Waffles have been a favorite food for hundreds of years, and today they are sold worldwide for dessert, breakfast, or a snack. Not all recipes for the batter are alike, and some use baking powder for leavening while others are yeast based. They can be found in many different shapes and sizes, so the type of waffle determines which of the many waffle makers to purchase.
Plate sized waffles with large squares are usually referred to as Belgian style waffles. True Belgian waffles use a yeast batter, but the term is normally used to refer to the physical characteristics of the waffle regardless of the batter. In addition to the larger squares, Belgian style waffles are normally thicker and crisper.
American waffles are thinner than Belgian style, and they are normally made with a batter containing baking powder instead of yeast. They may be round, rectangular, or square, and the grid pattern is smaller than the Belgian type.
Standard waffle makers are intended almost exclusively for the cooking of waffles, although some sandwiches can be prepared on them as well. A waffle sandwich is similar to a grilled variety, but the square marks will be embedded in the bread. Other styles feature grill plates that can be switched to make it possible to cook other foods. For example, a griddle plate may be used to make sandwiches, while a ribbed one expedites the preparation of meats. Additional waffle plates offer the cook the ability to make waffles shaped like cartoon characters or other objects.
When choosing a machine, consider how much space you have available to operate and store it. For example, the types that flip the waffles while cooking are quite a bit taller than the standard model. Those that make large waffles, like Belgian style, also need more room for storage as well as counter space for operation.
Non-stick surfaces make clean up easier as well as making it easier to remove the food. Many users also like a drip pan to catch any batter overflow, and a timer with a bell is another nice feature. The ability to adjust the heat is critical for those units that offer a variety of inserts, such as for cooking meat. Many cooks also like an indicator, such as a light, that will show when a selected temperature has been reached.
Maple syrup and butter are the typical toppings for waffles, but they can also be topped with a dusting of confectionery sugar, whipped cream and fruit, or eaten plain. Since the batter used to bake waffles is essentially the same as is used for cakes, toppings that work with cakes can transfer easily to a waffle. Frosting, chocolate syrup, and ice cream are often used to dress waffles. A lower sugar batter can also be baked to make a bread to accompany salads, stews, or soups.
Ben writes for a website dedicated to waffle recipes that also gives you usefull advice on buying waffle makers. You can also find many different waffle recipes for those of you that already own a waffle iron.
Tags: breakfast, Cooking, desserts, Food, home, Recipes, waffle recipe, waffles
