Here are the remaining fun photos from our 2010 Global Vegan Waffle Party photo contest! I’m looking forward to more fun submissions next year; and if you have any you forgot to submit for this year, feel free to post them to the Facebook page. Keep in mind that although the primary party season is over, no one’s stopping you from having other vegan waffle related events.

Cutest vegan waffle-eating kids

Dallas R. of Minneapolis, MN, US submitted several photos of cute kids eating vegan waffles. Two in particular stood out, with the tiebreaker being that the girls in this picture are actually eating their waffles, while the boy in the runner-up photo appears to favor the watermelon over the waffles (see album). Not that there’s anything wrong with fresh, juicy watermelon!

Another cute kid eating a vegan waffle

One of the kids from Jess and Cruelty Free WA’s Australian party also stands out, even though she doesn’t have the usual kid-like topping-covered cheeks. But that’s a bit of a technicality, as it’s likely only because she’s getting a little bit of guidance from an adult. I get more food on my face when I’m eating a waffle!

Best t-shirt worn by guest

Given the main ingredients in vegan waffles, there was little serious competition for “Guest with the best t-shirt.” The “Vegan zombie says gra-a-a-a-a-a-ainnns” shirt worn to the Cruelty Free WA party was quite fitting. I also liked the poignant “What kind of *&%$ eats a lamb?” t-shirt in the same album.

Ironic vegan waffles #1: vegan fish waffles

There was a tie for “Most ironic vegan waffles.” (But then again, given what they’re baked on, aren’t all waffles “iron-ic” to some extent?) The first was a photo of vegan fish waffles from Earl B. and the Tokyo Vegan Waffle Party, and the second was what appear to be cow- and duck-shaped vegan waffles from Dallas R.’s Minneapolis party.

Ironic vegan waffles #2: vegan cow and duck waffles

We actually have an animal waffle maker we received as a wedding gift, but it doesn’t produce a high enough volume for use at our party. Still fun to break out once in a while, though, especially for guests who enjoy asking questions like, “So, are animal crackers vegan?”

Most bizarre waffle party guest

The prize for “Most bizarre-looking guest” goes to Earl B. and the Tokyo Vegan Waffle Party. This flower-picking troll gnome hid near their waffle iron, waiting to steal a tasty treat when the cook wasn’t looking. It appears that he was caught! After iron overflow stained his beard, he attempted to charge the host with “battery.” He dropped his complaint when other guests accused him of making a horrible pun.

Host best coordinated with one of their waffle toppings

Lola R. of Sweat Records of Miami pointed out to me that “I’m the one who’s hair color matches the strawberries.” Thus, it’s only fitting that one of her pics gets “Host best coordinated with one of their waffle toppings.” She also exhibits exceptional physical coordination, given the ability to chop the strawberries while eating them. Not sure I could do that safely.

Great illustration of teamwork

The second picture from the Sweat Records party gets the award for “Great illustration of teamwork.” Many more pics are in her album. Given that one of my hobbies is composing music, I love that one of the parties was in a record store.

Vegan waffle with simple classic elegance

Waffle Shop, managed by Dawn W., Jon R., and others in Pittsburgh, captured one of their homemade cinnamon raisin vegan waffles with pecans. Dusted with a bit of powdered sugar and accompanied with strawberries, I thought it represented “simple classic elegance” in a vegan waffle.

The Waffle Shop artists also run a project called “Conflict Kitchen,” whose goal is to promote awareness about countries and cultures with whom the U.S. is at odds. Given the connections between eating habits and peace/violence, it’s quite fitting that one of their projects currently offers a vegan item.

That concludes this year’s review of Global Vegan Waffle Party photo highlights. Thanks again for your participation, and happy vegan waffling!

A few weeks ago I suggested some  creative ideas for photos from vegan waffle parties, and was excited to receive some great submissions. Where a submission didn’t indicate a particular category–either one I had suggested or one created by the host–I picked one or two photos out and assigned them a category.

Collection of cuteness

Aletha A.’s Pontiac, MI, US vegan waffle party photos were captured by Agnes Domanska. Aletha labeled a photo with her friend (on our right) as “cutest cook.” So here you have a cute host, a cute cook, and even a cute toaster. Thus, best “Collection of cuteness.” Perhaps next year we’ll also see a Hello Kitty waffle maker!

Waffle partyers having a great time

Also in Aletha’s album was this photo, which I believe best represents “Waffle partyers having a great time.” Her full album has more great shots, including a few of the party balloons that may have been filled with some nitrous oxide. (On a serious note, I think we could all benefit from more laughter!)

So delicious that I couldn't take a picture before eating

Elaine V. gets a high honor for her Vegas Veg*n submission, which best represents “So delicious that I couldn’t stop to take a picture before eating it.” At least there was a half left!

Was there really a waffle?

The same couldn’t be said for this pic from Haroula G.’s Athens, Greece party, which gets the “Was there really a waffle?” award. I mean, it could have been a pancake, or maybe everyone just piled toppings onto the plate and ate them without a waffle at all.

Most aesthetically interesting waffle

Actually, Haroula provided evidence that there was a waffle at some point during the party, with the “Most aesthetically interesting waffle.” The various toppings combined with the heart-shaped pieces create something I might expect to see at Baltimore’s Visionary Art Museum. (Used to be among my favorite places to visit when we lived there.)

Most mouth-watering photo of a vegan waffle

Photographer Derek G. of the Vegan Bus takes the prize for “Most mouth-watering photography of a waffle.” I found myself trying to bite the screen when I saw his picture of the Smlove waffle. It looked almost like someone had actually drizzled the chocolate syrup on my screen. (As photography is part of his business, the thumbnail links to his post with his full-size photos.)

Best multi-course vegan waffle meal

Also very appetizing was the winner of the “Best multi-course waffle meal,” from Ida, Noah, and VegOut NYC’s vegan waffle party. Ida listed the various waffles and toppings in her photo: “Sweet Yeast-Raised Waffles, Chocolate Beer Waffles, Yeast-Raised Cornmeal Chili-Dippin’ Waffles, and Blueberry Waffles. With toppings: Chole Masala (Curried Chickpea), Three-Bean Chili, Macerated Strawberries, Bananas and Blueberries, Soy Ice Cream, Soy and Rice Whip Creams, Chocolate Sauce, and Maple Syrup.” Holy cow-free waffle! And the contrast between the various reds and the blue plate earns it a few points for aesthetics.

Best TV programming during party

Wes A. and the Austin, TX, US vegan waffle party crowd exhibited “Best use of technology to spread vegan waffle propaganda.” Guests thought they were watching a normal recording of the last episode of “Lost,” but the hosts secretly inserted quick flashes of the image you see in this picture. Coincidentally, the photo was taken at just the right moment to capture the important message. Subliminal programming at its best. But now the secret is out…

Best image of educational activities with audience

Heather S.-D. and Leah F. of Fort Wayne, IN, US take home the award for photo of “Largest audience with gas.” (How could I resist such an opportunity for a childish pun?) Seriously, I thought the inclusion of educational activities such as this tofu-making demonstration was very cool, and was impressed with how many components their event incorporated. They showed, contrary to what the photo may seem to suggest, that you do not have a marathon ahead of you when learning to make delicious vegan food.

See the second post on this year’s events, showing the fun array of waffles, people, and parties.