Allison Cafe

Jun
15
2009

Heart Healthy Waffles

I am one of those people that could eat breakfast foods for any meal of the day. I am a huge fan of pancakes and waffles, and they are always such a treat when we decide to make them at home. Until recently though, I had always thought of waffles as a unhealthy start to my day. That’s because the recipes that I was using called for all-purpose flour, lots of butter, and sugar. And sometimes when I was really bad, chocolate chips too, yum! Upon reading about the health benefits of whole wheat flour, oat bran and flaxseed meal, I decided to work them into my standard waffle recipe. The result? A hearty and healthy treat. Especially when paired with fresh fruits, such as bananas and blueberries. I made the waffles just this past week, which made for a very exciting and healthy Wednesday morning breakfast to start my workday. Buon Apetite!

Healthy and Delicious

Whole Wheat Waffles With Fresh Fruit

By Allison Baloglu, As featured in Chef Wannabee’s Your Smart Kitchen Newsletter

Makes 10-12 waffles

Ingredients

1 ½ cups of Bob’s Red Mill Whole Wheat Pastry Flour, or any whole wheat flour
¼ cup of oat bran
2 tbsp evaporated cane juice, or granulated sugar
1tbsp baking powder
¼ tsp kosher salt
2 eggs
2 cups milk
¼ cup butter, melted or cooking oil
¾ cup Bob’s Red Mill Ground Flaxseed Meal, or similar brand
1 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Fresh seasonal fruit such as blueberries, bananas, strawberries or peaches; sliced
Fresh whipped cream (optional)
Powdered sugar (optional)
Trader Joe’s Maple Agave Syrup Blend (or any syrup choice)

Preparation

Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, oat bran, evaporated cane juice, baking powder and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.

Step 2: In a another bowl, beat the eggs slightly and then stir in the milk, butter, flaxseed meal, lemon juice and vanilla. Add the egg mixture all at once to the flour mixture and stir only until combined and moist. The batter will be lumpy.

Step 3: Pour the batter into the grids of a preheated, and lightly greased waffle maker. (about 1 to 1 ¼ cups of batter) Close the lid immediately and do not open until the waffles are done. Cooking times may vary based on your waffle maker, bake according to your machine’s directions. Remove the waffles from the waffle maker with a fork and place onto a heated plate and repeat the process until all of the batter has been transformed into delicious waffles.

To Serve: Place 1-2 warm waffles on a warm plate. Top with fresh fruit and whipped cream. Sprinkle them lightly with powdered sugar. Serve the syrup on the side in a heated serving dish (Hint: use a small creamer pitcher to allow guests to drizzle the warm syrup).

Safety Note: Follow your manufacturer’s care instructions for use and clean up.

Waffle Tips

Homemade Whipped Cream – To make your own homemade whipped cream, simply place 1 cup of whipping cream, 2 tbsp of sugar and ½ tsp of pure vanilla extract in a chilled mixing bowl and beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Yields 2 cups of whipped cream. Half the recipe for less.
Waffles Ahead of Time and Leftovers – Leftover waffles or waffles made ahead of time can be placed in the fridge for 1-2 days, or in the freezer in a Ziploc bag and reheated in a toaster oven or toaster for prolonged enjoyment. Simply thaw them on the counter or in the microwave on defrost, and then place in the toaster on low. Cook according to your waffle texture preferences: longer for more crispy waffles and shorter periods, or simply microwave only, for softer waffles.
Waffle Sandwiches – Trying to find new ways to use your leftover waffles? Try using 2 waffles to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or an egg and cheese breakfast sandwich. Try using any of your favorite toppings such as pumpkin butter for an anytime snack.