Waffles seem like special occasion food to too many people. Why does company have to be around or holidays happening for home cooks everywhere to pull out and dust off their waffle irons? I say it's time to celebrate these great treats. After all, where else can you get all of the flavor of a pancake with the nutty crunch of French toast and lots of little divots to catch butter, maple syrup, fresh fruit and any of the other myriad of toppings that are at home on a freshly cooked waffle?
This month, I am sharing one of my all-time favorite waffle recipes. It's got a nutty flavor, a delightful crunchy outside and the entire batter is laced with the flavor of ripe bananas. I like to make it whenever I have a couple of bananas that need to be used. I often have leftovers that get carefully wrapped in waxed paper and then nestled in freezer bag that's always nearby when the mid-week rush doesn't allow me to whip up a batch.
What's even better about these tasty waffles is that they are actually good for you! Ingredients like whole wheat flour, ground flaxseed, walnuts and fruit make them a great source of vitamins, minerals, fiber and even omega-3 fatty acids ... which have been shown to lower risk of heart disease, boost immunity and reduce arterial inflammation. How often can you enjoy something so tasty and fun that's actually great for you and a perfect way to start your day?
As always, I encourage you to share your recipe ideas and comments. You can always post comments in the discussion board using the forms provided in the articles or email me directly at .
Banana-Walnut Waffles
- 1/2 c. ground flaxseed
- 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
- 1 c. all-purpose flour
- 2 T. brown sugar
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1 1/2 c. skim milk
- 1/4 c. butter -- melted
- 2 eggs -- beaten
- 2 medium bananas -- mashed
- 1 c. finely chopped walnuts
- Cooking spray
Preheat a waffle iron.
In a large bowl, combine the ground flaxseed, flours, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Use a whisk to mix thoroughly.
In another bowl, whisk the milk, butter, eggs and banana. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until blended. Fold in the finely chopped walnuts.
Coat the preheated waffle iron with cooking spray and pour about 1/4 cup of the batter into each waffle opening, making sure it is spread evenly to the edges. Close the iron and cook for about 4 minutes or until the steaming subsides. Repeat until the batter is completely used. Serve these nutty waffles with sliced bananas and warm maple syrup.
- Yields: 16-20 waffles
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes