Character Building Is As Much Of An Art As The Perfectly Crafted Waffle | National Waffle Day 2025
- MG Lorraine
- Mar 25
- 2 min read
Waffles are such an amazing and interesting food with nice little pockets to fill with decadence whether it be maple syrup, whipped cream, topping, fruit or jam. Even on the savory side, they could contain sauce or gravy. This multifaceted pastry has made it around the world and to present day with basically the same design, process and results over time, even though its history began in Ancient Greece as an early form of flat cakes that were baked between metal plates.
With just a bit of reading, you can find the vast assortment of waffle flavors, styles, customs and cultural traditions. While the pastry itself is much the same their presentation and customization has evolved, shaped and crafted a storied past as it carved through over the centuries. But one thing is certain, EVERYONE seems to have their own signature favorite.
"Layering characters in fiction is much like choosing your favorite style and toppings of waffles." M. G. shares.
Belgium is known for its waffle culture with wide selection of style options, but the most common "Belgium Waffle" is large and fluffy with crunchy edges. The Dutch favor their waffles to be thinner as their word, “wafel”, literally is interpreted to mean honeycomb. They also enjoy them topped with all sorts of fruits and cream.
In America, we’ve created an entire industry that has made the waffle a staple in the home, on-the-go and available for almost any meal. From frozen “eggo” waffles that are easily toasted to heart-shaped waffles for special occasions. At restaurants, you can often get them filled with chocolate chips or in-season fruits like blueberries, raspberries, bananas, apple compote, pumpkin spice and more. However, in recent years, the kitchen has found a place for unique waffle specialties like southern favorite, "chicken and waffles", or waffles with unique batters such as a stuffing waffle topped with turkey gravy and mashed potatoes. Whether it be at grandmother's table, in a restaurant, at a party or a local food truck, the current waffle choices are limitless and fabulous to eat.
As an author, the food that your characters choose to eat and to share is a key to the continual building of their story, their personalities, and the worlds they inhabit. This can be used as a further indicator of cultural leanings, social standing, monetary well-being, or even traditions and familial ties. Knowledge of food and its history is critical in the backstory building of each character, event, timeline and outcome of their tale.
Waffles are versatile, customizable, delicious, and just fun! They are also comfort food, globally available, and universally loved. So today, let's celebrate the glorious waffle by enjoying your favorite! Anyway you wish! Share it with people you love and make it your own creation! Happy eating!
Until next time,
Comments