Coffee in hand and a growling tummy, I headed downstairs to whip up some waffles. I have to say, I’m impressed by the variety of waffle recipes available. Looking through my pantry, I gathered, rolled oats, honey, butter, milk, and a couple of other dry ingredients. Whipped up together, they make amazing honey oatmeal waffles that have the fluffy texture of buttermilk, but the added health benefit of whole grain oats.

Texture is often the most important factor in my cooking. It’s more of a joke now but I always picked whole wheat bread that didn’t have bits of nature (you know seeds and nuts or what have you). I didn’t enjoy it with the texture of my sandwich or toast. Obviously I’ve gotten over this particular case, now the crunch adds to my meal.

Oatmeal has always been one of those funny things for me. I’m just not too keen on its texture. In this recipe, you’ll toast and grind up the oats in a food processor. This then changed the waffle’s texture from that of an oat-based batter to a fluffier flour based one.

Honey Oatmeal Waffles
inspired by Pass the Sushi

Preparation time:10-15 minutes
Bake & cook time: 18-22 minutes
Makes: 16 waffles

Tools:

• Baking sheet
• Foil
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Food processor
• One large and two small mixing bowls
• Hand mixer
• Whisk
• Waffle iron

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line the baking sheet with foil. Pour the rolled oats onto the baking sheet and spread out. Slide into the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Stir often to toast oats evenly. Once finished let the oats cool for another 10 minutes. Then pulse for about 30 seconds in a food processor. You’ll want them to be finely ground.
2. Now preheat the waffle iron and in a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: ground oats, flour, baking powder, and salt.  Set aside.
3. In a small mixing bowl beat egg whites at medium-high speed until they form soft peaks. My hand mixer ranges from 1-9; I set it at 6 and beat them for about one and half minutes. Set to the side.
4. In another small mixing bowl whisk together the egg yolks, milk, melted butter, and honey. Pour into dry ingredient and stir until all pockets of flour are found. Fold in egg whites.
5. Pour batternonto waffle iron and cook until golden brown. Serve with butter and syrup, and enjoy!