For anyone who was lucky enough to climb Heath's Hill in this year's version of the Ragnarök 105, this story may not come as a total surprise. For everybody else, I'd like to admit to you my obsession with stroopwafels. An historically Dutch delight, these little bastards taste like heaven and provide just enough to get you over the next hill and then some.

If you're not familiar with these, they are essentially two thin waffles glued together with a rich caramel. They fit wonderfully in a jersey pocket and are pretty easy to consume on the bike. Off the bike, they make a wonderful morning snack with a hot cup of coffee. As you can see in the photo above, stroopwafels are typically set over a steaming cup of joe, so that the heat from the coffee can melt the caramel and release everything that is great about these little snacks. 

Up until just recently I have been buying my waffles at the local food co-op or a smaller version of them at Trader Joe's. Luckily (and thankfully) Twitter has stepped in and saved my taste buds. About two weeks ago I saw a tweet from @ToffeeWaffles that struck my interest. I dug a little deeper and realized that the source of this Twitter account was right here in Minnesota...St. Paul in fact. After a quick exchange @ToffeeWaffles agreed to send me a sample of their amazing creation. Patiently, I waited.

Fast forward to yesterday. Upon returning from a long day of work I reached in the mailbox and found a package marked Proper People (the name under which the St. Paul stroopwafels are made). I quickly and carefully opened the package as my mouth began to water. Inside I found a wonderfully wrapped package of four giant waffles. I couldn't wait. I opened it and ate the first one without delay (the second, third and fourth I enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee). It was as magnificent as I had imagined.


Made with local ingredients, these incredible sweets are currently available at the Centennial Lakes Farmers Market in Edina, or you can check it all out on the Proper People website. I strongly suggest everyone give these a try as they met (and exceeded) all of my expectations. Go get some!


Facts:

• Made in right here in Minnesota with ingredients from the Hope Creamery, Larry Schultz Farm's, Swany White Flour Mills and the Hastings Co-op Creamery
• About 200 calories per waffle with nearly 90mg of sodium (perfect for riding!)
• Good as hell.