How to make waffles at home

Today I'll make your mouth water, because I want to talk to you about making waffles! I'm convinced most of you have tried them at least once, because they're a temptation wherever you see them. Today you'll see how easy they are to make at home (although it's true you need the right appliance), and get inspired to top them with the most tempting ingredients.

Let's start with the basics: What is a waffle?

A waffle is a kind of cookie characterized by having a grid shape. The batter is made from egg and flour, it usually has a hint of vanilla and is served hot.

Although you can eat it plain alongside tea or coffee, it's common to serve it with chocolate spread or whipped cream, ice cream, syrup, fruit, nuts with honey, jam...

You may also see it written in French, gaufre, or in English, waffle.

How to make waffles

Waffles get their characteristic shape because the batter is placed between two plates with that pattern. Traditionally they were iron plates, although today for convenience they're often nonstick, to make the preparation easier.

What's important when choosing a waffle maker is that it distributes heat well, because otherwise the waffles will be burnt on one side and raw in other areas, which could even be indigestible (remember it's a batter of flour and egg).

A waffle maker that gives us full confidence and that we are very happy with is the Nordic Ware waffle maker. It's a bit heavy despite being aluminum (because it contains two plates), but it has a construction and thickness such that the heat is distributed evenly, and it lets you make 4 great waffles at once. In addition, the plates have a nonstick coating that helps you get perfect waffles without hassle.

Nordic Ware waffle maker



Basic waffle recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1 cup of flour
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 cup of milk

Directions:

1. Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the yolks until they are light and fluffy.
2. Add the vanilla and butter, mixing until incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add it to the egg mixture, alternating with the milk, until well combined.
4. Beat the egg whites until they form peaks and fold them into the batter with gentle folding motions.
5. Preheat the waffle maker over medium heat for two minutes per side (what you can do to save time is preheat both halves separately, on two burners at once). Brush the waffle maker with vegetable oil or nonstick spray and pour about 1 cup of batter into the center of the waffle maker; when you close it the batter will spread across the base*.
6. Cook for about 1 minute, flip the waffle maker and cook for 2 more minutes or until golden. Remove with a silicone spatula and serve with your favorite toppings.

*On the waffle maker's page (here), below the product description, you'll see a video that shows very well how the waffles are made. If you want to make just one waffle but without the square edges, put less batter in the center; it will spread in a circular shape without reaching the edges, yielding an irregular but original and equally delicious waffle (you'll see this in the video).