Waffles, again?

How many times can one person write about waffles? If you’re me, the answer is apparently six times. Well, this post will make it seven. But it’s been about a year and a half since the last time I wrote about them, so, it seems like we’re about due.

Most notably, I wrote about the gift of my mother’s waffle iron. Then, I wrote about letting it go and buying a replacement.

Now, I’m here to report that I hated the replacement waffle iron. It was easy to clean and made great waffles but it took a lot of batter and the waffles had a different texture and they just weren’t the same.

When concerns about COVID-19 began to grow, I felt panicky as many of us did (and still do). My panic led to some questionable decisions about what would be essential during a prolonged period at home. Food, household goods, and cleaning supplies? Yes. Essential. A marble cutting board and a new waffle iron? Probably not.

When I mentioned to the kids that I had ordered a new waffle iron that I was almost certain would be more like Nana’s, they were mildly horrified: ”Mom! How is that essential?!” I explained that 1. Panic looks different for everyone and 2. Waffles were comfort food and wouldn’t we want comfort food if we were at home for a long period of time? Turns out, they don’t think of waffles as comfort food. But what do they know?

The panic-purchased waffle iron arrived last week, so, I decided to make a double batch of waffles on Sunday—some for the freezer and some to share with friends. This new waffle iron is pretty simple and definitely more like my mother’s. I still had to get used to it and the first time I poured the batter in, it overflowed. But the rest went off without a hitch and I made a giant pile of waffles. Miguel ate a few and Zeca passed, choosing something else for breakfast. I divided all the waffles, bagged them up and delivered them to friends later in the day and they appreciated the treat.

And this is what I learned. Sometimes the comfort of comfort foods comes from the familiar, from reconnecting to peaceful and loving moments from the past, and from making something that can be shared with those you love. Now…especially now…sharing what you have with others provides comfort and connection. Let us all find comfort where we can.