The waffle iron transforms goopy liquid batter into golden brown, perfectly fluffy and crispy waffles that become part of a delicious breakfast. This Dutch creation is eaten throughout the world, especially in Belgium, France and the US, but even in Hong Kong, Singapore and on buffets and in restaurants everywhere.
The idea of a waffle promises so much more. However, your trusty waffle iron and that bag of waffle flour have much more potential than you think. Your simple batter can be flavoured with any savoury combination that can be imagined, and then topped with complementary ingredients. A Savoury Waffle can be created based on Classic and Modern recipes, and can be served as a breadbasket item, a side dish, a topper, a bottom, a sandwich or for hors d’oeurves. Instead of just a plain waffle for breakfast, what about mixing in crumbled bacon and cheese, cooking the waffle and then topping with a butter and fruit sauce?
Brunch may never be the same again.
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There is also the licence to make your own waffle mix, using gluten-free flours, whole wheat or any other variation of flour. Waffle mixes can be made as thin or as thick and dense as you like, using different doughs such as Brioche. More egg yolks will make it richer, sweeteners will make it sweet and help the outside carmelise and replacing the dough altogether with Mashed Potatoes will make it different.
The base mix can be highlighted with rich additions like:
- Pumpkin and sweet potato
- Cheeses, Cream Cheese
- Chocolate & Chocolate Syrup, Nutella
- Corn, Onions, Scallions and other Vegetables
- Potatoes – Mashed Potatoes
- Butter and Peanut Butter
- Honey
- Corn meal (or polenta)
- Sour cream
- Spices- nutmeg, black pepper, herbs
- Spirits and Beer
- Fruits and fruit products like Jam
Imagine a thin and crispy, well seasoned waffle with green onions, topped with fresh tuna and wasabi, or Corn Meal Waffle Triangles with BBQ Pork, or the crunch of Cheesy Waffles as the base of your Signature Burger or Salad. Even Pizza can be kicked up with the texture of a well-cooked waffle, either thin and topped or thick and stuffed like a Calzone.
Of course, you can also experiment with dessert-inspired creations such as:
- Bananas Foster
- Strawberries & Cream
- Cinnamon Roll
- Peaches & Cream
- Guava Duff
- Chocolate Cake
- Sticky Bun
- Carrot Cake w/Cream Cheese Frosting
Waffles are economic to produce and offer a nice profit margin. Using a Complete Mix such as Carbon Golden Malted Pancake & Waffle Mix, means you only have to add water. The mixture is stored in your dry storage area and does not require huge amounts of space, nor excess labour to prepare. Waffles appeal to a wide range of ages, financial capabilities and tastes and are a familiar product to most people.
Related articles
- Skip the Syrup: 20 Savory Waffle Recipes
- Any Excuse to Eat Waffles (nytimes.com)
- Tastespotting
- 10 Crazy Sweet & Savory Waffle Recipes (bonappetit.com)
- Rachael Ray’s Food Collection: Brunch (rachaelray.com)
