Classic Homemade Waffles

  Have you ever made your own waffles from scratch? They're really super easy to throw together, and they're SO much better than any waffles you'll find in your grocer's freezer. They only take a few minutes too! So, you may wonder, what's the difference between classic waffles and Belgian waffles? Well, Belgian waffles (in most cases) use a batter that contains yeast, and they're also cooked on very large waffle irons with deep pockets in them. Sometimes they'll have whipped egg whites folded into the batter for a lighter fluffier texture inside, and a crispier texture outside.
 This is a classic waffle recipe is from Delish.com, but there are many classic versions out there. They're all pretty similar and use mostly the same ingredients. Some use a little more flour or a little less milk. Some add melted butter and/or shortening which makes a crispier crust. But basically, they're all pretty much the same idea.
 Either way, classic or Belgian, I've never met a waffle I didn't like, especially with the endless combinations of toppings you can put on them. Usually, with classic waffles, I'm a butter and syrup kinda guy. Yes, syrup. Lots and lots of syrup! Then again, if we're talking dessert waffles, I love a yummy fruit pie filling with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. (Strawberry, blueberry, or APPLE. OMG yes, apple!) You could also do peanut butter and marshmallow creme for a Fluffenutter waffle. Maybe some chocolate chips in the batter for the chocoholics in your life. And you definitely can't go wrong with fresh fruit, whipped cream, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Or simply just your favorite home made jam! It all works, and it's all delicious! Or you can even do SAVORY waffles! Just omit the sugar, and top your waffles with fresh herbs like basil or chopped chives, and some shredded cheese. How about some smoked salmon and some herbed cream cheese? You could also add some crumbled bacon to your batter. Or how about adding some Cajun spices to the batter, and serving them with fried chicken and a drizzle of honey! OOO that sounds pretty amazing to me!
 Clearly, homemade waffles are SO much more versatile than your basic store bought frozen ones. So, have fun! Experiment with flavors! And if you don't have a waffle iron, I've just given you an excuse to buy one! You're welcome.


3 large eggs
1 1/2 c. whole milk
1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
1/2 c. canola oil
1 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
kosher salt
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
Cooking spray, for waffle iron


 Preheat your waffle iron. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, apple cider vinegar, and canola oil until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Pour dry ingredients into wet and stir until just combined. Spray heated waffle iron with cooking spray. Pour a generous amount of batter into the middle of the iron until it's completely covered. Cook until golden brown, 3 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter and serve immediately with butter and maple syrup.


Tips:
If you're making them for a crowd, place cooked waffles on a baking tray fitted with a wire rack. Place them in a 250ºF oven. This will keep them warm and will even make them a little bit crispier, which is definitely not a bad thing, in my book.
Melting your butter and then drizzling it over the top is easier than trying to spread butter over your waffles. Just sayin!
Be sure your waffle iron is hot before you load it with batter. Also be sure you don't over fill your waffle iron, otherwise you'll spill over and create a big mess. Not that I've ever done that before...