weekend waffles.

the world's best waffles

weekends are usually the only time for me where i have the luxury of sleeping in, but every once in awhile i'll wake up early enough to make something special for breakfast.  everyone, meet the world's best waffle recipe, world's best waffle recipe, meet everyone.  this recipe is amazing on so many different levels - it takes only two bowls to make, it takes five minutes to prep, all the ingredients are things one usually on hand, and the add-in possibilities are endless.  some culinary elbow grease and twenty minutes later (or faster, if you have multiple waffle irons) you're biting into the most delicate, airy, light-as-a-feather and melt-in-your-mouth waffles you've ever had.  this particular occasion i chose to flavor with only vanilla (a very special madagascar vanilla paste i save for mostly special occasions) but i've made this before with almond extract, orange zest, plain old vanilla extract with cinnamon and nutmeg, and all combinations have been delicious. the batter is super light, but i'm sure it would also hold up well with heavier mix-ins such as nuts, chocolate chips, etc.  recipe adapted from elaine.

the world's best waffles

makes six waffles

1 1/3 cup flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons sugar
2 eggs, yolks and whites separated
1/2 cup butter (one stick) melted and cooled
1 3/4 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla, orange zest, almond extract (or other flavoring of your choice)

- in medium bowl, beat egg whites till stiff but not too dry, set bowl aside.
- whisk together all dry ingredients in a separate large bowl, add egg yolks to dry ingredients and quickly mix just to break up egg yolks.
- add cooled melted butter to dry ingredients/egg yolk mix and briefly mix, whisk in milk until no lumps are left.
- gently fold in egg whites to flour/egg yok/milk mixture until completely incorporated, careful to not deflate the mixture. also fold in flavorings or mix-ins at this point, if using.
- depending on size of your waffle iron, ladle a half cup to three quarters cup of mix onto hot waffle iron.
- sprinkle with powdered sugar or top with fruit and enjoy!