<p>Turning to you all and your sage wisdom as you’re always so helpful with every little thing.</p>
<p>My soon to be grad would like to have a Waffle Bar at the graduation party. Not knowing much about waffles, I have been trying to figure out how to make this happen. I don’t make waffles and none of my friends seem to either.</p>
<p>Would love to use one of those professional waffle makers that some hotels use in their breakfast buffets, but not finding any to rent. Also, not sure if I can purchase a mix that would make good waffles (maybe like what the hotels use?).</p>
<p>So, if you were going to include a Waffle Bar, what would your suggestions be to me? Have any ideas on where to rent such a thing, or how to make quantity waffles for a party?</p>
<p>You can get a professional waffle maker for $45 on Amazon. </p>
<p>As for a mix: get waffle maker. Buy several different mixes. Have blind taste tests. Have normal taste tests. Try them plain. Try them with toppings. See which ones keep best overnight. Sign up for Pilates to work off waffle weight.</p>
<p>I would think they would need to be made fresh one at a time. How large is your party, is that feasible? Belgian waffle makers are not all that expensive, I see a flip style one on Amazon for $45. I have a much less expensive one that doesn’t flip over like the hotel ones do. You could get one ahead of time and play around with recipes, we usually use Bisquik. The hotel waffle batters seem quite thick.</p>
<p>Was just going to say-- they are inexpensive to buy. Consider different flavors like pumpkin waffles (Trader joes sells a yummy mix) as well as regular waffles. Yumm!</p>
<p>Having individual, freshly made waffles is a really nice idea in theory but if the party is for more than a dozen or so I think it’s gonna be a huge hassle…messy, time-consuming and ultimately not worth the effort. I would make the waffles before the party starts…get one of those nice silver service food warmer things (also like they have at hotels) and then just keep them warm in there. And then go crazy with the “extras”…fresh fruit and compote, different kinds of whipped cream and choc/strawberry sauces, warmed syrups in different flavors.</p>
<p>You need to make them ahead of time, or else hungry teenagers will form a waffle line that will take a half hour to get through. Waffles keep relatively well, so you can make them in the morning and keep them warm.</p>
<p>Are you planning to have the guests make the waffles themselves or will there be someone assigned to that station to make the waffles? If someone other than the guests will be doing this…get several waffle makers. Make the batter in advance. Just make sure your electrical circuits can handle this.</p>
<p>If you were planning to have the guests make these…I agree with others…make the waffles ahead of time and put them in a warming tray.</p>
<p>Kohls has the flip makers too - great if you have a 30% off! Survey your friends/neighbors and see if you can round up a few to borrow.</p>
<p>We buy the mega bag/pouch of kruteaz pancake/waffle mix at Costco. We use the mix, oil as directed and substitute some buttermilk for about 25% of the water. Makes a good waffle!!</p>
<p>Fun idea if you can make it work. Are you talking just breakfast type waffles (fruit type toppings) or the chicken and waffles type ???</p>
<p>I think it’s a fun idea. The thing about graduation parties is that guests are usuallly staggered, and not everybody eat a meal. Some just stop by and have a snack or a piece of cake. Others will want a waffle, and you can make those one at time.</p>
<p>But frankly, waffles are more difficult than pancakes & the best irons take time to become properly seasoned. You might see if any one has connections with a local church or kiwanis- or similar group( they often do breakfasts for community get togethers/ fundraisers), that has some well broken in waffle irons to lend.</p>
<p>ARRGH!!! If you are going to make the waffles ahead of time, DO NOT keep them in a food warmer – the waffles will get all limp and wimpy. Better to have a couple waffle makers and make them as needed. IF you must make them ahead of time, make them, let them cool on a rack and then rewarm them in the oven or a toaster oven as you need them.</p>
<p>Big bag of Krusteaz from Sam’s Club or Costco makes great waffles.
If you want to survive a waffle party with very many kids you’ll want to make them ahead of time. If they aren’t too large they can be heated in a toaster very fast–and you could borrow several toasters if needed.</p>
<p>We had a friend do a brunch and have waffles and custom-made omlettes. They had orange juice and coffee plus some pastries. They hired people to make the waffles and omlettes and they just prepared the ingredients themselves. It was very easy to get together they said. They had syrup, pecans, strawberries and whipped cream for the waffles. For the omlettes they had cheese, tomatoes, ham, and mushrooms. They did not have to worry about the mess as someone was in charge of making them. The line was a little long as everyone arrived about the same time but it was a nice change from the afternoon parties. Everyone could come in the am and then be free in the afternoon and evening to go elsewhere.</p>
<p>Do you know any trusty pre-teens or younger teens you could “hire” to be on waffle duty? Get them a cute apron and have them in charge of manning the waffle irons and keeping them flowing.</p>