Annunciation Waffles

The children informed me that we had to have waffles today. Why? Well, it said so on their Learning Calendar. Why? Because it's International Waffle Day. Why? According to the calendar, it originated in Sweden where it is known as Vaffeldagen. March 25 is "the day where Swedish women set aside their winter tasks of chopping wood and knitting, and begin their spring tasks by preparing waffles". Again, I asked... why?

Because it is the Feast of the Annunciation (known as "Our Lady's Day" or Varfrudagen).

Truly!

Isn't that just the best? When you discover a holiday's holy origins!

Now, if you didn't know this tidbit of information in time to make waffles for breakfast, don't worry. According to this website, Swedish waffles are closer to their Belgian cousins and are often served as afternoon treats or for dessert. And since it is a solemnity and we are "fairly commanded to celebrate" my kids say...break out the whipped cream!

Here is a recipe for traditional Swedish crisp waffles or Frasvafflor:

Frasvafflor (Swedish Crisp Waffles)
(from Emma Olsson)
about 10 waffles
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup water
pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
3 T. butter, melted and cooled

Stir together flour, water and salt. Let rest at room temperature for about an hour. Add the butter and mix well. Whip the cream and fold into the batter.

Give the waffle iron plenty of time to warm up before you pour in the first waffle. Be prepared to spoil the first one. Think of it as priming the pump or firing a test shot, and you won't be as anxious. The reliable key to when the waffle is done is not when the iron's light goes out, but when steam stops emerging from it. Heat your regular oven to 200 degrees F and set a rack inside. As the waffles are baked, lay each one on the rack in a single layer to keep them warm while you cook the rest.

For a Swedish presentation, serve with more whipped cream, perhaps with some blueberries stirred in, or with lingonberry jam.

BTW, it is NOT National Waffle Day. No, no, no! Don't get caught up in that controversy. I think those people are considering joining the Soda Bread Task Force. As far as I know, it hasn't happened ...yet. Still, you might want to toast your Eggo's in the basement or with blackout curtains drawn.