March 1, 2022 | Awake & Dreaming

I love the sound of fried chicken & waffles. It is part of a variety of culinary traditions, including Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine and soul food, and is served in certain specialty restaurants in the United States. But, though most people associate it as being a Southern US dish, it isn’t. Chicken and waffles didn’t become popular until the Harlem Renaissance in Harlem, New York in the 1930s at the Wells Supper Club owned by Joseph T. Wells. Musicians leaving work late at night or extremely early in the morning would fill Wells Supper Club and this sweet and savory, breakfast-and-dinner combo kept every belly satisfied.

To make the best southern chicken and waffles you need three elements: perfectly juicy, crispy fried chicken, thick and fluffy waffles, and a delicious sweet and spicy sauce. The waffle is served as it would be for breakfast, with condiments such as butter and syrup. This combination of foods is beloved by many people who are influenced by traditions of soul food passed down from past generations of their families. This version of the dish is popular enough in Baltimore, Maryland, to become a local custom. KFC has been advertising the dish in television commercials a lot lately, as well as Dairy Queen. And many other chains such as IHOP and Friendly’s serve chicken and waffles.

Though it’s been around for years, it’s since the last few years that chicken and waffles has seen a revival as of late as brunch has become a top trend in American cuisine. The combination of juicy, tender chicken on top of warm, buttery waffles is decadent and has the makings of the perfect flavor combination. The obsession with brunch has put a lot of sweet and savory dishes in the spotlight and it is a big favourite for the brunch crowd, especially on the weekends. Some use a spicy syrup to add some kick to it while others prefer the butter & regular syrup route. Either way you go, it’s a big favourite.

1. Stick to a sleep schedule : Set aside no more than eight hours for sleep. The recommended amount of sleep for a healthy adult is at least seven hours. Most people don’t need more than eight hours in bed to achieve this goal. Stick to the same time to go to sleep and try not to change it during the weekends.

2. Pay attention to what you eat and drink : Don’t go to bed hungry or stuffed. In particular, avoid heavy or large meals within a couple of hours of bedtime. Your discomfort might keep you up. Nicotine, caffeine and alcohol deserve caution, too. The stimulating effects of nicotine and caffeine take hours to wear off and can wreak havoc on quality sleep. And even though alcohol might make you feel sleepy, it can disrupt sleep later in the night.

3. Create a restful environment : Create a room that’s ideal for sleeping. Often, this means cool, dark and quiet. Exposure to light might make it more challenging to fall asleep. Avoid prolonged use of light-emitting screens just before bedtime. Consider using room-darkening shades, earplugs, a fan or other devices to create an environment that suits your needs. Doing calming activities before bedtime, such as taking a bath or using relaxation techniques, might promote better sleep.

4. Limit daytime naps : Long daytime naps can interfere with nighttime sleep. If you choose to nap, limit yourself to up to 30 minutes and avoid doing so late in the day. If you work nights, however, you might need to nap late in the day before work to help make up your sleep debt.

5. Include physical activity in your daily routine : Regular physical activity can promote better sleep. Avoid being active too close to bedtime, however. Spending time outside every day might be helpful, too.

6. Manage worries : Try to resolve your worries or concerns before bedtime. Jot down what’s on your mind and then set it aside for tomorrow. Stress management might help. Start with the basics, such as getting organized, setting priorities and delegating tasks. Meditation also can ease anxiety. (From the Mayo Clinic)

Prompt from MARCH BLOG PROMPTS {12 MONTHS OF WRITING IDEAS} #BLOGPROMPTS at Food Fun Family