Winter Breakfasts: Gingerbread Waffles

A touch of spice and sweetness make these Gingerbread Waffles perfect for special occasions or just a cozy winter breakfast!

Gingerbread Waffles

When gingerbread comes to mind I think of holidays and wintertime.  The smell of earthy spices and ginger has me craving the traditional flavors of a gingerbread cookie.  To change this up a bit I decided to incorporate those flavors into a cozy breakfast treat, waffles.  With the aromas coming from the kitchen and then you take that first bite, there is nothing better on a cold dreary winter morning!

These waffles have a nice sweetness to them.  They are great with maple syrup or just a sprinkling of powdered sugar over top.  

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

• butter

• molasses - Grandma's is a good brand

• brown sugar

• eggs

• all purpose flour

• Spices - ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg (whole if you can) cloves

• baking powder

• optional toppings - maple syrup, whipped cream, or powdered sugar

Substitutions and Variations

• Use dark brown sugar instead of light.

• Top with Greek yogurt mixed with some ground ginger and cinnamon

• Don't have molasses? You can substitute with sorghum 1:1 ratio, maple syrup 1:1 ratio, brown sugar 1:.5 ratio, or dark corn syrup1:1 ratio.  NOTE: the taste and the color of the batter/waffle may alter with these substitutions.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• If you use buttermilk you will need to add in 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.

• Freeze any leftover waffles by laying them on a sheet pan 1" apart and flash freezing for 30 min. Then remove and place them in a freezer bag.

• Frozen waffles may be reheated in the microwave or in the toaster.

• You can keep the cooked waffles warm on a sheet pan in the over at 200 degrees while you cook the remaining waffles.

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Gingerbread Waffles

yield: 4-5 waffles

1 1/3 cups milk
3 Tablespoons melted butter
1/2 cup molasses

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 large egg

1 3/4 cups flour

1 Tablespoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon fresh nutmeg. grated

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Toppings:  Whipped Cream, Maple Syrup, Powdered Sugar (Optional)

In a large bowl whisk together the milk, butter, molasses, sugar, and egg until combined.  Add in flour, all the spices, baking powder, and salt.  Mix until just combined and all the flour is incorporated.  You may have some small lumps.

Preheat your waffle iron and allow the batter to rest while it is heating.

Spray your waffle iron with cooking spray and scoop about 2/3 cup of batter in the middle of the waffle iron.  Cook according to your waffle iron manufacturer's directions.  It should be done when the steaming stops.  You want them golden brown.  Remove from the waffle iron and place on a tray.  Continue until all waffles are cooked.

Serve waffles with hot maple syrup, whipped cream, or powdered sugar.

Winter Salads: Pomegranate, Pear & Feta Salad

This is the perfect winter salad that would be great on a brunch buffet, entertaining, or at a Sunday dinner!

Pomegranate, Pear & Feta Salad

We are big on salads anytime of the year and this one is filled with pears, pomegranate seeds, almonds, and feta all on a bed of green leaf lettuce. This salad is gorgeous and bright.  Another plus is that it can be made ahead of time.  Serve it with a simple white wine vinaigrette for one wonderful winter salad.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

• Green leaf lettuce 

• D 'Anjou Pears

• Pomegranate Seeds

• Sliced Almonds

• Cucumber

• Feta Cheese

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• White Wine Vinegar

• Dijon Mustard

• Honey

Substitutions and Variations

• Use any type pear you like

• Use apple instead of pear

• Try kale, arugula, or spinach for the base

• Make a pomegranate dressing using pomegranate juice

• Try crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese.

• Pistachios would be a great substitute for the almonds

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Buy Pomegranate Seeds in the frozen aisle.  Use what you want and keep the rest in the freezer. (plus they are cheaper!)

• I buy sliced almonds for convenience, they are perfectly thin and delicate and it saves me loads of time.  I also use them on yogurt, ice cream, and as a topping for many side dishes.

• Try to get firm, yet ripe, pears.  It will hold up better in the salad.

• Serve it in a beautiful serving bowl for a wow presentation.

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Pomegranate, Pear & Feta Salad

serves 6

Salad:

1/2 head of green leaf lettuce, chopped
2 D 'Anjou Pears, cored and chopped
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
1/3 cup sliced almonds
1 cucumber, chopped
2 oz feta cheese, crumbled

White Wine Dressing:

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup white wine vinegar

1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 Tablespoon honey

1/4 teaspoon salt

pinch of black pepper

In a large bowl combine lettuce, pears, pomegranate, almonds, and cucumber.  Sprinkle with feta cheese.  For dressing combine all ingredients in a jar and shake to combine.  Drizzle over the top of the salad and toss.

 

Winter Cocktails: Cranberry Margaritas

The perfect winter margarita has all the flavors of the season.  Cranberry juice and citrus flavors create a bold flavored cocktail to enjoy all winter long!

Cranberry Margaritas

Everyone loves a good margarita and having one that is quick an easy AND reminds you of the season/holidays is a bonus.  These come together in no time.  They are easy to make one glass at a time or in a pitcher for a crowd.

I like my margaritas on the rocks with no salt.  Feel free to blend these up in a blender for frozen style margaritas and to salt or sugar the rims of your glasses if you would like.  We threw these together while decorating our Christmas tree this year and had them again on New Year's day.  We are having friends over for a little dinner this weekend and I'll be serving these along with some appetizers before the meal.  They really are good!   Be sure to read my tips below for suggestions on the cranberry juice.

Enjoy!

P.S.  I really need help in shooting drink pictures...these are horrible!  Anyone have some foolproof tips?

What Ingredients do I need?

• Cranberry juice - I would choose a sweetened one instead of pure juice.  It could be a little tart and then you would need to add some sugar to the drink.

• Ice - for on the rock or frozen versions ice is key

• Tequila - either a silver or blanco tequila will work best.  I use Casamigos blanco.

• Orange liqueur - Grand Marnier or Triple Sec both work well.

• Limes - fresh lime juice is best

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Cranberry Juice - I would choose your favorite, and one that is sweetened.  Pure cranberry juice is very tart and your drink will need added sugar.  

• Try a cranberry juice blend such as cranberry raspberry or cranberry pomegranate for a twist on the flavor.

• You can salt or sugar the rim of your glass if you choose.  Rub the outside rim of a glass with a lime wedge and dip it in the salt or sugar that has been placed on a plate.  Here is a nice chunky salt.

• Garnish your drink with a lime wedge, orange wedge, or float some cranberries.

• You can mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker if you like and them pour them all in a glass, or mix it straight in the glass.

• Increase the ingredients to make a pitcher of margaritas.

• A shot glass is handy for measuring ounces.  I use this one.

• Consider some fun margarita glasses like this one or this one.

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Cranberry Margaritas

serving:  1


ice
2/3 -1 cup cranberry juice
1 oz lime juice or the juice of 1/2 lime
1.5 - 2 oz silver tequila
1/2 oz Triple Sec or Grand Marnier


In a glass combine all ingredients and stir to combine.  

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