The waffle is just about served or eaten in all parts of the world today.  Today's waffle is made of dough or batter basically made of flour, milk and eggs.  Most waffles are served as a breakfast dish usually with sweet syrup, fruit and powder sugar; however, there are wonderful dessert waffle recipes that are filled with cream or fruit and sometimes served with ice cream.  To make the best waffle at home, you will first need to select the best waffle iron and decide on which style of waffle you want it to make.

Waffles as we know them today had their beginnings during the 13th century in Europe as wafers.  They were made of an oat and barley mixture, not of the flour batter we use, but they were made in a wafer iron similar to the cast iron hinged waffle makers still produced today.  In fact, Rome still makes the cast iron waffle iron that can be used on gas stones or camp stoves.  Over the decades, the waffle changed to include styles such as the American, Belgian and Scandinavian waffle today. 

Each style of waffle can be made by a different style of waffle iron.  Most waffle irons today are made of a durable metal with non-stick waffle plates, temperature control settings and timers to produce the best waffles right at home.  Black and Decker and Cuisinart both make an economical waffle iron for the classic American waffle.  These waffles are thin cakes with crispy outsides and come in round, square or rectangle shapes.  

The Belgian waffle is about 1 inch thick with larger pockets compared to all other varieties.  The Belgian waffle is lighter and crispier, and served with fruit and powder sugar topped with whipped cream.  Presto, Waring and Oster all make a flip-style Belgian Waffle Iron which rotates to ensure an even baking and the perfect waffle.   My favorite is the Presto FlipSide Belgian Waffle Iron which comes with 1100 watts of power and makes a 7-inch waffle with very deep pockets. 

Another one of my favorite waffles is the Scandinavian style waffle, which are thin and heart-shaped.  Also made of the same type of batter as the American or Belgian waffle, but it does require the special heart-shaped waffle iron.  Chef's Choice has two waffle irons with the traditional heart shaped irons.  Each one makes the 5 heart-shaped, thin waffles that can be served with raspberries or strawberries, powder sugar and whipped cream.  This Scandinavian style Waffle Iron makes a wonderful wedding, engagement or anniversary gift.

Once you select the best waffle iron for your favorite style of waffle, then you will have a hard time going back to the pre-packaged, frozen variety of waffles from the grocery stores.  There is nothing like having fresh, warm waffles right off the iron in the morning.  Our family loves spreading peanut butter and maple syrup on a warm waffle for a yummy snack. Try experimenting with a variety of recipes or flavored waffle mixes and find your family favorites.