The Ultimate Waffles

Nothing beats a homemade waffle.

I've tried a few different recipe variations over the years - tinkering with ingredients and techniques. Ultimately, I think it boils down to a few key components. Buttermilk for a tender crumb. Oil for a crisp exterior. Whipped egg whites for lift. And a healthy splash of vanilla and almond extract for delicious flavor.

Yeah, it might take you a few extra minutes to prepare versus a standard box mix. But the return on your investment is off the charts!

In my humble opinion, this is the ultimate waffle batter base. Of course, you can cook 'em just as is or amp up the flavor profile with a few mix-ins. In my household, we tend to rotate between chocolate chips and blueberries. Of course, you can get as creative as you might like! When it comes to waffle mix-ins, I encourage you to think small thoughts as they seem to nestle into the waffle iron a bit better. So I usually reach for mini chocolate chips and frozen wild blueberries. You might also enjoy a combination of chopped bananas and walnuts, or maybe diced apples and cinnamon chips. If you're feeling particularly celebratory, toss in a handful of colorful sprinkles!

The Ultimate Waffles

Ingredients

·       2 eggs, separated

·       1 cup buttermilk

·       1 cup milk

·       ½ cup vegetable oil

·       1 tbsp vanilla extract

·       1 tsp almond extract

·       2 tbsp sugar

·       1 ¾ cup flour

·       2 tsp baking powder

·       ½ tsp baking soda

·       ½ tsp salt

·       ½ cup mix-ins (like chocolate chips or blueberries), optional

·       Butter

Preheat waffle iron.

Whip the egg whites in a small bowl using a handmixer until stiff.

In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks, buttermilk, milk, oil, extracts and sugar. Sift over the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until just combined – the batter will be thick and a bit lumpy.  

Gently fold the egg whites into the waffle batter taking care not to deflate the whites. Sprinkle the mix-ins over the batter, and gently fold in.  

Grease the waffle iron with butter. Spoon about 1/3 cup of the waffle batter into each well in the iron. Close the iron and cook per waffle maker instructions. The waffles should be ready once you no longer see steam coming off the top of the iron.

Serve immediately. Top with maple syrup or whipped cream if desired.

Makes 8 4-in Belgian Waffles

Gluten Free Friendly!

Use Cup4Cup in place of the flour.