How To Make Waffles

If you've ever seen a waffle iron at a garage sale ("Two dollars! Only used twice!") and thought you were looking at a dust collector, it's possible you've never tried a good homemade waffle. One that doesn't heat up in a toaster.

Waffles are often associated with breakfast, and for good reason. There's nothing like hot, crispy waffle topped with powdered sugar, fruit, or maple syrup on a Sunday morning. Waffles are  served as a savory dinner dish as well, with fried chicken (Southern style) or hot chicken gravy (Pennsylvania Dutch style). Waffles also go brilliantly with ice cream for dessert.

What you need to make waffles:

• Waffle iron
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Waffle batter is similar to basic pancake batter, with the addition of melted butter. For the best results, use real butter.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cups flour
• 1 Tb baking powder
• 1 Tb sugar (omit for savory waffles)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter
• 1 1/2 cups milk

Steps:

1. Spray waffle iron lightly with cooking spray and heat.
2. Combine dry ingredients in one bowl, and whisk together wet ingredients in another. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry, whisking it all together to make a batter.
3. Pour about 1/2 cup batter over each waffle pan, and close the lid.
4. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until it stops steaming.
5. Fully cooked waffles come right out of the iron.
6. Makes six regular waffles, or about three Belgian waffles.

As with pancakes, there are many possible variations to try once you've mastered the basic recipe.