Brussels waffles are made from a batter cooked in a special waffle iron patterned to give a distinctive and characteristic grid shape.
Watch our short video presentation about Mardi Gras in France:
Where do waffles come from?
Waffles are traditionally eaten at Mardi-Gras with icing sugar, but toppings with chocolate (Nutella), berries or ice cream are also enjoyed by young and old.
They were consumed by many Kings in the past, such as King François I, who had commissioned waffle makers made from silver! According to historians, waffles originate from the region of Brussels in Belgium, and the whole country – including the French Flanders – claims its paternity!
Their reputation in North America originated in 1620 when Pilgrims from Holland brought the recipe to the New World. Then, Thomas Jefferson brought a waffle iron from France, opening the way to the popularity of waffles in the USA in the late 18th century. Today, brands like Breville or Sage offer some of the best waffle makers.
There are wide varieties of waffles in Belgium and Flanders: the Liege waffle, the stroowafel, and the Brussels waffle (often known in Anglo-Saxon countries as Belgium waffle). A Brussels Waffle, sometimes called “Gaufre de Bruxelles” or “Gaufre Kermesse” in French, is recognisable by its larger size, lighter batter, and higher grid pattern. It forms deep pockets and has larger squares.
Ingredients for making waffles
- 325 g plain flour
- 3 large eggs
- 75 g butter
- 300 ml milk
- 50 ml water
- 100 g caster sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2tsp salt
- a few drops of vanilla essence/ extract
Method for making waffles
- Separate the eggs.
- Melt the butter in the milk by heating it till lukewarm.
- Mix the egg yolks into the butter and milk mixture and add the vanilla essence.
- Put the flour into a mixing bowl, add the baking powder and make a well in the centre.
- Add the milk mixture and combine it with the flour. Add water if the mixture is too thick.
- Whisk the egg whites in a separate bowl until firm peaks, then whisk the caster sugar to form a meringue mixture.
- Fold the meringue mixture into the batter using a large metal spoon.
- Cook the mixture in the hot waffle iron, which will need a little oil on the first ones.
- Decorate with icing sugar or a topping of your choice, and eat hot!
Read the recipe in our French blog!
Discover our favourite waffle maker!
Have you been preparing waffles, too? Do you have a favourite recipe you could share with us?
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