Waffle, Wafel, Walfre, or Wafla?

A post! Due to a dearth of ideas (see what I did there? Wordsmart word) by me or the other author (cough cough); I was hoping a great story would be found using Google. Sadly, no. But I did finish a good book recently (Janson Directive by Robert Ludlum) that included a solid bit set in Amsterdam. The Amsterdam bit had me focused on Houseboats, which is a much bigger thing than I thought, and English Words with Dutch origins again. One I hadn't really thought of in a while that Ludlum referenced.

Behold the Mighty Waffle

Here in America. When we think Waffle our first thoughts are probably Belgium Waffles or Eggo (the surprising good readymade toaster variety). But did you know that Waffles are very old?

The Dutch word Wafel (mid 13th century) and the Frankish word Walfre (1185) both come from the root word walfa which means honeycomb or cake (how about both!). Wikipedia goes into great detail about the origins of the Waffle and Waffle through the years. Fascinating bit comparing the different Waffle varieties.

American Waffle: vary, but are normally a sweet breakfast food similar to pancakes. Denser and thinner than Belgium Waffles.
Belgium Waffle: Surprisingly ISN'T from Belgium. North American in origin. Known for it's larger size, lighter batter, and higher grid pattern. These were made popular during the 1964 worlds fair by Maurice Vermersch from Brussels Belgium and called the Bel-Gem waffle. The recipe is very similar to the Brussels style waffle. Vermersch decided to change the name when from Brussels waffle to the Bel-Gem due to the poor geography skills of the American consumers. It's like me telling people from another country I'm from Indiana and they ask if that's close to New York.

There are many other types of Waffles on the Wikipedia page that I've never heard of.

Lastly: Eggo Waffle: Frozen, owned by Kellogg and invented in the 1930s. Originally called Froffles but were referred to as Eggos due to their eggy taste. The name eventually became synonymous with the product and it stuck. L'Eggo my Eggo

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