Waffles are a popular breakfast item served in diners and restaurants across the country. They have become such a household favorite that Kellogg’s has long since sold Eggos, their frozen waffles that could be popped into the toaster and reheated for breakfast. They are easily recognizable from its golden color and crisscross grid-like pattern. Knowing how to make waffles means your waffles come out crunchy on the outside but still warm and soft on the inside. Served with hot maple syrup or chopped fruits and you are in for a special treat.

A waffle is quite simple to make. But the first and foremost, you need to purchase a waffle iron. Waffle irons are hot plates that are electrically heated. The batter is poured into the crisscross grooves of the iron. It is then clamped shut and cooked under intense heat for a brief period of time. In five minutes or so, your waffles should be cooked to a nice golden crisp. The amount of time it takes depends on your waffle iron and your batter, so you would have to adjust accordingly.

It might take a couple of trial-and-errors before you perfect your waffle-making skills. Waffle irons also come in different sizes and shapes. Some are round while others are rectangular. The shape doesn’t really have an impact on the taste of the waffle; it is just a matter of preference. It is also important to note that there are flip and non-flip units. Often the higher-end models allow you to flip the plates to ensure that your waffles are evenly cooked on both sides.

Those would fall in the price range of 50 dollars to five hundred dollars. If you are not too picky about waffle texture and outcome, you can find a waffle iron for about 20 dollars that is sufficient. Of course, the inexpensive waffle irons cannot be flipped, which makes one side crunchier than the other (the side against the iron is usually crispier).

Once you have the waffle iron, then you are ready to make the waffle batter. The ingredients for making waffle batter are the same as pancake batter, except the proportions are different. Waffle batter is generally a tad thicker than pancake batter. If your batter is too thin, it will not fluff up nicely after it comes out of the iron. Here is the recipe for basic waffles:

Easy Waffle Recipe

The following is an easy waffle recipe that makes use of some basic ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 ½ cups of milk
• 4 tbsp vegetable oil
• non-stick cooking spray

Making Waffles

How to Make Waffles

Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.

In a bowl, combine dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt and sugar) and set aside. Using another bowl beat the eggs. Add milk and oil and whisk together until ingredients are combined. Add wet ingredients to dry and whisk together until batter is smooth.

Coat the iron with a nonstick cooking spray (newer waffle irons might not require spray so check instructions). Pour batter into iron. Clamp the iron shut and wait for about 5 minutes. Sometimes there is a light indicator on the iron to let you know when the waffles are ready. Once they are crispy, remove from iron with a fork. They should peel be easy to peel off with the cooking spray.

Makes about 6 round 8-inch waffles.

This is just a basic recipe for waffles. There are ingredients you can definitely add or substitute. For wheat waffles, you can use half whole-wheat flour and half all-purpose flour. Use buttermilk instead of regular milk if you like your waffles extra fluffy. If you are tired of plain waffles, add cinnamon, peanut butter or lemon juice for a different flavor.

Perhaps what makes waffles even more enjoyable is the choice of toppings you can add. Even finicky little eaters could not turn their nose away from waffles with whipped cream and chocolate fudge or strawberries and cream. For healthier versions, use fresh fruit and nuts. If you are not worry about calories, here are some ideas:

• maple syrup with pecans and cooked apples
• maraschino cherries and sliced almonds with cherry liquer
• coconut syrup with warm pineapple chunks
• cinnamon honey butter with walnuts
• maple syrup with ginger and lemon zest
• vanilla ice cream and caramel

If you ever feel like a decadent breakfast or a rich dessert, try a basic waffles recipe with one of the topping ideas. They are easy and fun to make. If you have extra batter leftover, cook them in the iron and toss them in a Ziploc and into the freezer. They can be stored for months. The next time you need a quick breakfast, just pop them back into the toaster to reheat. Who needs Eggos when you can freeze your own homemade buttermilk or peanut butter waffles?