The Penguin Parade

A group of penguins is usually referred to as a colony of penguins. Although, when they are breeding, their colony turns into a rookery or a peguinery. When they are floating out at sea, they are then a raft of penguins. When they are on land they are a waddle of penguins. And other times they are referred to as a parcel and sometimes a huddle. So then, what is the collective noun for a group of penguin waffles?

I personally am quite amused by the phrase "a waddle of penguins", but for this instance I am calling this particular breed a parade of penguins. Quite adorable is this parade, and to think that they are meant for eating seems almost a sacrilege. But now that a collective noun has been established for these new breed of penguins, that neither swim nor waddle, I can get onto explaining what exactly waffles have to do with penguins.

It all started while rummaging through an old cupboard that held all of mum's old Mother's Day presents. Yes, she has such a thing, a stockpile of all the unusable presents we gave her as children. You know the kind of presents that mum gets from her kids that she really can't do anything with but simply nod and smile in appreciation of her children's inherent thoughtfulness- no matter how unpractical. In this secret hoard are things like potpourri, bath oils, foot spas, hair crimpers, an endless amount of trinkets and more cosmetics than you could poke a stick at.

So while going through this mass of "junk" I came across this Sunbeam Waffle iron called Woodles. Woodles makes waffles in the shape of penguins and creates a depression in the belly of the penguin where ice cream can be scooped into. The contraption is sheer novelty and sheer genius! Well every childish sensibility in me was tickled by the very idea of Woodles. So I decided that since my mother could find no use for it, that I would take it for myself. Neither she or I could remember when she received this present, although all we know is that my sister gave it to her, probably in the vain hope that mum would start making these woodles for her. She never did.

But not to worry, years later, I have found a great use for it and will hopefully revive this poor creature's popularity. For me most of its appeal comes in that indentation in the penguin's stomach that makes room for ice cream. It's a great example of culinary design and engineering and who knew it could be found in a penguin's physique.

These waffles are a variation of Heidi's Sour Cream Waffles only instead of sour cream I used buttermilk. I decided to do this upon happening on some nearly overdue buttermilk in my fridge. Better that they be used to make waffles than never to be used at all and end up in the rubbish heap. The buttermilk lends to a denser and slightly tangy waffle, which I think is a great contrast to the sweetness of the ice cream and maple syrup.

Obviously, this recipe can be made regardless whether or not you own your very own peguin waffle maker, although the novelty of having your waffles in the shape of a penguin is worth shelling out the $30 for one. Mother's Day is coming up, perhaps your mother, unlike mine will appreciate the childish fancies of having one.

Buttermilk Penguin Waffles
adapted from this recipe
makes 10 penguins

1¾ cups plain all-purpose flour
1 tbsp caster sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
a pinch of salt
1½ cup buttermilk
3 large eggs
100g unsalted butter, melted
maple syrup and vanilla bean ice cream to serve

Preheat and lightly grease waffle iron.
In a large bowl sift in flour, sugar, baking powder and salt and make a well in the centre.
Whisk in the buttermilk, eggs and melted butter until the flour is just incorporated. Make sure you do not over mix.
Spoon batter onto the centre of the waffle iron and close the iron.
Cook for 3-4 minutes until the waffles are golden brown.
Serve the waffles with a drizzling of maple syrup and vanilla ice cream.