In my family waffles are a huge favorite. When I was a kid I grew up on Mom’s Bisquick waffles with warmed Log Cabin syrup. She had this really cool round cast iron waffle maker. It was one of her “signature” kitchen appliances. It was a cool tool that, on it’s own, delivered ok waffles but they were lacking the loftiness and crispy-on-the-outside goodness that I had tasted for a treat at Sunday brunch buffets.
When I left home I had no idea that “other cooks” made waffle or pancake mix from scratch. I thought all hotcakes and waffles came from a box in the baking aisle at the grocery store. And my own results at home were underwhelming, leaving me with soft, flimsy cakes that just passed as breakfast or an occasional dinner when pressed for time. Boring, in other words.
Then it hit me that I needed to up my game on this old favorite. The kids always loved them but they, like me, didn’t know better at the time. My quest for more led me to this, now basic building block for every waffle that is made in my kitchen. These waffles are perfect, light, lofty and deliciously crispy on the outside. No more flimsy. No more soggy.
I use real maple syrup now too. And just like those early days of Bisquick and Log Cabin, the syrup on my table is still heated and still served warm.
Seriously Delicious Waffles
Equipment
- Waffle Iron
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- Butter - for spread
- Pure maple syrup - for serving
- Powdered sugar - for serving
- Fresh fruit - for serving
- Chocolate syrup or chocolate chips - for serving
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix briefly to combine.
- Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, vanilla and nutmeg. Mix well.
- Warm your maple syrup. Pre-heat the waffle iron. DO NOT oil your waffle iron. there is plenty of oil in the batter to keep these lovelies from sticking.
- Pour yourself a cup of coffee and catch up with your kids or your sweetheart while you let the batter sit and ferment for 30 minutes.
- Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto your heated waffle iron. Follow cooking instructions for your particular model.
- Serve with whatever your heart desires. Simple goodness with warmed maple syrup is my go-to, but whatever you've got on hand will do nicely to make this a special treat. Try whipped cream, fresh fruit, chocolate, fried chicken and spicy Korean seasonings. Pretty much anything goes. Eat long and prosper.