Waffles and Ice Cream with a Side of History

Waffles and Ice Cream: A Dinner with a Side of History

Sometimes, breaking the routine can lead to delightful surprises. My kids are usually expected to eat whatever is put in front of them, without complaints. But every now and then, we throw caution to the wind and indulge in something fun and unexpected. Enter our favorite unconventional dinner: Waffles and Ice Cream.

But here’s the twist—dinner comes with a side of history. I believe that food isn’t just about taste; it’s about learning and sharing stories. So, as we enjoy our waffles and ice cream, we dive into the fascinating history behind this delectable treat.

A Sweet Story: The Birth of the Waffle Cone

Our waffle and ice cream dinner is more than just a tasty treat; it’s a chance to explore the origins of one of our favorite desserts. The story begins in 1904 at the St. Louis World’s Fair, where a man named Ernest Hamwi had a waffle booth. Right next to him was Arnold Fornachu, who was serving ice cream.

Unfortunately for Fornachu, he ran out of bowls for his ice cream. As the story goes, Hamwi, ever the quick thinker, decided to help out. He wrapped a waffle around the ice cream, creating what we now know as the waffle cone. This spontaneous solution turned into a timeless classic, blending crispy waffles with creamy ice cream in a way that has delighted taste buds for over a century.

The Ultimate Waffle and Ice Cream Combo

For this special dinner, we took our waffle and ice cream experience up a notch with some premium products. We used Schwan’s dark chocolate and peppermint waffles, which were perfect for this dessert adventure. Topped with the creamiest, most indulgent Berry Burst Frozen Yogurt, it was a hit at the dinner table.

The waffles were rich and flavorful, with a hint of dark chocolate and peppermint that complemented the berry ripple of the frozen yogurt. My sister and I couldn’t believe how gooey and delicious it was—look at that berry swirl! Even my kids were amazed at how the frozen yogurt tasted just like ice cream.

Why Waffles and Ice Cream Make a Great Dinner

Why is this combination so irresistible? It’s not just about the flavors, though they are fantastic. Waffles and ice cream offer a sensory experience that’s both satisfying and fun. The crunch of the waffle and the creaminess of the ice cream create a delightful contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Classic Waffle Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes per batch
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat Waffle Iron:
   • Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If it has a temperature setting, set it to medium-high.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • In another bowl, beat the eggs. Then add the milk, vegetable oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined; the batter will be a bit lumpy, and that’s okay. Avoid overmixing to ensure fluffy waffles.
5. Cook the Waffles:
   • Lightly grease the waffle iron with cooking spray or a small amount of vegetable oil. Pour the batter onto the preheated waffle iron, using a ladle or measuring cup. Close the waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until the waffles are golden brown and crisp. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
6. Serve:
   • Carefully remove the waffles from the iron and keep them warm in a low oven (200°F) while you cook the remaining waffles. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, syrup, whipped cream, or even ice cream for a special treat.

Expert Tips

• For Crispier Waffles: Use a bit of cornstarch in the batter or cook the waffles a bit longer for extra crispiness.
• Make Ahead: You can make the waffles ahead of time and freeze them. To reheat, simply toast them in a toaster or bake them in the oven.

FAQs

Q: Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, but the texture will be denser. You can use a 1:1 ratio for a healthier option.

Q: What can I use instead of eggs?
A: You can use flax eggs or chia eggs as a substitute. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water per egg and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes gelatinous.

Q: How can I make these waffles dairy-free?
A: Substitute the milk with almond milk, soy milk, or any other dairy-free milk, and use a non-dairy oil or melted coconut oil instead of butter.