(Image Credit: Getty Images)

Happy National Waffle Day!

Is there a more scrumptious way to start your day than with a crispy, cakey waffle topped with maple syrup?

The Aug. 24 foodie holiday is timed to the first U.S. patent for a waffle iron in the 1860s, but waffles actually date back much further, all the way to ancient Greece. The Greeks cooked flat cakes called "obelios" that were similar to the waffles we've come to know and love. The Dutch first used the word "wafel" back in 1744, according to Merriam-Webster, and the Pilgrims are said to have brought the dish to America.

Fast forward to today, when waffles - from Eggos to Belgian-style - are an American favorite, dished up for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Waffles have even become trendy in recent years, popping up on restaurant menus across the country with pairings like fried chicken, beer, caviar and more.

To celebrate, cook up some homemade waffles today and through the weekend from the "Good Morning America" recipe archive. (Or for those with a post-breakfast taste in mind, a New York City bar will serve waffle-flavored vodka today, which they're touting as the first of its kind.)

RECIPE: Emeril's Healthy Banana Oat Waffles RECIPE: Emeril's Pecan Waffles RECIPE: Elizabeth Karmel's Pumpkin Waffles with Ancho Honey Butter RECIPE: Rachael Ray's Grilled Cheese and Ham Waffles RECIPE: Emeril's Fried Chicken & Buttermilk Waffles RECIPE: Sandra Lee Coffee-Chocolate Waffles RECIPE: Coolhaus Ice Cream Truck's Fried Chicken & Waffle Ice Cream