Maurice Vermesch baked these waffles (properly called Brussels waffles and, in Belgium, topped with just confectioners' sugar) at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, but only after he sold them at the 1964-65 New York fair did they soar in popularity in this country. Vermersch's daughter Mariepaule wouldn't divulge her family's recipe, but we think we've come very close. One tip she did reveal: Aunt Jemima self-rising flour produces a flavor that is the most like that of the original waffle. James Baigrie
If you’re craving the sweet side of breakfast, here’s a collection of delicious recipes to try. Nutella buns, brioche french toast, and buttermilk waffles are sure to satisfy that sweet tooth, or try sweet syrups like vanilla-thyme crème Anglaise or apricot and almond sauce to dress up plain pancakes, toast, and more.
Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
A quintessential muffin recipe combines the nutty flavor of poppy seeds with a generous hit of fresh lemon zest.
Pain au Chocolat
Beautiful homemade croissants, each containing a bar of high-quality dark chocolate, make for an impressive and indulgent addition to a breakfast spread.
Hungarian Sour Cherry Cake
Sweet and tangy, this Hungarian cake pairs perfectly with coffee. Frozen and thawed cherries can be used whenever fresh sour cherries are not in season.
Strawberry Loaf Bread
As a kid, I wasn’t really into cooking or baking, preferring instead to be outside playing soccer. The one thing that I did enjoy helping my mom make, however, was her strawberry bread: packed with fresh strawberries, I loved to eat it hot out of the oven slathered in butter. It’s so fast and easy, I make it all the time now, with whatever fresh or frozen fruits I have lying around. —Farideh Sadeghin, test kitchen director Get the recipe for Strawberry Loaf Bread »
Vanilla-Thyme Crème Anglaise
Classic crème anglaise—a vanilla custard sauce—gets a slight herbal note with the addition of a few sprigs of thyme.
Apple Brandy and Cinnamon Syrup
Reducing this brandy-rich syrup over low heat helps keep it unclouded—drizzle it over pancakes or waffles for an autumnal breakfast treat.
Coquito French Toast
Rich with coconut flavor and spiked with rum, this recipe falls somewhere between a decadent French toast and bread pudding.
Rhubarb and Berry Compote
The sweetness of berries plays off tart rhubarb in this lightly-spiced compote, which is great over Greek yogurt.
Banana-Oatmeal Muffins
Classic banana-nut muffins get a tangy boost from buttermilk and a hearty dose of oatmeal for a nutritionally-packed lunchbox (or breakfast) treat.
Jelly-Filled Donuts (Berliners)
If piping the jelly into these donuts proves challenging, use a paring knife to hollow out the side of the donut, making a cavity for the jelly.