Nashville, TN – Is it a waffle iron, waffle maker, or waffler? Whatever you call it, it’s time to dig yours out from the back of the cabinet and dust it off. “Pulling out the waffle iron signals something fun and festive for the whole family,” observed the Martha White® baking expert Linda Carman.
“And waffles are amazingly versatile. We usually think about them for breakfast or brunch, but they can also be served for lunch, supper or even dessert.”
Waffle Irons
Early waffle molds which produced the distinctive grid-like pattern were made out of cast iron which is why they are often referred to as waffle irons. Modern waffle irons may be round, square or rectangular and are usually electric. If you are in the market for a waffle iron, consider models with a non-stick surface for easy release and clean-up.
Belgian waffle irons have deep grids which create deliciously thick waffles. We usually think about Belgian waffles being richer and sweeter than a standard waffle, but you may cook any waffle batter in a Belgian iron. In fact, waffle batter may be made into pancakes, too. Just add a little more liquid to the batter if the pancakes bake up thicker than you like.
Corn Meal Waffles
Crisp corn meal waffles capture the flavor and texture of the crust of a beautifully browned skillet of cornbread. Although they are often eaten for breakfast with syrup or molasses, corn meal waffles are also delicious as an accompaniment to soup or stew or as a main dish topped with something warm and soothing.
The traditional main dish topping for corn meal waffles is a flavorful cream sauce with chicken. We’ve updated the recipe just a bit with the addition of vegetables, so that our sauce for Creamed Chicken on Corn Meal Waffles is reminiscent of chicken pot pie filling. In addition to creamed chicken, there are many hearty toppings for corn meal waffles that your family will enjoy on cold winter nights.
Some suggestions include:
- Chili and shredded cheese
- Barbecue and slaw
- Bacon, tomato, and avocado topped with cheese sauce or a spicy queso sauce
- Creamed chicken, turkey or ham
- Sloppy Joe
- Sausage gravy
- Roast beef and gravy or roast beef hash
Belgian Pecan Waffles
To make the meal a little heartier, serve bacon, sausage or ham on the side and offer a variety of toppings so each family member can personalize their waffles. Of course, it’s hard to beat butter and maple syrup, but Belgian Pecan Waffles with Cinnamon Apples and Whipped Cream are a delicious change for winter. Or you may want to try them topped with bananas and caramel sauce.
Chocolate Waffles
With the addition of a little cocoa powder, a Martha White® Chocolate Chip Muffin Mix can be transformed into a delectable chocolate dessert waffle. Chocolate waffle topping possibilities are limited only by your imagination and favorite flavor combinations. You can never go wrong with ice cream and hot fudge sauce or frozen yogurt and a fruit sauce.
For a great project with the kids, make Fun Filled Chocolate Waffles by stacking two waffles filled with frosting, whipped cream cheese or ice cream for your own homemade ice cream sandwiches. They’re wonderful for a party or as a surprise for Dad at suppertime. For more wonderful waffle and topping recipes, go to www.marthawhite.com.
Creamed Chicken on Corn Meal Waffles
Creamed Chicken
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup Martha White® All-Purpose Flour
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
3 cups chopped cooked chicken
1/2 cup frozen green peas
Corn Meal Waffles
2 cups Martha White® Self-Rising Corn Meal Mix
1 3/4 cups milk
1/3 cup Crisco® Pure Vegetable Oil
Directions
1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots and celery, cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Gradually add flour, stirring until smooth. Cook stirring, one minute. Gradually add 2 cups milk; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens. Stir in salt, pepper, thyme, chicken and peas. Cook stirring occasionally until hot, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low while preparing waffles.
2. Heat waffle iron. Combine cornmeal mix, 1 3/4 cups milk and oil in medium bowl; stir until smooth. Batter will be thin. Pour batter into hot waffle iron. Bake about 10 minutes for each waffle or until steaming stops and waffle is dark golden brown. If batter thickens, add additional milk.
3. Cut waffles into wedges or squares; place two or three on serving plate; top with creamed chicken.
6 servings
Belgian Pecan Waffles With Cinnamon Apples and Whipped Cream
Apples
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
4 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Waffles
2 1/2 cups Martha White® Self-Rising Flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups milk
3/4 cup Crisco® Pure Vegetable Oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup finely ground toasted pecans*
1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped with 1 tablespoon sugar
Directions
1. Melt butter in large skillet. Stir in 1/2 cup sugar, water and apples; stir gently. Simmer about 10 minutes or until apples are tender and liquid has thickened, stirring occasionally. Stir in cinnamon.
2. Heat waffle iron. Combine flour and 2 tablespoons sugar in large bowl. Combine eggs, milk, oil and vanilla in medium bowl; add to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened. Stir in pecans. Pour batter into hot waffle iron. Bake until steaming stops and waffle is golden brown.
3. Place waffle on plate. Top with apples and whipped cream.
6 servings
*To toast pecans, preheat oven to 300° F. Spread pecans evenly in baking pan. Bake 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often until lightly browned. Cool completely. OR to cook on top of the range, place pecans in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often until lightly browned. Pecans may be ground in a food processor. Do not process too long or oil will begin to separate. You may also use finely chopped pecans.
Fun Filled Chocolate Dessert Waffles
Waffles
1 (7.4 oz.) pkgs. Martha White® Chocolate Chip Muffin Mix
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2/3 cup milk
Filling
About 1 cup Pillsbury® Frosting, flavored whipped cream cheese or ice cream
Directions
1. Heat waffle iron. Combine muffin mix and cocoa powder in medium bowl. Add milk; stir just until blended. Spoon and spread batter into hot waffle iron. Bake until steaming stops. Cool.
2. Cut each round waffle into 8 wedges. OR cut each square waffle corner to corner into 4 wedges. Spread half the wedges with your choice of filling and top with remaining wedges. 8 dessert waffles.
Crisco is a trademark of The J.M. Smucker Company. Pillsbury is a trademark of The Pillsbury Company, LLC, used under license.
