From Awful to Waffle

This weekend I put my new waffle iron to use with the help of Vegan Brunch. I was nervous and justifiably so. Though I spent many a summer chomping my way through Eggo 48 packs with my sisters before graduating to smaller packs of vegan waffles, I have never made a waffle from scratch or otherwise. But I believe in getting my money's worth out of my books, even if it means dropping more money on the appliances to do so.



For my first batch, I decided to go simple and chose the Chelsea Waffles, since they required no rising time or ingredient trips. Of course, I'm lying, I was one cup short of almond milk and my hemp milk smelled and tasted off, so I made a quick trip to the local organic market. I returned twice more that day, just so you know.

I followed the instructions perfectly, but the first one came out a little ugly.



I made little adjustments to time and flipping, and each waffle looked a little better, but at the end, I had not produced a single perfect waffle. In fact, I didn't even manage a totally edible waffle. The dog and I shared the edible bits, dipped in maple syrup and ate the strawberries I had cut up in anticipation of splendid and photogenic waffles.

I believe that the closing the drafty window helped, but a certain kitty who likes to perch there to watch the birds did not agree.



Day two, things went a little better. Though I was unable to achieve perfect shape, my Peanut Butter Waffles were totally edible and I'll even go so far as to say delicious!



I had presoaked some cashews and had chocolate ganache left over from Brooklyn vs. Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes, so I topped my breakfast/morning dessert accordingly. The whole affair was a success and half a leftover waffle was a perfect Monday morning breakfast.

Implement Roundup

Last night, my waffle iron arrived! I can't wait to test it out this weekend in anticipation of Global Vegan Waffle Party. I'll be attending a party on the 30th with a bunch of strangers and that's both scary and exciting. And I think on the actual date, the 29th, I'll just throw myself a party and gorge on waffles. I am blessed with several recipes courtesy of Vegan Brunch, but now I'll be on the lookout for more.



But a waffle iron is not the end of my implement craze. I recently also bought a 13.5 inch cast iron skillet (how cool is it that the pre-seasoning method is vegan?). I did season it myself as well, using the technique I found here.

I also acquired a mandoline some time ago and finally put it to work this week to make a fancy-ish looking salad on which to try out some Creamy Asian Dressing.

This dressing, by the way, is divine. Dressings always leak out of my Tupperware, so I carry mine to work in a thoroughly-cleaned curry paste jar.

Next, I have my eye on a juicer.