Yogurt Waffles with Honey Cream

Waffles, Waffles, Waffles

My mom is the waffle queen.  She LOVES them.  She doesn't like them overly sweet.  She likes them with pecans, and will take them any day over pancakes.  She even loves them for dinner!

Me?  Now, I'm more of a pancake person.  Don't get me wrong, I love me a good waffle.  It just doesn't get top billing for my favorite breakfast treat.

One of the best waffles I've had was at a little beach restaurant up in Santa Barbara.  It was a HUGE Belgian waffle topped with a gazillion berries, sprinkled with powdered sugar.  YUM!

So the other day I was looking around a favorite cooking store (heaven!) and spotted a nice waffle maker on sale, which reminded me that I have one and need to use it more!  Next to it was a book called "Waffles - sweet and savory recipes for every meal".  What caught my eye was the to-die-for waffle on the cover (can you say Smores?) and I promptly bought the book.  It was out of my control.  Really.

So in looking through the many many wonderful recipes I found one that I'd like to try first.  Made with yogurt, it appealed to my sense of being healthier! (I keep telling myself that) Less sugar, not laden with syrup.  Just a dollop of some honey cream.  Sounds good huh?

Well, I have to tell you these are the most tender waffles I've ever made.  Better than buttermilk.  I swear.  You HAVE to try them and see for yourself.  I made a large batch and MGG and I each had one.  The honey cream was tangy and a little sweet.  Just perfect on top of the most tender waffle.  Since we had leftovers I separated them into quarters and froze them.  That way we can pop them in the toaster during the week and have a nice quick breakfast treat, with some peanut butter or cream cheese on top!  They were perfect even frozen!!  My Mom would even be proud.

Do yourself, and your family, a favor.....make these waffles!

Yogurt Waffles with Honey Cream

Adapted from the cookbook “Waffles” by Tara Duggan

Makes 4 waffles

For the Honey Cream:

1 c plain yogurt

¼ c honey

Waffles:

2 large eggs

1 c plain yogurt

½ - ¾ c 2% milk

½ c canola oil

2 T honey

1 t vanilla

1 ½ c flour

1 T brown sugar

2 t baking powder

1 t baking soda

¼ t salt

Honey for serving

In a bowl mix together yogurt and honey to make the honey cream.  Set aside.

Preheat waffle maker.

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, yogurt, milk (1/2 c to start), oil, honey and vanilla.  In another large bowl mix together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  Make a well in the center and pour in the egg mixture.  Whisk until mostly smooth, there may be a few lumps.  If batter seems too thick (mine was) add another splash or two of milk and stir to combine.

Ladle batter into the waffle maker, spreading batter to the edges.  Cook until done about 3-4 minutes.  Remove from waffle maker and serve right away, or keep warm in a low temp oven.  Repeat making the remaining waffles.   Top with a dollop of honey cream and a drizzle of honey.


Linked to the following parties:  Weekend Potluck

Jazzed-Up Refried Beans

A good Latin flavored entree needs a good side dish.  

What's easier and better than refried beans?  Can't you just taste those hot, cheesy, comforting beans?  How about Jazzed-Up Refried Beans?

Well, this side dish is super simple to make, using a little help from purchased ingredients.  The goal is to jazz up boring canned refried  beans and make them in to a fabulous side dish that you crave!  Mixing canned refried beans with whole pinto beans gives them some chunky texture.  Adding the salsa provides that zip in the flavor that takes it to the next level.  The addition of the liquid from the whole beans and salsa loosens up the refried bean and creates a smooth comforting side dish that helps soothe the soul.  (Ok I might be getting carried away....) But, these are really good!

A few days ago I presented my Pinon Crusted Grilled Chicken, and served these alongside them.  A perfect compliment!  

Try these, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Jazzed-Up Refried Beans

Yield: 4 cups

1 15 oz can refried beans

1 15 oz can pinto beans

1 c salsa

¼ c Monterey Jack cheese

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, place both types of beans and salsa.  Stir to combine.  Heat until warm, about 5-6 minutes.  Place in a serving bowl and sprinkle with cheese.

Southern Sundays & Pinon Crusted Grilled Chicken

Welcome to Southern Sundays!

Since my mini vacation I've been remiss in posting any recipes.  So I thought I'd bring a little something to the party this week!

It's time for a Southwestern Fiesta.  The combination of chips, pine nuts and salsa turns chicken breasts into a dish with Latin flair!  The best part?  The chicken is grilled!

Crusted chicken usually involves an egg wash and flour, and messy fingers.  This technique skips all that by grilling the chicken briefly and then dipping the grilled side in salsa (a smooth version works best) and then in the pine nut and tortilla mixture.  Finish it up on the grill.  

The end result is that you have a wonderful one-sided crusted Southwestern dinner!  Oh, and don't forget to make the guacamole, it's a perfect compliment to this dish.  All this can be made in less than 30 minutes!  What a deal!

I served this with my jazzed up Refried Beans.  That recipe is coming up next!

Pinon Crusted Grilled Chicken

Serves 4

Guacamole:

2 large avocados, pitted and chopped

2 T fresh lime juice

2 T cilantro, chopped

1 jalapeno, seeded and minced

Salt

For the chicken:

¼ c chopped pinons (pine nuts)

½ c crushed tortilla chips

½ c salsa (use your favorite)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

salt & pepper

Preheat grill to medium-high.

Mash the avocado, lime juice, cilantro, and jalapeno in a medium bowl using a fork just until chunky.  Add salt to taste.  Cover and chill until use.

In a flat dish add pinons, and tortilla chips.  Stir to combine and set aside.  In another dish add salsa.  Set aside.

Salt and pepper both sides of your chicken.  Grill on medium high heat, covered, on the first side for about 5 minutes or until browned.  Take the chicken breast and dip the “cooked” side into the salsa.  Then dredge that same salsa side into the pinon crumb mixture. 

Return chicken to the grill with the crust side up.   Grill until cooked through, another 5-6 minutes.  Serve chicken over the guacamole.  

recipe shared at these parties:  Weekend Potluck
On the Menu Monday

Last week's party was filled with great dishes.  One dish stood out....way out from the crowd

Congratulations on being this week's featured dish!

Coconut Pound Cake with Lime Glaze

by Flour Me With Love

This looks awesome and reminds me of the tropics!

So let's party!  I can't wait to see what you all bring this week.  Make sure to tell all your friends so they can join the party as well!

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Enjoy, have fun, cook lots of food, and relish your Southern Sunday!