Waffling
We have been looking for a new waffle iron for some time now. Our previous one just wasn’t performing satisfactorily. Unfortunately it was a replacement for another model that also didn’t work all that well. Since we had two sub-par waffle irons, we wanted to research carefully and try to find one that would be REALLY good.
While browsing through Cooking.com at waffle irons, reading reviews and trying to determine what features were necessary, we found the VillaWare V2002 UNO Belgian Waffler and one of the comments mentioned that it was the model Alton Brown used in his episode of Good Eats about waffles. I read that aloud to my husband and the first thing out of his mouth was, “SOLD!”
We ordered it and decided that our first test of the new waffle iron should be with Alton’s basic waffle recipe. And the result: beautiful, puffy waffles with nice texture and even browning. I just wish that we had set them in the toaster oven while baking additional ones to make sure they crisped up nicely, since throwing a hot-from-the-iron waffle right on the plate tends to make them a little softer than I would prefer. I’m definitely excited to try more recipes, the appliance came with several recipes in the operating manual and the 100% whole wheat one is calling to me.
Basic Waffle
4 3/4 ounces all-purpose flour, approximately 1 cup
4 3/4 ounces whole-wheat flour, approximately 1 cup
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons sugar
3 whole eggs, beaten
2 ounces unsalted butter, melted
16 ounces buttermilk, room temperature
Vegetable spray, for waffle iron
Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s directions.
In a medium bowl whisk together the flours, soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another bowl beat together eggs and melted butter, and then add the buttermilk. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until combined. Allow to rest for 5 minutes.
Ladle the recommended amount of waffle batter onto the iron according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Close iron top and cook until the waffle is golden on both sides and is easily removed from iron. Serve immediately or keep warm in a 200 degree F oven until ready to serve.
