Toasted Almond Waffles

It's fun to receive a new cookbook as a gift.  So many new recipes and tastes to try.  It's especially fun to receive a new cookbook that comes with the giver's typed recommendations and variations on a majority of its offerings!

I received The Totally Pancakes and Waffles Cookbook and an accompanying guide last summer.  Recently, I made Toasted Almond Waffles according to the giver's specifications, which increased the almond extract and decreased the vanilla.  I think that was a good idea, an I might try even more almond extract next time to heighten the nut flavor.

One of the thrills of making this waffle recipe was grinding almonds in the Cuisinart.  I don't use the food processor very often, but when I do I am always pleased and surprised at how efficient it is.  The leftover ground almonds were put to good use as a coating for orange roughy the next night.

As for the waffles themselves, they were a sweet but not cloying variation on your basic breakfast waffle.  We only have a Belgain-style waffle maker, so they were thick, but they cooked well and had the right balance of crispy exterior and soft (not dried-out) interior.  The ground almonds within the batter and the toasted sliced almonds on top made them extra-hearty as well.  They tasted fantastic with powdered sugar or maple syrup.  Eric and I agreed that this is a "keeper" recipe and one to add to our waffle and brunch rotation.

Toasted Almond Waffles
The Totally Pancakes & Waffles Cookbook by Helene Siegel

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup finely ground almonds
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups milk
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon almond extract
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
maple syrup for garnish

(Variation: 2 teaspoons almond extract, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 tablespoon sugar)

Preheat the waffle iron.  Combine flour, ground almonds, baking powder, sugar, and salt in large bowl.  In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, vanilla, almond extract, and butter.  Pour into flour mixture and stir to combine.  Pour onto the waffle maker and follow the manufacturer's instructions.  Sprinkle with toasted almonds and serve with maple syrup.  Makes 4.

Comments

[Amy Deik]

Makes me want to go buy a waffle-iron!