Buttermilk Waffles with Balsamic Whip Cream

Breakfast isn't something I often make. Working nights, it's just not something that can be done the majority of the time. Having just purchased a waffle iron, however, I thought it was time. Since mornings aren't much of an option for me I made breakfast for dinner, or--as the offspring put it--"brinner."

The waffles are topped with balsamic whip cream, Nutella, and strawberries. Rounding out the meal we had the classic bacon and egg. It's tomato season, so you also see some tomato slices and fresh purple basil in the photo.

The whip cream may sound strange, but the bite of the balsamic vinegar really adds to the flavor. I used my chocolate-infused balsamic vinegar, but any good balsamic will work. This is also a great topping for fruit or ice cream!

Buttermilk Waffles

1 1/2 c unbleached all-purpose flour

1/2 c cornstarch

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 c buttermilk

1/2 c milk

12 tbs melted butter

2 large egg, separated

2 tbs sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Heat the oven to 200°F and turn on the waffle iron. Combine flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, milk, butter and egg yolks; set aside.

In another bowl, beat the egg whites to soft peaks. Sprinkle in sugar and continue to beat until the peaks are firm and glossy. Stir in vanilla.

Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk until just mixed. Drop the whipped egg white onto the batter by spoonfuls and fold in with a spatula until just incorporated.

Pour the the appropriate amount of batter for your iron onto the hot waffle iron (I needed about 1/2 a cup per waffle) and cook until the waffle is crisp and golden brown (follow instructions for your iron). Set the waffle directly on the rack in the preheated to keep it warm and crisp. Repeat with the remaining batter, placing the prepared waffles in the oven in a single layer. Once all the waffles are cooked, serve immediately. Makes about ten 5" square waffles.

Balsamic Whipped Cream

Ingredients:

1 c heavy cream

1/4 c sugar

1 1/2 tbs balsamic vinegar

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and beat to medium peaks. Makes about 1 1/2 cups of whipped cream.