Taste of Fall: Fall Waffles

   Fall in the south means rolling showers and slow drizzles washing away the dry remnants of a long hot summer. As soon as the first cool front makes an appearance, my families' taste buds start craving the comfort of certain delectable favors. One in particular are waffles.
   Waffles are common to fall in our house because summer is just too hot for such work and spring is way to busy. To make them extra special, bits of chocolate dot the dough while a wisp of cinnamon cream add a unique flare.

Doesn't that look tasty?

Fabulous Fall Waffles

1 stick of butter, softened (yes, real butter)
4 eggs, separated
3 cups whole milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 3/4 cups wheat flour
1/4 cup whole grain hot cereal (I use Bob's Red Mill)
2 cups white flour
1/8 cup flax meal
1 1/2 Tbsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla
1/2-1 cup miniature chocolate chips or grated dark chocolate

   Preheat your waffle maker and beat your egg white to stiff peaks. In a large mixing bowl, stir your wet ingredients well before adding the dry. Stir in your chocolate with the dry ingredients before gently folding in the beaten egg whites.
   Lightly butter your waffle iron (if it is not non-stick) and pour 1/2 cup mixture per waffle section - my waffles are 4"x4" and Belgian style. Cook following your waffle maker's directions. ***If you eat gluten free or low carb- use your favorite baking mix and simply add cacao nibs or dark chocolate shavings for your chips. The recipe can be adjusted to your diet.

Cinnamon Cream

1 cup heavy cream
3 Tbsp confectioners sugar (powdered sugar)
2 tsp cinnamon

   Beat all ingredients with a mixer until you have a sturdy cream for your topping. You may substitute crushed mints, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice or citrus zest for a delicious variation. This cream tastes wonderful on a cup of coffee or black tea, as well as dolloped over crepes or pies.***For us sugar free gals, use stevia powder- one teaspoon (or packet) in place of the sugar.

   To serve your waffles, place a dollop of cream over a waffle, sprinkle with a few chocolate chips, and dig in. Crunchy and sweet with a hint of cinnamon- just right for fall. Add a cup of hot cider and a porch swing- make a memory!