WAFFLES!!!!

Our family LOVES waffles. We have them almost every weekend. I thought I would share with you how I make them healthy while eating such a fun food!

First I’ll share the original waffle recipe that I have and then the variations that I make to it to increase the nutritional value without compromising on taste and enjoyment for all.

The suggested ingredients are:

1.75 cups white flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1.75 cups milk
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs (separating the yolk and the white)

Typically I can get 5 Belgium waffles from this version of the recipe.

My variations are:

1 cup unbleached white flour (unbleached flour has been through less processing than bleached flour)

¾ cup whole wheat flour (whole wheat flour adds more fibre and provides longer satiety than while flour)

1 Tbsp. baking powder (adding more baking powder makes a fluffier waffle)

1.75 skim milk (a lower fat milk reduces the calories and saturated fat without compromising on nutritional value)

1/2 cup canola or grapeseed oil (Fat is not a bad thing.  The type of fat is what we need to focus on. Canola and Grapeseed oil are two good choices for cooking that provide very little saturated fat and lots of healthy fats. You can also reduce this to 1/3 cup and still get a great product if you prefer to.)

2 egg yolk

4 egg whites (adding more egg whites provides more protein and allows your recipe to go a little further)

Typically I can get 6-7 Belgium waffles from this new version of the recipe.

Instructions:

If you plan to make this recipe, here are the instructions.

1. Mix together dry ingredients (Flour and Baking Powder) and set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together milk, egg yolks, and oil.
3. In a third blow, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until they are fluffy.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir together until just blended – do not overmix.
5. Then fold in the beaten egg whites.
6. Poor into Belgium waffle maker and wait patiently

Serving options:

Try to think beyond butter and syrup for waffle.  Try these nutritious and delicious options:

• Instead of butter, try Coconut oil, natural peanut butter, natural almond butter, Greek yogurt, and/or sprinkled cinnamon.
• Instead of syrup try bananas, grapes, pears, apples, peaches, kiwis and berries (fresh or thawed from frozen).

Adding in a few Tbsp. Of Baby Brain Organics is an amazing way to add protein and omega 3 to this breakfast favourite!!!

Here is my plate from last Saturday…

Watch the blog later this week for grocery shopping tips!

Until then, Happy Canada Day!!