Crispy Buttermilk Waffles with Chai-Spiced Maple Syrup

While on our trip last month, we all came up with the characters that best represent us from the show Parks and Rec. It was pretty comical how accurate they were. Daniel, being the most obvious Tom Haverford given his tendency to “treat yo’ self.” The youngest cousin, Sawyer, who tends to get picked on the most, was a definite Gerry. But me? I think we all know I have a strong leaning towards Leslie Knope.

I mean, it’s like the creators used my likeness to create her character. I should be getting royalties. Besides our mutual love for nerdy men, habitual happiness, and female empowerment, it’s our love of waffles that ties us even closer.

WAFFLES!!

Waffles and whipped cream to be more specific! So, in honor of Leslie Knope and me, I give you Crispy Buttermilk Waffles with Chai-spiced Maple Syrup.

Let’s just do my favorite thing (also a very Leslie Knope of me) and create a list of all the reasons I love waffles:

1. They remind me of spreadsheets, and I REALLY love a good spreadsheet
2. The way the squares trap the ooey and gooey chai maple syrup
3. When they are perfectly crispy so that they don’t soak the syrup — so it gushes in your mouth upon each bite
4. Warm vanilla, and eggy, bouncy insides
5. They remind me of compartmentalizing. One of my favorite pasttimes. Okay, present times.

The list goes on, but those are just the highlights. Waffles and Christmas morning?? That’s where it’s at. Our Christmas morning tradition includes: pajamas, fire lit, wrapped in a blanket, and eating waffles on the couch. The last few years the waffles have been Olaf shaped. But this year, thanks to the most amazing Lagrange premium waffle maker, our waffles will look like these rectangles of joy.

Lagrange makes their waffle irons with a PFOA-free non-stick coating. Please and thank you! Non-stick freaks me out, and I never cook with it unless I know that it’s PFOA-free. But the greatest part of this waffle iron is that it hits that perfect degree of heat, that with my foolproof technique, makes a perfectly crispy waffle every time.

What’s the foolproof technique? Always separate your egg whites, whip them to stiff peaks and fold them into the batter. This makes the batter bouncy and airy. Perfect for a good crispy waffle! What is the point of life when there is a limp/soggy waffle, I ask you?

So raise a glass of very hot coffee or milky hot chocolate to your perfect mornings with waffles. Now is the time to “treat yo’ self” to that ideal, Hallmark-level morning of waffles. And let’s not forget a very perfect recipe for a buttery, chai maple syrup which can be simmered together in the time it takes to cook the batter.

A Lagrange waffle iron would make a crazy thoughtful gift this holiday season. You can find this American model at Bed Bath and Beyond or at select William Sonoma stores. Bonus points! This one comes with a grill/panini function so… yes… YESSS!!! Online, Wayfair sells another like-model.

Crispy Buttermilk Waffles with Chai-Spiced Maple Syrup

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These delicious Crispy Buttermilk Waffles with Chai-spiced Maple Syrup are great and the recipe gives amazing advice on how to keep your waffles crispy.

• Author: Karlee Flores

Ingredients

|| Waffles ||

1 3/4 cups flour

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 large eggs, separated

1/2 cup melted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

|| Chai-Spiced Maple Syrup ||

1 cup real maple syrup

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 teaspoon ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon all spice

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cardamom

pinch of cinnamon

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Instructions

|| Waffles || Mix the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. Whisk the milk, buttermilk, egg yolks, melted butter, and vanilla and add to the dry mixture. Whisk egg whites until foamy and add the cream of tartar. Whisk until the egg whites form soft peaks. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter. 

Spray the preheated waffle maker with non-stick spray, and pour batter in. Set to highest heat. Waffles are done when they are golden. Immediately place on a cooling rack to keep crispy. Flip over after a few minutes.

|| Chai-spiced Maple Syrup || Place all the ingredients in a saucepan over medium/high heat. Bring to a rolling boil and then set the timer for 4 minutes. Remove from heat and cool until warm. 

Notes

If you would like espresso maple syrup, substitute the dry seasonings for 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso. 

Keywords: breakfast, chai, maple, waffle