International Waffle Day 2016: Freebies, Deals And Recipes To Celebrate The Beloved Breakfast Food

Friday is the best day of the year for Leslie Knope and breakfast lovers everywhere: It's International Waffle Day!

Every March 25, Sweden recognizes Våffeldagen, a holiday born out of a linguistic misunderstanding. The legend goes that originally, Swedish Christians observed Lady Day, or the Feat of the Annunciation. It was called "Vårfrudagen," but people soon realized that sounded a lot like "Våffeldagen" — the word for Waffle Day — and the tradition grew from there, according to the national tourism website.

Don't get too excited; the United States tends to recognize National Waffle Day, a different holiday for the sweet food, in August. But, really, do you need an excuse to stuff your face?

Celebrate International Waffle Day by taking advantage of these deals:

In New York City, the food truck Wafels & Dinges will reward anyone who brings an artistic rendition of the flag of Belgium to their food truck. In honor of the recent attacks in Brussels that killed more than 30 people earlier this week, you can receive a free Belgian waffle if you show your support.

In Detroit, the New Center Eatery will give away free waffles to its first 100 customers.

Krusteaz released a special coupon that will take 50 cents off any of the brand's waffle mixes.

At IHOP, you can score free pancakes by signing up for its eClub.

The Waffle Love company, which has restaurants and food trucks in Utah and Arizona, will give every customer who eats there today a gift card for their next visit. You can get a free plain liege waffle.

At Iron Roost in New York, every $10 you spend earns you a free waffle.

Visit Uncle John's Pancake House in Toledo, Ohio, for a free hot drink with any waffle order.

Don't feel like going out? You can always cook your own waffles at home.

To make Swedish waffles, Epicurious recommends whisking together two eggs, 1 1/2 cups of milk and a teaspoon of cardamom in a bowl, then adding 1/4 cup sugar, 2 cups of flour, a teaspoon of baking powder and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Chill the batter for 30 minutes, then cook on a waffle iron. Top with ligonberry jam.

If you're looking for something more classic, consult AllRecipes. It suggests you beat together two eggs, 2 cups of flour, 1 3/4 cups of milk and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil with one tablespoon sugar, four teaspoons of baking powder, salt and vanilla extract. Cook on a waffle iron.