When my mother made pancakes or waffles on the weekend, I always thought it was a special occasion. I love pancakes but I really love waffles. My sister still has the waffle iron she used! I am sure my mother used a box waffle (or pancake) mix. I never buy that, but I always have the ingredients to make waffles from scratch. I still use the recipe I found in my 1976 Joy of Cooking cookbook although I have tweaked it over the years. My waffle iron has 4 squares in it and that is perfect for 2 people. Here is how I make it for 2 but this recipe can easily be adjusted for how many you are serving.
Into a medium bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of flour, ¾ teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, a pinch of salt and a few grates of whole nutmeg. In a medium size bowl – I use a 2-cup measuring cup – whisk ½ cup of milk, ½ cup of sour cream, one egg, 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of good vanilla extract. With a rubber spatula, fold the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until combined. Do not overmix. Then let the mixture rest for 15 minutes or so.
Preheat your waffle iron. I use the ‘almost high’ setting on mine which is 4 out of 5 because I like my waffles brown and crispy. When the waffle iron is ready, spray it with vegetable spray and spread the waffle mixture evenly over. Scatter ½ cup of toasted pecans over – I toast my pecans in a 350-degree preheated oven for 7 minutes – and close the lid. When the waffle iron says the waffles are done, check for doneness to your liking and cook a little longer or remove to a plate. If you are preparing for more than 2 people, place these waffles on a sheet pan in a 200-degree oven to keep warm while you make the others.
Now for the syrup. ONLY use Grade B pure maple syrup. Do NOT use those other sugary syrup concoctions. Pure maple syrup is a little more pricey but so worth it. And when you plate it, feel free to add some fresh fruit to decorate the plate. Today I used blueberries but almost any berry will work.
Finally, waffles can be used for so much more than breakfast. This waffle recipe is perfect for chicken and waffles using my Oven Fried Chicken Thighs found here. Or for dessert with a scoop of ice cream and caramel sauce. The possibilities are endless. Use your imagination and enjoy!
YUM! I will try this soon!