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
(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.
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.
How cool! Just to clarify - there are no eggs in these right? That would be perfect for tea time this afternoon.
ReplyDeleteThat's right Jennifer! One of the posts that I read said they thought the tradition might have something to do with the fact that by March 25th the chickens would be laying eggs again but then realized that traditional Swedish waffles don't use eggs. I wonder if their recipes were in fact influenced by the more strict Lenten fasting from dairy and eggs found in the history of the Church.
ReplyDeleteThat's so neat. I can tie in a food allergy with the liturgical year - LOL. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi, Charlotte,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this idea! I think we'll make waffles for supper tonight. By the way, I tried to print your "Mother of God" coloring page for the children today, but I got an error message as if the link were wrong. I've successfully printed your (beautiful!) coloring pages before. (Thanks so much for making them available to moms!) Is the link outdated??
In our Savior's love,
Donna
I am so jealous! I need to do more research I guess, because I racked my brain trying to find something to cook/eat on this day that ties in with Lady Day and couldn't come up with anything so we just did this craft (http://theadventuresofacatholicmom.blogspot.com/2009/03/happy-lady-day.html). I sadly can't even have waffles for dinner because it is already 9:30pm here in Germany and my kids are in bed. Oh, well! As I often say to myself after reading your blog on a feast day, "There's always next year!"
ReplyDeleteKelle,
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have known either if it weren't for looking into the subject that was brought up on my children's (very secular) calendar. I was curious why it was International Waffle Day when it had nothing to do with waffle irons or inventions (which is the overall theme for this calendar) I was completely shocked to discover the religious connection!
Hi, Charlotte,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this idea! I think we'll make waffles for supper tonight. By the way, I tried to print your "Mother of God" coloring page for the children today, but I got an error message as if the link were wrong. I've successfully printed your (beautiful!) coloring pages before. (Thanks so much for making them available to moms!) Is the link outdated??
In our Savior's love,
Donna
I just saw your post and don't know why the link didn't work. The picture is still there at the same location. I went ahead and updated it though and now it seems to work. Please let me know if you have any more problems!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Charlotte! YAAAY! It's working now, and your drawing is just beautiful! What talent our Lord has blessed you with-- thank you for sharing your gifts with us!
ReplyDeleteIn our Savior's love,
Donna
My family thanks you, Charlotte! I've been wanting a new waffle maker for a long, LONG time now (my old one broke ages ago) and what better day than today to replace it? My hubby's coming home with a new one tonight; we're having waffles for supper. :)
ReplyDelete