corn and rice waffles?

The second book I read today was published in 1862, and was notable for never mentioning the Civil War at all. The SO suggested that perhaps the publishers thought the war would be over soon, and that's possible. But I still think it's insensitive to publish a book where a girl complains about the bread & butter and tea she is serves, saying that she wants coffee and meat and "corn or rice waffles" as they eat at home. I can't get my head around "corn or rice waffles", especially the latter.