Waffles

Finally my vacations have started! I have left behind the sweltering heat, humidity, sand storms and a load of daily life stress back in Dubai. I am visiting the cousins in Germany – my most favorite place to go for vacation. I cannot tell you how eagerly I had been waiting for this break, but applying for the visa was a long tedious process riddled with difficulties and conspicuous incompetence displayed by the accredited agency that handles all European visas in Dubai. In some matters I can be a wee bit superstitious and I didn’t want to tell anyone that I am going to Germany until I saw the visa stamped in my passport. After some clashes, several phone calls and visits to the agency, I had almost given up on the visa; and that’s when in memory of my favorite vacation destination, I made waffles.

I was first introduced to waffles in Germany and I instantly fell in love with them. I prefer the German ones that are soft and crispy and not too sweet or dense unlike the Belgian waffles. So as I dreamt about Germany and all the amazing authentic German food, I dished out these waffles, much to my daughters delight, who is as much in love with them as her mother.

However, I guess it worked its magic not only in our mouths but also on the visa process as I got the visa the very next day and now here I am in Dusseldorf.

I will be running crazy in this place visiting new places and stuffing myself silly with all sorts of food. I am not yet sure what the German cousins have planned for us but we will definitely have a packed itinerary. I probably won’t be cooking much, but I will try to write about my favorite foods and places here.

Now, for those mouth-watering waffles! You need a waffle maker. I have an amazing flower shaped one whose each petal looks like a heart… courtesy my aunt – the German cousin’s mom. I prefer to use part wheat flour and part all purpose flour. You can use only all purpose flour if you prefer.

In a bowl whisk together the flours, baking powder, eggs, milk, unsalted butter, sugar, vanilla essence and a pinch of salt.

The batter should be similar consistency as the one made for pancakes – free flowing but not too thin.  Let it stand for 15 minutes. Heat the waffle machine. Once hot, brush a hint of butter on the insides. Then pour 1-2 ladles of the waffle mixture and ensure it spreads evenly in the mold.

Close the lid and let it cook. It would take 5 – 8 for it to turn golden brown and crisp.

Then you can let your imagination run wild with the toppings…My little munchkin loves her waffles with strawberries and ice-cream.

Some chocolate sprinkles or a light dusting of powdered sugar also work just fine!

Waffles
Ingredients
1 cup Wheat Flour
1 cup All purpose Flour
1/2 tsp Baking powder
2 Eggs
1½ – 2 cups Milk
¼ cup Unsalted Butter – (room temperature) + extra
½ cup Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla essence
Salt- a pinch

Method

1. In a bowl, whisk together all the ingredients. Let it stand for around 15 mins.
2. Heat the waffle machine and once it is hot, brush a little butter on the insides. Pour 1-2 ladles of the mixture and spread evenly.
3. Close the lid and let it brown. This would take around 5-8 minutes.

Serve with your choice of toppings