word waffle was first used in the English language, and recipes spread throughout England and America. Many of these were based on earlier Dutch, French, Belgian, and French recipes. Swartwout patented his waffle iron in 1869, but it wasn't until the 1910's that General Electric's electric waffle iron was introduced. By the 1930's, waffle irons were standard kitchen appliances. In 1953, the Dorsa brothers introduced frozen waffles, and the waffles' names were changed to Eggo in 1955. A variation of the Belgian waffle became popular after being introduced at the 1964 World's Fair in New York City. It is fitting waffles would have a day dedicated to them, as they are a popular breakfast food that has gone through many changes over the centuries.

How to Observe National Waffle Day

You should be eating waffles today! Have them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! You could make them at home from scratch, have frozen waffles, or go out to a Waffle House. There are many types of waffles you could try, and here are some of the most famous. A favorite of these you could make from scratch is the Belgian waffle. Here are over sixty other waffle recipes you could try.

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