The following “Chew This!” column originally appeared in “The Courier-Times” and / or “The Shelbyville News”. Check their websites for further information and dates

Perfect Waffles

Blaise Doubman

I love pancakes and I love waffles. If you would ask which of them I liked better, I am not sure I could give a truthful answer because I like them both too much to pick one side or the other. Pancakes, for me, have to be tall and fluffy. Waffles need to be crisp outside and chewy inside. Which is the exact texture of the waffles in the recipe I am sharing here today with everyone! Plus, these waffles, well any waffles really, can be topped with not just butter and syrup but whipped cream, fruit, ice cream, chocolate, peanut butter, caramel sauce, sausage gravy or even buttercream frosting and sprinkles! This blank canvas can be anything you desire. 

When making these waffles, be sure to follow all directions. If you stir the batter of these waffles, they will turn tough and not the texture at all that is desired. The pure vanilla extract in these is recommended but optional if you do not want your waffles to have a slight vanilla taste. Also, this batter can be easily doubled or tripled for large families and even stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to a week! The more this batter sits and chills the more delicious it is! 

Perfect Waffles

Batter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week

2 large eggs

1 3/4 cups whole milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups white all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon white granulated sugar

4 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Start by preheating your waffle iron according to the manufacture’s directions.

In a large bowl whisk togeher the large eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil and pure vanilla extract. 

In another large bowl whisk together the white all-purpose flour, white granulated sugar, baking powder and salt. 

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and fold until just combined. 

Spray the preheated waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray. Pour batter into hot waffle iron and cook until golden brown, which will be around 5 minutes. I usually use 1/2 cup measure for this.

Ask and Answer: Have a favorite side dish recipe that you love to share with your family and friends on Thanksgiving? Send me a message and you could have it featured here!