Waffle season delights: From seaside treats to homemade feats

The official waffle season is about to begin, and many of us anticipate enjoying them during the lengthy May weekends, whether by the sea or in the mountains. They're a delightful treat for those leisurely walks. If you're staying home, not to worry—you can bake scrumptious waffles yourself.

Waffles are a preferred dessert during outings, often synonymous with seaside vacations, and have recently been accompanied by tales of distress. But will this trend continue over this year's May holidays? Those who decide to stay in have the advantage of preparing delicious waffles at a much lower cost. This treat is sure to delight not only children but adults alike.

Contrary to common belief, waffles aren't just a treat for children; this notion often pertains only to the simplicity of their preparation. It's not complicated; with some tried-and-true methods, anyone can make outstanding waffles.

Preparing waffle batter is straightforward, bearing a resemblance to that for pancakes. The ideal waffle is crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Achieving this balance heavily relies on a quality waffle maker, although the batter's composition is also crucial. Through various experiments, I've found that using melted butter instead of oil enhances the flavor. Substituting sugar with a blended banana is a great option for a fruity twist. Replacing milk with yogurt or buttermilk results in a more delicate dessert, and for a dairy-free version, plant-based drinks, particularly almond milk, are an excellent choice.

Whipped cream and strawberries complement spicy-flavored waffles marvelously. Consider adding cocoa and cinnamon to the batter if that's your preference. There's a breadth of waffle recipes to explore, making it exciting to try new versions. With a whole season of fresh fruits ahead, it’s the perfect time to enjoy this fantastic duo.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour,
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder,
• A pinch of salt,
• 2 teaspoons of sugar, preferably powdered,
• Vanilla sugar to taste,
• 2 eggs,
• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil or melted butter,
• 1 and 1/3 cups of milk,
• Cinnamon and cocoa are optional.

How to prepare:

1. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, vanilla sugar, and optional spices. Mix well, then incorporate the eggs, oil, and milk.
2. Blend with a mixer until the batter is smooth. Preheat your waffle maker. Use a ladle to pour the batter into the waffle maker, and cook for a few minutes, or as per the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Enjoy your waffles with your choice of toppings. Fresh strawberries and blueberries are an excellent option, but feel free to use quality jams, honey, chocolate sauce, or maple syrup. For a simpler version, just a sprinkle of powdered sugar works wonders.