Growing up we had waffles every Sunday after church. My mother would drag out the waffle iron and the box of mix. They were the SAME every Sunday. My Dad did not like much variety so the same old thing every week. So, when I got married and was given a waffle iron I kind of groaned. Yuck! But then I had a revelation. Why not make waffle how I want. Some days I want sweet waffles but other days I am in the mood for a savory waffle. The sky is the limit! But first I had to master the batter.
My basic batter is so simple. In fact, I do not even buy the pre-made boxed junk any more. Why buy it when you have it all in your kitchen! You will be amazed at how yummy these waffle are…add cinnamon and nutmeg in the fall for a more festive batter.
Basic Waffle Batter
1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cup milk
Combine all of the dry ingredients in a bowl. Add the eggs, vanilla, melted butter and milk. Mix together with a whisk. Prepare waffles according to manufacturer instructions!
Alternate Flavors:
Green Chili and Cheddar- one small can drained green chills + 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Bacon and Cheddar – 1/2 cup crisp bacon bits + 1 cup grated cheddar cheese.
Chunky Monkey- 2 bananas sliced thin + chocolate chips + chopped pecans
Strawberry and White Chocolate- sliced strawberries + white chocolate chips
Hippy Monkey- 2 sliced bananas + granola
Cinnamon Chicken and Waffles with Bourbon syrup
1 can cinnamon rolls
5-8 chicken strips
1 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoon Bourbon
Preheat waffle iron to desired temperature according to manufacturer. Spray the hot waffle iron with non stick cooking spray. Separate the cinnamon rolls and place in each quarter section of the waffle iron. Lower the lid and cook for 4-5 minutes. While waffles are cooking warm the syrup and rum in a microwave for 1-2 minutes. Remove from waffle iron. To serve: Top each waffle with 1-2 chicken strips and drizzle with bourbon syrup.
My Dad started making waffles in 1951 when he and my Mom got married. He made them from scratch every Sunday morning, for over 50 years, until he was unable to do so, in his late 70s. He had Parkinson’s and it became impossible for him to make them anymore. We loved them and still do. Unfortunately, I have not carried on the tradition of making them every Sunday, but I do make them for my family from time to time. His recipe is SOO good and they turn out so fluffy. Probably because of the beaten egg whites! 🙂 YUMMY!!