Waffles

We don’t ask much from our waffles, really. Do we? I mean, we want them to hold their shape when we decorate them. We want them to be flavorful – but not too flavorful should they outshine their toppings. And most of all, we want them to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Amirite?

hHere are some trucks for crispy waffles.

Waffles

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 10 ounces club soda

Place the dry ingredients in a bowl and whisk together.

When you’re ready to cook some waffles, preheat your waffle iron. Wait for the light to signal that the waffle iron is hot. Preheating is an important step. When placed upon a cold waffle iron, a waffle will be limp and sad. If your waffle iron doesn’t have a preheated indicator, you can test to see if the grill is hot by letting a little droplet of water hit your grill. If it sizzles madly, it’s time for makin’ waffles.

When the waffle maker is hot,  add the melted butter, vanilla, and club soda to the dry ingredients. Whisk until it becomes a nice batter.

If you like, you can add some blueberries or chocolate chips to your batter.

Brush inside the top and bottom of the waffle maker before and in between each use with butter so the waffles don’t stick to it.

Place one ladle full (or, you know, however much your waffle iron will hold) of batter into the center of your waffle iron. Memorize the amount that works for your waffle maker so you don’t have overflowing or shortage of batter in the future.

Cook for about 5 minutes or until light golden brown and the outside is crispy. Some waffle irons have an indicator light to let you know when your waffle is done but batters can vary the cooking time as well so feel things out.

If making waffles for a crowd, place a rack on a baking sheet & set waffles upon it. Cover them lightly with foil. Preheat the oven to 170-200°F degrees. Fresh waffles are best, of course, but this will keep them crispy and toasty warm if you’d like to serve everyone at the same time.

Crispy waffles are possible when:

• The batter has enough sugar
• You lay them on a tray instead of stacking them in a plate
• Keeping them in the oven lightly covered with foil until ready to serve

And then the toppings. Oh, the toppings.

My grandpa used to call me his “peanut butter girl” because I just couldn’t get enough peanut butter and maple syrup on my waffles. Or, you know, you can top with strawberries with homemade whipped cream for the win.

Maple Syrup

For Strawberry Waffles: Remove the stems, clean, and cut strawberries. Make strawberry glaze if you like. And top with homemade whipped cream.