Waffles, waffles everywhere!

I always thought of waffles as a bit of a faff. For starters, they need their very own dedicated cooking hardware, but then I made a giant batch of them and uncovered the benefits of mass waffle production:

1. They keep for days in an airtight container and you just need to pop them in the toaster to bring them back to life.

2. They freeze really well.

3. They can be eaten as a sweet/savoury dish.

Yes, you may be chained to the waffle iron for a half hour, but the benefits outweigh that. Besides, someone has to take on the role of first taster - for quality control purposes of course!

Waffles are so versatile

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain flour

• 1½ tsp baking powder

• 2 Tbls sugar

• 1⅔ cups milk

• 2 eggs

• ⅓ cup vegetable oil

• ½ tsp salt

Method 1 (super easy):

• Mix all the ingredients together (add wet to dry).

• Add batter to hot waffle iron and cook for approx. 2mins. Yours may need more/less time, so keep an eye on the first one so you get a cook time for the rest.

Method 2 (bit more faff, but worth it if batch cooking):

• Separate your egg whites from the yolks. Whisk egg whites until white and fluffy.

• Mix all the ingredients together, except the egg whites.

• Once the mixture is well combined, fold in the egg whites. This will give you a lighter batter.

• Add batter to hot waffle iron and cook for approx. 2mins. Yours may need more/less time, so keep an eye on the first one so you get a cook time for the rest.

Batch cooking waffles is definitely the way to go

Remember, there are no rules with flavours! Use this recipe as a base to carry your favourites. My husband loves some southern fried chicken and cheese sandwiched between these waffles.

I have a particular weakness for crispy bacon, so I sprinkle it (load it) onto the waffle iron before adding the batter. Dunk your bacon waffles in maple syrup before scoffing. Most excellent.

A waffle station is a great idea for a party or get together too. You can pre-make your waffles and reheat on the day. Put out a few different savoury and sweet topping options and guests can help themselves - easy peasy.