Buttermilk Waffles

Makes about 6 eight inch Belgians

Inspired and stolen from Cooks Illustrated

  • 2 cups (10 ounces) unbleached all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • ¾ teaspoon table salt

  • ½ cup dried buttermilk powder

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • 2 large eggs

  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

  • ¼ cup vegetable oil

  • 1 ¼ cups unflavored seltzer water

  • Cooking Spray for waffle maker.

  1. Whisk flour, sugar, salt, buttermilk powder, and baking soda in large bowl to combine.

  2. Whisk sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and oil in medium bowl to combine.

  3. Gently stir seltzer into wet ingredients. Make well in center of dry ingredients and pour in wet ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently stir until just combined. Batter should remain slightly lumpy with streaks of flour.

  4. Heat waffle iron and bake waffles according to manufacturer’s instructions.

  5. Serve with desired toppings.

This was our first exposure to buttermilk powder, and it's been a hit each round. It's a good combination of sour and saltiness. This recipe is just about foolproof, which is in Nikki's wheelhouse. Note to self and others. Heat up your device, spray with cooking spray to avoid a mess and try not to overflow. I like the classic syrup and butter. Give Old City Syrup a go if you haven't already. Nutella and bananas are one of Nikki's favorite ways. Whipped cream, and fruits with powdered sugar, pictured above was the Aunt Diane route. If guests are with you, consider a waffle bar to accommodate kids and adults alike.

~Michael