How do you make the perfect waffles?
- Choose a good waffle maker
- Add the right ingredients
- Avoid overmixing the batter
- Pre-heat the waffle maker
- Do not overfill the device
- Be patient
You see them in movies and cute bakeshops. They’re often served with strawberries, some cream, powdered sugar, or maple syrup. Or if you’re looking for a savory treat, you can also eat them with fried chicken. We’re talking about waffles, one of the favorite foods for breakfast! Unlike a pancake, you need a special cooking appliance to form your batter into the right shape. To help you, here are some tips on how to make the perfect waffles. Keep on reading!
Choose A Good Waffle Maker
The perfect waffles start with the right kitchen appliance. You should look for a non-stick toasting surface to prevent the batter from sticking. As a bonus, you don’t have to worry about cleaning too. If you’re on a budget, there are affordable options in the market that won’t compromise on quality.
For example, the Hanabishi Waffle Maker HSM80SSW only costs less than a thousand pesos. It comes with safety features such as a thermal cut-out and thermofuse. The handle is also heat-insulated so you won’t accidentally burn your hands when you’re opening the appliance.
Add The Right Ingredients
The next step is gathering your ingredients. Other than the kitchen appliance itself, the oil or butter in the batter can also prevent it from sticking to the toasting surface. This way, you won’t have to use cooking sprays.
Some recipes also call for buttermilk. If you don’t have it, you can simply substitute it with regular milk. To recreate the tangy taste that buttermilk has, you can add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and set it aside for a few minutes.
Here are the ingredients for a basic waffle recipe:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1-2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ½ cup milk
- 2 pcs eggs
- ⅔ cup unsalted butter, melted
Avoid Overmixing The Batter
Once you have your ingredients ready, you can combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Give it a stir until everything is well-combined before adding in your wet ingredients, which are the egg and the milk. Whisk the ingredients while gently adding the melted butter. You’re aiming for a smooth and even texture.
It’s easy to over mix the batter if you’re not careful. This leads to a chewier waffle. If you want a fluffier pastry, use a gentle motion when whisking. You can also separate the egg whites and the yolks to make the waffle lighter. Add the yolks to the mixture as directed, but beat the egg whites separately until it forms stiff peaks. After that, you can gently fold it into your batter.
Pre-heat The Waffle Maker
If you find that the batter sticks to the toasting iron, then one reason is that it’s not hot enough. Just like you would pre-heat an oven or a frying pan before cooking, it’s also advisable to heat your waffle maker for a few minutes. You can do this while you’re mixing your batter. This way, you can pour in the mixture immediately after combining all your ingredients.
Do Not Overfill The Device
One mistake beginners make is overfilling the waffle maker with batter. This results in wasted waffles and can add up to your cleaning time. The trick here is to slightly underfill the toasting plate because the batter will spread as you close the appliance.
Just like making a pancake, the first waffle won’t look perfect, so don’t get too stressed over its appearance. This piece allows you to test how much batter you need to use and how toasted you want your waffle. If you’re a beginner, this can take a few tries too.
Be Patient
Patience is key when you want to make the perfect waffles. Some waffle makers have a light indicator when it’s done cooking. But you can also judge the doneness of the waffles by the steam emitted. When the steam is gone, your waffle are done cooking. You might have to test this out a few times to achieve the perfect toast level. Remember that the first piece always takes the longest to cook.
Resist the temptation to open the waffle maker in the middle of cooking. This might rip the waffle in half, lower the temperature, and lengthen the cooking time. Once it’s done cooking, you can use wooden or silicone tongs to remove the waffles.
Key Takeaway
With a few ingredients and the right kitchen appliance, you can make perfect waffles anytime! This can be served with your favorite fruit, fried chicken, or even bacon. You can also customize the recipe and add some chocolate chips, use potatoes, or go for low-carb alternatives.
Now that you know how to make the perfect waffles, you can purchase the Hanabishi Waffle Maker! If you’re having trouble finding it in physical stores, you can order the kitchen appliance in the official store at the Lazada Mall.
