Whole Wheat Waffles

When the future hub’s roomate recently moved out and I started moving in, there were items left behind. Some of the items were abandoned by roomates of long ago. So when a waffle iron, among other things was found, picture texts were exchanged with a “is this yours?” to the last rommie.  

Joyfully, the waffle iron was one of these items abandoned. Now that I’ve taken a whack at this dish, I can invite said last inhabitant and let him enjoy the fruits of the newly rediscoved waffle iron too.

I modified this king arthur recipe a good bit as the batter was intially too wet and the waffles too thin. I added wheat germ to the mix which gives it the added benefit of a kick-butt protein. Unfortunately, wheat germ is removed during the refining of whole wheat grains to white flour because otherwise the flour would go rancid quickly. But you can keep wheat germ in your fridge and add it to things like your yogurt, cereal, and waffles. However, I must warn you, perhaps I should have called these “Fart Waffles.” Wheat germ definitely gives you gas.

I also substituted molassas for the refined sugar. The fresh orange juice was part of the original recipe and really played off the other ingredients nicely.

Whole Wheat Waffles

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour *

1/2 cup wheat germ

2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons molasses **

1/3 cup unsalted butter, gently melted

(That’s nearly 5 tablespoons if you’re like me and just use the little tablespoon ruler on the butter wrapper)

1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk

1 large egg

2 tablespoons orange juice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

notes:

*I used whole wheat pastry flour, but I’m sure you could get away with regular, and certainly white whole wheat flour as that’s what the original recipe called for.

** or honey, or maple syrup, but molasses gives the most complex flavor.

1. all the dry ingredients in a bowl.
2. melt yo butter. Add in milk and continue to cook for another minute.  (here’s a little tip: when you microwave butter, put another cup of water in the microwave with it and it will allow you butter to melt more slowly and avoid splattering.)
3. Whisk in egg, orange juice, and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t get too over zealous. Some lumps are okay, don’t over mix.
5. Heat up yo waffle iron. Preheat da oven to 200 degrees.
6. Let your batter sit for at least 5 minutes to firm up a bit.
7. Add batter to heated waffle iron. (give your iron time to heat up inbetween rounds.) Remove cooked waffle and place on a baking sheet in the oven. I read that stacking causes waffles to become limp due to the steam so I’ll do that next time.)
8. Top with berries if you’ve got it and 100% pure maple syrup. (Or whatever you damn well feel like.)
9. Save leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the toaster.