Here at Fresh Baby, we aren’t fans of a cluttered kitchen, filled with a plethora of uni-tasking appliances. The King of the uni-taskers is the Waffle Iron, but today, we celebrate it.
It is recorded that waffle irons were used as early as the 14th century and brought to America by Dutch pilgrims in 1620, but the first waffle iron was patented in 1869. Then in 1911, General Electric introduced the electric waffle iron.
So what can you do with one of these appliances when breakfast is over and the thrill of fresh waffles has subsided? Try one of these:
French Toast: Prepare your French toast as usual, but instead of putting the soaked bread on a skillet, try putting in on the waffle iron.
Eggs: A waffled omelet will tickle even the pickiest little eater.
Hash Brown Potatoes: A delicious side for any meal, just peel and grate your potatoes. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Spray your waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray and load it up with potatoes.
Quesadillas: Set the skillet aside and use a waffle iron to cook up quesadillas. The waffled design makes perfect little divets to hold salsa, sour cream and guacamole – ole!
Waffle Cookies (or Brownies): Less than 5 minutes on the iron and you have a crispy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside dessert.
Cornbread: No need to change your recipe, just make sure you’ve made plenty to go around.
Sandwiches: Whether it’s a basic grilled cheese or an elaborate Panini – these sandwiches come out perfect when made in a waffle iron.
Hamburgers: The nooks and crannies are perfect for condiments.
Falafel Waffles: Much healthier than the deep-fried version. Use a waffle iron to cook up delicious, crispy falafel. The flattened shape fits perfectly in a pita. Top it with lettuce, tomato, tzaziki or tahini sauce for a tasty “waffle-ized” meal.
And if all these ideas don’t keep you busy enough…
Shoes: Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman used a waffle iron (his wife’s actually) to create a shoe sole that would grip, while still being lightweight. In 1972, the “Moon Shoe” was introduced (it was said to resemble the prints left by astronauts on the moon) and in 1974 the refined Waffle Trainer was introduced, helping fuel the company’s success. So next time you see a pair of Nikes, remember that your waffle iron can do more than make waffles!
From know on I will think of my waffle iron in a totally different way and it will get more use! Thanks for all of the great ideas. :)
Posted by: Kristi @ Creative Connections for Kids | July 01, 2011 at 11:04 AM