“I am grateful that you’re alive”, he said. “I am grateful that you’re beside me. I am grateful that you’re eating.”
She rested her head on his shoulder.
“You’re better than waffles, Matthias Helvar.”
A small smile curled the Fjerdan’s lips.
“Let’s not say things we don’t mean, my love.”
Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
Let’s be honest, Nina’s relationship with waffles is one of the greatest love stories of all time. In the book, the real tragedy is that Nina and Matthias never actually get to eat waffles together. However, in Netflix’s adaptation of the series, we are given an adorable scene of them enjoying delicious waffles together at the inn’s diner in Arkesk. (Thank the Saints!)
A History of Waffles
The history of waffles is shrouded in mystery, with no definitive record pinpointing its exact origins. However, the emergence of the waffle maker, credited to American inventor Cornelius Swarthout, marked a significant turning point.
On August 24, 1869, Swarthout unveiled his invention to the public, sparking the beginning of the waffle’s popularity.
While some historians speculate that waffles may have been enjoyed as far back as ancient Greece, others suggest a 13th-century origin. There are even claims of a German inception, though the reasoning behind the German name remains unclear.
Additionally, during the 15th and 16th centuries, waffles were considered a luxury reserved for the nobility due to their high cost and secretive recipes.
Varieties of Waffles
Fortunately, in today’s world, waffles are readily available for everyone to enjoy at any time. The only dilemma one may face is choosing from the plethora of waffle varieties to suit their mood. The options are abundant, so let’s explore some of the most popular types of waffles.
Belgian waffles are recognized for their rectangular shape and are typically adorned with toppings like chocolate, fruit, honey, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
In Italy, waffles are known as “pizzelle”. These are essentially waffle cookies with a delicate, crispy texture, often flavored with anise, lemon, or vanilla. They commonly feature a distinctive pattern reminiscent of a snowflake.
Dutch waffles, referred to as “stroopwafel”, are thin, round waffles filled with caramel syrup, offering a rich and sweet indulgence.
Viennese waffles are renowned for their plush, soft texture and are served with a souffle filling, accompanied by a scoop of ice cream or fresh fruit. Traditionally square in shape, round variations of Viennese waffles can also be found.
Bubble waffles, originating from Hong Kong, have gained immense popularity as a street food sensation. Cooked in waffle irons with half-spheres, they boast a unique “bubble” appearance. These waffles are often served with a variety of toppings, including ice cream, and some vendors even experiment with flavors like green tea, ginger, or coconut.
How Russian Waffles Differ
In contrast to the preferences of Americans, Belgians, and Austrians, who typically enjoy soft and fluffy waffles, Russians have a penchant for a different texture—crunchy and crisp, reminiscent of those used for ice cream cones. Russian shops boast an array of waffles produced by confectionary factories, often small rectangles filled with vanilla, chocolate, lemon, strawberry, and other flavors.
However, the most beloved dessert among Russians, cherished since childhood, is the crunchy waffle tubes filled with condensed milk. This simple yet extraordinarily delicious treat is a staple in Russian households and certainly merits attention.
As a tribute to our queen Nina and the beloved Six of Crow series, we are going to be making waffles today! And since Arkesk, Ravka is based on imperial Russia, I’ve decided to share a delicious Russian waffle recipe with you. So buckle up, and get ready for the best Russian Wafer Rolls!
Recipe for Russian Waffle Tubes (also known as Russian Wafer Rolls)
Nina’s Ravkan Waffle Recipe
Ingredients
- 100 g butter or margarine
- 2 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 200 g flour
- 200 ml milk
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Boiled condensed milk for filling
- Optional: Chopped peanuts or other desired fillings e.g., Nutella, fruit salad
Instructions
- In a large bowl, melt the butter or margarine. Ensure there's enough room in the bowl for the mixing the other ingredients later.
- Add eggs and sugar to the melted margarine, mixing them thoroughly.
- Incorporate flour, milk, salt, and baking powder into the mixture. If desired, add vanilla extract for flavor. Ensure the dough has a liquid consistency suitable for pouring onto the waffle iron. Mix well using a mixer.
- Preheat the waffle iron and bake each waffle until golden brown. Before baking the first waffle, it’s recommended to lightly brush the heating surfaces with sunflower oil.
- Immediately after baking, while the waffles are still hot, carefully roll them into tubes. Delaying this step may cause the waffles to harden and crumble.
- Allow the waffles to cool, then fill them with boiled condensed milk using a spoon. Optionally, mix the condensed milk with chopped peanuts or any other desired fillings, such as Nutella or fruit salad.
- Your delightful delicacy is now ready to enjoy! Bon appétit!
Voila! Russian Rolled Waffles! I hope you enjoy this recipe and share it with others. If you liked these waffles, please check out my other recipes, or leave a review below!
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SO GOOD! Girl literally said slay when she made this recipe yummy yummy!!