Lemon Belgian Waffles {with Blueberry Syrup}

It's almost officially the weekend! And weekends mean brunch. Or breakfast for dinner. Pancakes. Eggs. Sausage. Bacon. Waffles.

WAFFLES.

I used to think that waffles were just pancakes all dressed up. With little holes to catch the syrup. Wonderful little holes!

Or to prevent you from spreading butter smoothly across the surface. Evil little holes!

But then my parents gave us a Belgian waffle maker for our anniversary. YUM. Not only does the waffle iron make waffle making fun (it flips over like those ones you always see at hotel continental breakfasts), but the waffles themselves are delicious! They are crispy and light, just perfect for toppings of fresh fruit and whipped cream.

This particular recipe just pops with fresh lemon flavor and gets an extra dose of indulgence from  freshly make blueberry syrup. I tell you, even though the waffles are first rate, the real star of this show is the syrup. It is a gorgeous purple color and a perfect balance of sweet and just slightly tart.

When you've polished off all your waffles, you just might have some of this syrup leftover, so let me clue you in on what to do with the remaining deliciousness (besides just eating it by the spoonful). Last week we served they syrup atop vanilla ice cream at our church potluck- oh, heaven! This week, I have been stirring a tablespoon into my plain Greek yogurt every morning in lieu of my usual honey- oh, double heaven (is that a thing?)! I'm going to miss it when it's gone. Oh, well...guess I'll just have to make some more...

Lemon Belgian Waffles with Blueberry Syrup

(printable version)

from Cooking Classy

makes about 6 waffles

Waffles:

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/4 cups buttermilk

1/2 cup milk

2 TB vegetable oil

2 TB applesauce

2 large eggs, separated

2 TB white sugar

1 1/2 TB lemon zest

2 TB fresh lemon juice

Preheat a Belgian waffle iron and grease lightly.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, milk, vegetable oil, applesauce, 2 egg yolks, sugar, zest and lemon juice. In a small bow with an electric hand mixer (or in the bowl of a stand mixer), beat 2 egg whites until soft peaks form.

Slowly add flour mixture to butter mixture, whisking as you do so, just until combined (don't overmix- batter should be slightly lumpy). Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in egg whites until combined. 

Spoon about 3/4 cup batter onto hot waffle iron and cook according to manufacturer's directions, until golden (cooking time will vary). Slowly lift lid when finished and carefully remove waffle. Repeat with remaining waffles and serve warm with blueberry syrup if desired.

Blueberry Syrup:

1 cup white sugar

2 TB cornstarch

1 cup cold water

2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

1 1/2 TB fresh lemon juice

Whisk together sugar and cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Stir in water, add blueberries and lemon juice. Cook mixture over medium high heat, stirring frequently until mixture reaches a boil.

Reduce heat to medium low and boil gently for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Pour syrup into a blender, cover and blend on low speed about 1 minute or until well pureed. 

Serve over waffles, ice cream, yogurt, etc.

Berry-Lime Granita

So, this is seriously my new favorite thing about summer.

My wheels are turning with all sorts of ideas for different flavors. I can't wait to try them! With all the fresh fruits available during the summer, the possibilities are endless.

The first flavor combo I have tried for a granita is strawberry-blueberry. The inspiration came from the fresh fruit I have and the recipe came from the web, of course. I sort of tweaked it a little and it was fabulous! The icy treat was so refreshing after a hot day and it fairly burst with fruit flavor- most noticeably, the fresh lime. In addition to the deliciousness of this treat, other added benefits are that it's crazy easy and it's  actually good for you! Full of fresh fruit, lightly sweetened, this is the guilt-free summer dessert I've been searching for!

Berry-Lime Granita

(printable version)

adapted from HMH Designs

serves 4-6

2 cups fresh strawberries

1 cup fresh blueberries

Zest and juice from 1 lime

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

Put berries in blender and puree until smooth. 

Combine water and sugar in saucepan or microwave safe bowl and heat until sugar is dissolved.

Add lime zest, juice and sugar/water mixture to berries and pulse to combine. Pour into glass baking dish and freeze. 

Every 30 min. or so, using whisk or fork, scrape mixture and stir frozen edges toward center. Total time, about 3 hrs or until mixture is frozen, but not solid. Scrape mixture again before serving, breaking up any solid pieces. 

If granita becomes too hard, simply leave it out for a few minutes, scrape, and return to freezer.