Waffles for New Year's Eve

In the whole world, waffles are commonly associated with Belgium. Sometimes it's the only thing people remember about that country, which is unfortunate. However, we are still proud of our national pastry, so why not offer this for New Year's Eve?

The origin of waffles is still debated. People say they are very similar to Middle Ages small religious 'breads', because two irons were used to make them. Yet, around the 13rd century, it happened that a blacksmith invented a mould mimicking honeycombs. The dish resulting of this moulding was called 'wafel' in Dutch, which means 'honeycomb' (cf. 'weave' in English, because bees weave them). It was sold in the streets by very poor people or offered to beggars on New Year's Eve as a biblical custom, which is why in some Walloon dialects, they are called 'strènes' ('New Year gifts/tips').

However, these waffles were not sugary at all, and it's only in the 18th century that waffles made of honey, eggs and milk appeared. People found them so sweet and delicious that the dish extended to the whole country and many local recipes were created (almost a waffle a city).

 Brussels waffles

One of the most famous type is Brussels waffles. They are light and crunchy rectangular and sugar, cream, jam, chocolate or fruits are often added on them. If you wander across the streets close to Manneken Pis, you will find many shops that sell those to tourists. They were invented in the half of the 19th century and made popular in the whole world after the first Universal Exhibition in 1958, bringing up the name of 'Belgian waffles'.

Liège waffle

Yet, another sort is becoming even more famous among tourists: Liège waffles. These can be easily distinguished from their Brussels cousin in that they are smaller, round and softer. Usually, small pieces of sugar are incorporated to the dough and people in Liège (Wallonia) often add cinnamon to it, making it all scented. You will find different shops in the center of Liège, but they are also sold in Brussels. A legend says a cooker was asked by the Prince-Bishop of Liège to create a new pastry similar to a brioche in the 18th century and he got the idea to make it a waffle.

'Lukken' from West-Flanders

As said earlier, the waffle tradition concerns the whole country, because other recipes can be found in Flanders too. A type found in West-Flanders, now mainly encountered as wafers (small waffles), is called 'lukken' or New Year wafers. Those are butter waffers typically offered to family for New Year's Eve so as to bring them luck ('lukken' in Dutch). A famous brand of lukken is those made by Jules Destrooper, which are now devoured in the whole country.

Now which one will be your favourite? Post a comment!