National Waffle Day is TODAY! Why? From thenibble.com

In 1869, Cornelius Swarthout of Troy, New York, a Dutch-American, receives a patent for the first waffle iron in the U.S., on August 24th. Described as a “device to bake waffles,” one heats up the waffle iron over a coal stove, pour batter on the griddle, close the cover and after a few minutes, flip the griddle and cook the other side of the waffle. It becomes very popular. The anniversary of the patent is now celebrated as National Waffle Day.

More history?

In 1620, Dutch “wafles” come to America with the Pilgrims, who spend time in Holland prior to sailing to America. 1735. The word “waffle,” with two “fs,” appears in print in English for the first time.

In 1789, at the start of the French Revolution, Thomas Jefferson returns to the U.S. from his position as Minister to France. Along with a pasta machine, he brings a long-handled waffle iron that encloses the batter and gives the waffle crispness and shape. This begins the trend of “waffle frolics” or waffle parties, where guests can enjoy their waffles sweet (with maple syrup or molasses) or savory (topped with kidney stew).

–      I was born August 24, 1960 in Maryland
–      My father was a baseball coach with Baltimore and I fell in love with the game
–      I was drafted by the Orioles in 1978 and I spent my whole career with them
–      I was called up to the big leagues in 1981 and became a full time starter at shortstop in 1982
–      I played in a record 2,632 consecutive games
–      I was a 19-time all-star and two-time American League MVP
–      I was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007
 
I am…Cal Ripken, Jr. Congratulations to Doug from Mount Vernon, who guessed correctly and wins the $5 gift card to Round Hill Dairy Ice Cream.

Thanks for listening!
– Joe