Who knew a simple appliance of basically two honeycomb-patterned metal plates hinged together developed in the 14th century would make such a big impact on our lives!
The first patent in the USA for a waffle iron was in 1869, submitted by Cornelius Swarthout. His invention would sit easily on a wood stove using handles for opening, closing and turning. A big improvement over getting burned as was the case on an open fire using iron plates. In 1911, General Electric produced a prototype electric waffle iron and made it available to the general public in 1918.
To waffle means to waver between decisions and nowadays we certainly have cause. Waffle iron makers today offer a large variety of styles to create Belgian, Liege, potato or vegan waffles. But however you like your waffles; served plain with maple syrup, topped with berries, whipped cream or with a side of fried chicken (my favorite) and even used to hold scoops of chocolate chip mint ice cream, I bet your mouth is watering right now. Waffle palates enjoyed around the world are diverse, limited only by their creator’s cultural tastes and culinary imaginations.
And all thanks to the waffle iron. They have come a long way from iron plates on an open fire to my kids in the kitchen downstairs screaming, “let go my Eggo!”