National Waffle Iron Day!

 National Waffle Iron Day!

Not to be confused with National Waffle Day, which is August 24th

I want to start off by saying, this post subject is one that I really got into researching. I'm a geek for useless(and not-so) facts!

I love discovering history. 

Who was the first to...

How was X started.

Where was the first X

I have so many questions!

I found the history of the waffle iron quite fascinating.

Culinary historians believe what is now called waffles and the iron to make them can be dated back to ancient Greece

Chefs roasted flat cakes called obelios between metal plates attached to long wooden handles over a fire and they weren't as sweet as a modern waffle.

Around the 14th century, wafer irons were flat, sometimes circular, and usually made to imprint elaborate patterns, including coat of arms, landscapes, and religious symbols.

Over time, these wafers became thicker and were more of the modern waffle. Early waffle irons were hot, heavy, and dangerous.

Many people suffered serious burns due to lifting and trying to turn the hot irons.

In 1869, Cornelius Swarthout patented a new and improved stove-top waffle iron!

His invention looked nothing like modern electric models. Fashioned to sit on wood or gas stoves, the cast-iron plates were joined by a hinge that swiveled in a cast-iron collar.

Quote from his patent "

The nature of my invention consists in providing a handle, connected with and forming part of a waffle-iron, by means of which the same may be readily turned over without danger of slipping and without the possibility of burning the hand. It also consists in providing a device, by means of which the upper covering portion of a waffle-iron may be raised, so as to expose the interior, for filling, or for removing the waffle when done without danger of the cover slipping back, and without burning the hand."

The next big upgrade was in 1911 when General Electric developed a prototype of the first electric waffle iron. They didn't start production until 1918.

From then on, waffle irons have been upgraded and improved.

We've come a long way with the waffles.

In doing the research, I found a ton of antique waffle irons on both Ebay and Amazon.

I have to say, this little one is my favorite. Modern technology with a retro charm.

Dash No-Drip Waffle Maker 

or even this one

Double Hearts Waffle Maker

I hope you've had as much fun as I have learning all about the history of the waffle iron.

How do you like your waffles?

1. Traditional, butter, syrup and/or powdered sugar

2. Freshened up with fruit and whipped topping

3. Trendy with the chicken and waffles crowd

National Onion Rings Day!

 It's National Onion Rings Day Y'all!

(I promise, not all the National Day posts will be about food. I hope!)

I gotta be honest with you all. Up until about seven or so years ago, I would've been all... "Uh, ew! Onion rings?!"

I have no idea why. It just wasn't my thing. I'd always choose fries. I mean seriously, who wouldn't if given the choice? ("Would you like french fries or onion rings?")

Fries, definitely, fries!

Right?

Okay, so now I may choose onion rings, but I'm still pretty picky about them.

It has to be the right texture, size, and flavor.

It's either a yes or a big Nope for me. I definitely prefer an actual onion ring versus the minced onion.

There are a few local places that can really persuade me with their recipes.

Jolly's is a local root beer drive-in joint that has some pretty good, golden crispy, just salty enough onion rings. 5/5 for them!

Mad Mike's burgers is another local place that has some pretty good ones. I'd have to go 4/5 for them. Only because they are one of those that have jumped on the "onion rings go on a burger" wagon, and I'm just not feeling that.

Red Robin is my big chain choice for onion rings.

I'm going to have to call out Sonic and Burger King as my No-Go onion rings.

I don't know if it's the whole pre-made, packaged bit or what, but I just can't do them.

Sorry, not sorry.

I've also found a wonderful, keto-friendly recipe for Air Fryer Onion Rings!

London has some great recipes. Make sure to check her page out.

If you don't own an air fryer yet, go grab this one!

Seriously, this is amazing. Easy to use, easy to clean, and it is a 6 in 1!

You can use it as an air fryer, broiler, roaster, dehydrator, baking, and also reheating foods.

Start out using it to celebrate National Onion Ring Day. Tomorrow, try something new!

Let me know how it goes! I'd love to hear feedback and share pics!

Do you have a favorite dipping sauce? I'm pretty basic with Ketchup. What should I try?

Dear America Book Series

 

Dear America Book Series

I know this isn't my usual spot for book reviews. You can view those here: A Novel Experience 

 I wanted to do a little showcase on these great books. I'm calling these a series, although they actually are stand-alone. I definitely recommend buying as many as you can!

I have 3 daughters, am a self-taught history buff, and an unapologetic book hoarder.

According to Goodreads, there are 43 books. We probably own 15 or so and have read more of them.

These historical fiction books are fascinating. They are full of wonderful information on some of America's biggest historical moments!

While the protagonist is usually a fictitious, young girl writing in her diary, the historical events are factual and many of the names are also real people.

I actually just finished reading another one of these books, which is mainly the reason for this post.

I wanted to hop on here and share this one.

Dear America, A Time For Courage

The Suffragette Diary of Kathleen Bowen

Washington, D.C, 1917

written by: Kathryn Lasky

I honestly was just drawn into this book from the beginning. There is so much information that I learned.

A few of the things I am taking away from this book.

The suffragette movement was so much more than just women wanting to be legally allowed to vote.

Women were not allowed to sue anyone, have mortgages, and were often denied higher education. Women were also required to quit their jobs once they became married at one time in history.

Mrs. Elizabeth Cady Stanton was the first to hold a meeting for woman's rights in her home. The meeting, held in July 1848 held over 300 women and 40 men, including Frederick Douglas.

Lucy Burns was arrested with many other women. In 1917, she led many of the women prisoners on a hunger strike that eventually led to their pardons and release from jail.

President Wilson did not support the Women's movement and often refused to listen or acknowledge the picketers and spokespeople.

Women picketers were called unwomanly, pathological, diseased, dangerous, among other things.

Women today still fight for equality.

 

As you can see, this book alone is full of wonderful history.

I would love for you to check out more of these books here.

More Dear America Books!

Have you read any of them?

Which is your favorite?