In Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, March 25th marks a delicious celebration: Waffle Day. Interestingly, this day coincides with the Feast of the Annunciation, where waffles traditionally grace the table. The origin of Waffle Day stems from a charming misunderstanding. The Feast of the Annunciation, also known as "Our Ladies Day," sounds strikingly similar to "waffle day" in Swedish, sparking a delightful culinary tradition.

Scandinavians cherish their waffles, and so do we! Norwegian waffles, with their distinctive heart shape, hold a special place in our hearts. Crafting these delectable treats requires a unique waffle iron, adding to the allure of indulging in this delightful tradition.

Our preferred toppings for vafler include powdered sugar, lingonberry jam, and yes, brown cheese—a Scandinavian favorite that warrants its own discussion in a future post. For those with savory inclinations, smoked salmon or ham and cheese waffles offer a tantalizing alternative.

Recipe:

6 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. ground cardamom
1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
pinch of salt
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup melted butter
3 Tbsp. butter for frying (brush on waffle iron)

Mix eggs, sugar and cardamom; add flour, baking powder and salt; add sour cream and butter.  Make sure the batter is thin.  You may choose to grind your own cardamom.  Sour cream can be substituted with buttermilk, crème fraiche or heavy cream.  In addition to the ideas above, you can try topping your waffles with crème fraiche and berries, cloudberry cream or anything else you can dream up.

When whipping up your heart-shaped waffles, remember to keep the batter thin, as Norwegian waffles differ from their American counterparts, boasting a thinner and softer texture. 

Here's to savoring the simple joys of Waffle Day and indulging in a culinary delight that transcends borders and cultures. Share your favorite toppings in the comments! Happy waffling!