Can You Say "Waffles?"

In an effort to find something different than cereal for Olivia’s breakfast, I thought I might try making waffles. Frozen waffles just don’t sit right with me. I can never get them toasted or heated just right. Plus I think they taste like the cardboard box in which they live.

I have tried several batter recipes – from plain pancake-type batter to completely all-wheat flour, and I’ve finally tweaked one enough to be really satisfied with it.

Maybe you can try it, too. If you do, let me know what you think.

Whole Grain Waffles

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup oats (quick-cooking or old-fashioned work equally well – I used old-fashioned)
2 Tablespoons baking powder
2 Tablespoons sugar (I used Splenda)
3 cups milk (I used 1%)
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
2 eggs, lightly beaten (1 egg or egg substitute would probably suffice)

Optional: 1 ½ - 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen, thaw and drain well)

Heat waffle iron. Spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray.

Mix together dry ingredients (first five ingredients) in a large bowl.

In another bowl, mix together wet ingredients (balance of ingredients).

Add wet mixture to dry mixture.

Stir until large lumps are moistened. Do not overmix.

Pour waffle batter into center of waffle iron. I have a Belgian-style waffle iron and used a ladle to pour the batter into the center of the well. My ladle holds about ½ cup, and I used a heaping amount.

If you are using blueberries, sprinkle them across the top of the batter before closing the lid. If not, just go ahead and close.

Close the lid and bake 3 to 5 minutes, or until steam no longer escapes from the edge of the waffle iron. Serve immediately.

If you are preparing waffles to freeze for future use, let them cool completely before storing in zipper freezer bags.

To reheat, simply put them in a toaster oven or reheat in the microwave. I usually heat mine in the microwave for about 45 seconds to 1 minute.

This recipe makes 7 Belgian-size waffles.

Enjoy!