The History of Waffles | Food: Now and Then | NowThis

This is the true and ancient history of waffles.

Waffles have been a long-standing staple in American breakfasts — they’re also one of the oldest desserts in history.

The breakfast pastries can be traced all the way back to Greece. The Greeks used to cook hotcakes between two metal plates — which were technically the first waffle iron. However, they were savory, as opposed to the sweet ones we’re used to today.

Around the 15th century, the Dutch began using rectangular plates instead of circular ones, and forged them into the grid pattern we know today. They then brought their waffle recipe and iron on the Mayflower, and introduced waffles to America.

Once in the states, waffles got a bit of a makeover, with the addition of maple syrup. Thomas Jefferson actually helped popularize the pasties after he learned about them in France. He may have even started the trend of “waffle frolics” or waffles parties, which were popular at the time.

Their popularity shot up again in the late 1800s when the stovetop waffle iron was patented. A few years later, the first pancake batter mix was introduced, called Aunt Jemima — unfortunately named after a minstrel show character. And after the electric waffle iron came to be eventually, waffles truly become solidified in the American diet.

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[finessecollins]

This was the perfect educational accompaniment to my waffle dinner.

[alastor]

2:18 Aunt Jemima was a treasure and her removal is black erasure.

[BHuang]

Narrator: People thought the squares in the waffles were used to distribute the batter more evenly.
Random Dutch inventor: I thought it looked

[VincentConti-mj]

History of waffles!!!! Incredible!!!! I thought my nana invented rhem!

[gildersleevefan]

I really wanted to watch this, but had to stop it half way through because the fourth grade student sounding narration was driving me up the wall.

[maencifer]

PSA: Waffles are better than pancakes.

[genestarwind]

Where is the CC what is the greek flat cakes called?

[gauravkumar_b.]

Long story in short : it's. GREEK FOOD

[Coby_Got]

I highly doubt the Pilgrims were eating Waffles

[Sheadly]

The waffle house has found its new host

[JohnDoe-cyvk]

You have lost all respect for yourself. GET WOKE GO BROKE