Bran Waffles

In our house, a waffle has to be topped with fruit. This time of year, we're so excited to see strawberries again that we don't really care how much they cost, we just have to buy them. Here's one of my favorite waffle recipes. It calls for bran cereal (or multi-grain or cracked wheat). Use whatever you have on hand. I personally really like the crunch the cracked wheat cereal gives these waffles, but my family isn't crazy about it. Tonight I used half rolled wheat and half oat bran cereal. I've used a lot of combinations in this recipe, and they all taste great! Don't forget that if you don't have buttermilk on hand you can add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to each cup of milk. I never have buttermilk when I need it and use this substitution a lot. Top your waffles with maple syrup or if you're like us, lots of whipped cream and fruit!

Bran Waffles

1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup whole bran cereal (or multi grain, or cracked wheat cereal)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon finely shredded lemon peel
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 beaten egg yolks
6 tablespoons melted butter (can substitute a healthy oil like canola if desired)
2 stiffly beaten egg whites

Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a large measuring cup whisk together egg yolks, buttermilk, and melted butter. Add to dry ingredients and stir until just moistened. Fold in egg whites, do not overmix. Cook in a waffle maker to your desired crispness. Enjoy!