In honor of National Waffle Day, we tip our hat to the most innovative use of a waffle iron from athletic shoe innovator Bill Bowerman. According to the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Bowerman was inducted into that organization in 2014 for his patent of the modern athletic shoe.

With the goal of making his athletic shoes lighter and faster, Bowerman used his wife’s waffle iron to create his Waffle Trainer sole. According to the Hall of Fame, the shape of the waffle iron allowed for a lightweight shoe with enough tread to increase speed. Taking his innovation into a partnership, Bowerman built the globally known company, Nike.

And now for some innovative waffle recipes!

Waffles with Raspberry Rhubarb Marmalade

Raspberry Rhubarb Waffles. Photo: Lance Mellenbruch.

Everyone knows rhubarb goes with strawberry, but we turned the tables and added raspberry to create a unique marmalade that gives you just the right, sweet touch at breakfast. Recipe here.

Ham and Cheese Stuffed Charlottes

Ham and Cheese Stuffed Charlottes by Jim Bailey

Charlotte recipes are usually sweet with apples as the predominant flavor. This recipe, from The Yankee Chef takes this classic New England dessert and transforms it into a savory dish, with apricot. Recipe here.

Bacon, Avocado and Tomato Waffle Sandwich

Bacon Avocado and Tomato Waffle Sandwich. Photo: Lance Mellenbruch.

The BLT becomes the BAT with an additional twist–a delicious whole wheat waffle instead of bread. Hey, you’ve mixed it up this far, what’s one more change? Recipe here.

Apple and Oatmeal Waffle

Apple and Oatmeal Waffle. Photo: Lance Mellenbruch.

Nothing like a bowl of oatmeal to warm you up n the morning. Unless, of course, it’s an oatmeal waffle! Recipe here.

So what’s your most innovative use of a waffle iron?