Waffles...Texas Style

And what do waffles have to do with cakes? Not a whole lot really. But my kids and I found this uber cool waffle iron at Bed, Bath, and Beyond that makes waffles in the shape of Texas. So, for obvious reasons, it ended up in our basket and has made a nice new home on our kitchen counter. I'd also like to point out that waffles, just like pancakes, are just as good (if not better) at dinner as they are at breakfast. So tonight, as we use our newly acquired appliance, we'll see just exactly what this baby can do.

To begin, we've gotta make some batter. Waffle batter is pretty simple; the important thing to look for is consistency. Too thin and it oozes everywhere, too thick, and you end up with a thick doughy roll instead of a yummy crisp waffle. This is a basic recipe I use, with substitutions here and there depending on my mood. Today I subbed 1 cup milk for 1 cup Bailey's Irish Cream and added a teaspoon or so of Mexican vanilla.... Throw it all into a bowl and whisk until smooth, sticky, and fluffy.
4 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups milk
1 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoon white sugar
2 tablespoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Next, lightly spray the waffle iron with vegetable oil spray. I know, I know, the instructions on the waffle iron say not to. Don't listen to it. It needs to be sprayed. Now go ahead and drop in between 1/2 c. and 3/4c. batter, but no more. It'll spread out as it cooks. Close the lid on the waffle iron, and let the waffle cooking commence. While the batter is cooking, let's revisit a memorable quote from one of my favorite movies, The Notebook.
"Frank: Say, how would you like some breakfast? Would you like some breakfast?
Allie: Breakfast?
Frank: Yeah!
Noah: Dad, it's ten o'clock.
Frank: Well, what's that got to do with it, you can have pancakes any damn time of night you want!"
Okay, back to the waffles. Has the batter stopped steaming yet? If it has, go ahead and gently lift the lid, and... voila! A Texas Waffle!!!



Now go ahead and repeat the process until you've run out of batter. And YES!!!! Lightly spray the iron each time...just lightly. This recipe should yield approximately 8 good sized waffles, depending on how much better you use each time. I like to place the fresh waffles on a paper towel to absorb the excess moisture and prevent sogginess.

Now the best part: the TOPPINGS!!!!! I used fresh raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries, with butter and pure maple syrup. Also, try honey in place of the syrup. Check out local businessThe Buzzbee Honey Company for honey grown close by in Fabens, TX. Enjoy!!!! I know we will!!!