Weekend Waffles

A waffle is a dough with baking powder or leavening agent to increase the volume and expand the dough. It makes the dough soft and light in texture. A waffle is cooked in two metal plates that are supposed to be greased and warmed to begin with so that the dough will not stick to it. 

The metal plates are designed  or has distinguished patterns so the waffle will have its beauty, style and characteristic. The waffle iron is an enjoyable and useful tool, to make the waffle look marvelous top with any syrup, fruit or cream or anything that you fancy. Play with your toppings there's a lot of options out there depending on your area or region and what's available. It is delicious and fluffier if you fold meringue on your batter. Beat the eggwhites until the peaks formed, slowly incorporate it in the waffle batter. Or if you want no hassle forget about the eggwhites just add 1 whole egg in your batter and it will just be fine.

The waffle is consumed all throughout the world especially in Europe and America. It was popularized in Belgium and has plenty of variations. Early 16th and 17th century waffle recipes consists of fresh warm cream, egg yolks and some wine. Today, recipes varies and people opted for a cheaper and readily available ingredients from the pantry like milk, sugar and includes the white eggs rather than to throw it away. It is not limited as breakfast item anymore. It is also served in lunches and at dinner tables in restaurants too like IHOP and a lot more. Varieties of waffle making are plenty there's the Belgian waffle of course, American, Hongkong style, Brussels waffles, Flemish, Hotdog waffles, waffles on a stick, rolled waffles and the Liege waffle which has denser dough, sweeter and chewy texture. You can also make your own version of waffle. Cinnamon, ginger, lemon or orange zest can be added and a lot more.

Our waffle, is just plain and simple and has simple ingredients too. Children can actually enjoy this easy recipe. It's summertime now and children gets excited on what to try and what to do at home as they get bored. Baking and cooking are few of the things I let my daughter learn aside from her piano lessons, art making projects and tennis lesson from dad. I wish to enroll her in swimming and painting classes too if there's a chance.

Waffle iron

Here's the recipe for a simple and easy waffle. It yields 4 pieces just enough for 2 people. Double or triple the recipe if there's plenty of people to serve. Place your waffles in the oven if you think people will have to eat at the same time. Waffle maker will just make 2 pieces at a time. Enjoy...

Ingredients:
1 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup milk or buttermilk
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons oil or butter
2 eggs separated
1 tablespoon sugar for the meringue 

Method:

• Plug in waffle iron to warm it up. It's still better to read instructions before using your machine.
• In a bowl mix flour, sugar and baking powder. 
• Add the egg yolk to the milk and oil.
• Slowly pour wet mixture to dry ingredients and blend well.
• Beat the eggwhites add a tablespoon sugar. Continue beating until soft peak forms then fold it in the batter. Do not overmix your batter otherwise gluten will develop and your waffle will become hard and chewy.
• Butter the waffle iron or spray oil if  that's okay with your waffle iron, some machine does not need to be greased then pour the waffle mixture. 
• Don't open the lid too early you don't want to rip your beautiful waffle, wait for the green light or beeping sound of your machine that indicates that its done. If there's no indication wait for the steam to come out. 
• Wait till golden light brown, remove and top with any toppings you like.
• Yields 4 pieces...ENJOY...