When I was growing up, waffles were a staple at our house. We didn’t have them for breakfast often, but waffles for dinner happened regularly. This night was most likely a night where mom was tired and didn’t want to have to think about what to make. We were never upset about that. Bread-like substance smeared with Peanut Butter soaked with sugary syrup=kid win! To her credit, she at least put bananas in the batter and on splurge nights–BACON!

My son has inherited this love of waffles and will eat more waffles than any other food except maybe chicken strips. No, probably even more than chicken strips. Though there is debate out there between pancakes and waffles and which one is better, he is no respecter of breakfast breads covered in syrup. He will devour it all!

There are a few differences between my childhood waffle experience and my kids’ experience.

1. We have circle waffles.

My parents had a square waffle maker that made four thin waffles at a time. I don’t know what happened to square waffle makers (I am sure they are out there somewhere), but the last three waffle makers I have owned have all been round and belgian. For some reason, I miss those thin square waffles. Maybe it was because I felt like I could eat more of them than the one thick one that fills me up pretty quickly. I had more topping combination options with more waffles.

2. We now use REAL maple syrup.

My mom used to make her own syrup using water, vanilla, maple, and lots of sugar in the microwave. We loved it, but I now know that maple syrup tastes better and is a much healthier option. Maple syrup is natural and sweeter than table syrup with lower calories, contains antioxidants and NO high fructose corn syrup or refined sugars. It may be more expensive, but it’s worth it.

3. We use whole wheat flour.

Slowly I am weaning mom off the Bisquick®. That’s what our waffles/pancakes/biscuits were made from as kids. It is easy and works well, but it is definitely not the healthy option. It contains hydrogenated oils and dextrose (high fructose corn syrup). Making your own waffles is not much harder than measuring out bisquick, and you get to control what ingredients go in your waffles. Try this Recipe below.

 

Whole Wheat Waffles Recipe:

Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 c. whole wheat bread flour (or 3/4 c. all purpose flour and 1 c. whole wheat flour)
• 1 tbsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 egg yolks (put the egg whites in a separate bowl to add later)
• 1 3/4 c. milk of choice (I use coconut milk)
• 1/2 cup oil or unsweetened applesauce
• 2 egg whites

1. In a bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center of dry mixture; set aside.

2. In another bowl beat egg yolks slightly. Stir in milk and oil (or applesauce). Add egg yolk mixture all at once to the dry mixture. Stir just until moistened (batter should be lumpy).

3. In another bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight). Gently fold beaten egg whites into flour and egg yolk mixture leaving a few fluffs of egg white. Do not overmix.

4. Pour 1 to 1 1/2 cups batter onto grids of preheated, lightly greased waffle baker. Close lid quickly; do not open till done. Bake according to your waffle makers directions. When done, use a fork to lift waffle off grid. Repeat step 4 until all the batter is gone.

Alternate instructions: If you have no idea how to do the whole egg whites thing, just use two unseparated eggs and beat slightly. Add milk and oil, beat slightly. Then add the egg mixture to the flour mixture all at once. Stirring just until moistened without overmixing. Then follow step 4 as normal.

Toppings:

Choose from sweet and savory options to make delicious combos.

My favorites…peanut or soy butter with syrup, or cream cheese, cherry jam with honey, or Nutella, bacon, and banana with syrup.

 

“Not Your Grandma’s” Chocolate Gravy Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 c. cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp. flour
• 3/4 c. coconut palm sugar
• 2 c. milk (coconut milk)
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 tbsp/ butter or coconut oil

1. Mix cocoa powder, flour, sugar, and milk in pan on stove, stirring with whisk over medium heat until mixture looks like gravy.

2. When mixture thickens remove from heat and stir in vanilla and butter or coconut oil. Serve warm.

Extra Fun: If you LOVE waffles and would like to eat more waffle-like food like waffled mac and cheese, waffled pretzels, or s’moreffles (I just love the name of that one) check out this fun site called Waffleizer for some fun waffle inspiration and recipes.