Vegan Waffles in the Morning!

“…And in the morning, I’m makin’ Vegan Waffles!”

Makes 4 round vegan waffles (8 smaller square waffles/pancakes)

Such a simple and yummy recipe for moist on the inside, crispy on the outside vegan waffles. This is the basic version but you can feel free to add anything you want to it. Try fresh Strawberries, Bananas, Cinnamon, Blue Berries or even Chocolate Chips! It’s limited only by your imagination. Have no waffle maker you say? Don’t fret! Use the same batter for perfect pancakes.

The Batter:

• 2 Cups Flour
• 2 Tsp Baking Powder
• 1/8 Tsp Salt
• 2 Tsp Raw Sugar
• 1 Tsp Wheat Germ (For added nutritional kick.)
• 1 3/4 Cups Soy or Rice Milk (Soy does work best.)
• 1 Tbs Almond Extract (Don’t have that handy? Vanilla works too… but
  please go buy some!)
• 1/4 Cup Maple Syrup
• 1 Tbs Melted “Butter” (Whichever brand you like i.e., Earth Balance )

Directions

1. Preheat your waffle iron (or griddle if pancakes are what you desire). Make sure to lube it with some spray or even a little vegetable oil- though, that does get hard to reapply while the iron is hot, so try to stick (no pun intended) with the spray.
2. Mix all of the dry ingredients together (flour, baking powder, salt and sugar, wheat germ) in a good sized bowl. Fill a measuring cup to the 1 and 3/4 line with the milk. Add the Almond extract and the syrup to the 2 cup line. Mix together well (by the way, this mix tastes great over ice!), then pour the wet mix into the dry.
3. Combine and stir until mostly smooth. There can still be some lumps, never be ashamed of your lumps. When you’re happy with the mix, add the tablespoon of melted “butter.” Do a final mix and you’re ready to start cooking!
4. Add a ladle full of mix to the hot iron (or griddle) for round waffles. If you have one of those queer little ones that makes 2 square vegan waffles, use about 3/4 of a ladle full for each. It might take you a waffle or two to get it right. Most Irons have a “Ready” light on top. It should tell you when it’s time to remove your waffle. Pop it out of the iron, put it on a plate and do whatever you want with it. I just hope eating and enjoying will be involved.