My family (Nikki here) likes waffles better than pancakes. I wish I was a homemaker who made batches of healthy whole wheat waffles to keep on hand in the freezer, but frankly, I'm not. I have yet to invest in a waffle iron, and I confess - I bought a box of Eggo waffles last time they were on sale. I know, it's far from "natural." But it's what my family likes, and right now I'm at the stage of just trying to get more produce in them rather than becoming the enemy by depriving them. However, there are better options than Smucker's Chocolate Chip Snack'n Waffles with 15 grams of sugar per waffle which sort of cancels out the benefits of the whole wheat that's included. If you're partial to Eggo's low sale price, at least go with the whole grain variety. Since I have a wheat allergy, I prefer Van's wheat-free waffles. If you're looking for brands with wheat and natural ingredients, check out Kashi, Van's, and Nature's Path (though I haven't tried any of them) .
Now what is there to do with these frozen waffles besides generously loading each square with sugary, stupor-inducing syrup? (Mrs. Butterworth's syrup has 38 grams of sugar per 1/4 cup serving.)
1. Cut down on portion size. Rather than having 2 or 3 (or more) waffles with syrup for breakfast, stick to 1 waffle and a side of veggie scramble (eggs scrambled with your favorite vegetables) or make a veggie scramble sandwich with 2 waffles and ketchup or salsa.
2. Make your own fruit syrup by simmering mashed berries on the stove with a little sugar until thickened.
3. Spread a little fruit spread on a hot waffle (it's like jelly with no added sugar).
4. Place slices of fresh fruit on your waffle. Think berries, peaches, pomegranate, etc.
5. Make a parfait in a tall glass by layering bite-size pieces of waffles with berries or other fruit and vanilla yogurt.
6. Sprinkle nuts like slivered almonds, chopped walnuts, or pecans onto waffles. Toasted nuts taste even better in my opinion. Drizzle waffles with a small amount of honey or maple syrup, which are a bit more intense than regular syrup so less can be used. (With 53 grams of sugar for 1/4 cup, much less maple syrup should be used.)
7. Top a hot waffle with grated cheese for a warm savory breakfast. Or add lettuce, bacon, and tomato for a BLT.
8. Spread waffle with peanut, almond, or cashew butter, Nutella, or any other nut or seed butter. Make a sandwich with nut butter and fruit spread or sliced bananas.
9. Baste with melted butter (you'll use less than if you try spreading cold butter) and sprinkle with your favorite seasoning like cinnamon, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice.
10. Make a tropical waffle - Top with crushed pineapple, chopped macadamia nuts, and shredded coconut.
Any other suggestions? What's your favorite way to eat waffles?
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