A love that never waffles

As you may have gathered, I kinda like waffles. Might have something to do with my obsession with the (alas, short-lived) TV series "Dead Like Me". Or it could just be the appeal of a solid flour-based goodie.

Indeed, waffles carry the aura of "treat", so I often make them on Saturday or Sunday. They're quick enough to prepare, so you can easily squeeze in brekkie before launching into an activity-filled morning. For me, at least this time of year, that means preparing my garden beds and sowing lettuce, peas, cilantro and any other veggie or herb that can hold its own against a spring frost. (Recall that my province, Newfoundland and Labrador, sits out in the North Atlantic Ocean.)

This recipe calls for spelt flour. As mentioned in an earlier post, while spelt is not gluten-free, it more easily mixes with water than does wheat flour, so spelt is a little easier to digest.

I include walnuts for taste, for omega-3 fatty acids and for protein. Protein is especially useful for maintaining consistent energy throughout the day.

Enjoy!

Chocolate-chip spelt waffles

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1 cup spelt flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 3/4 cup plus 
• 2 Tbsp milk 
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup walnuts (chopped)

Directions

1. In medium bowl, use fork to lightly stir egg.
2. Measure spelt flour, then toss baking powder on top of flour. Stir lightly (with another fork), then add to egg.
3. Add remaining ingredients. Give 'er a stir.
4. Spritz* waffle maker with canola oil.
5. Heat waffle maker. Pour in batter. 
6. Cook for approx 5 minutes.

Serve with fresh fruit (like raspberries, one of my favorites), yoghurt, freshly-whipped cream or whatever else takes your fancy.

Leftovers may be cooled, then frozen in an airtight container. They can be readily re-heated in your toaster -- so they become crispy on the outside, with runny chocolate on the inside. Mmm ...

* Note: If your spritzer goes bust, like mine did, place a sandwich bag over your hand, pour a little canola oil on the bag, and rub the bag over the waffle-maker plates.