Almond Flour Waffles

1. Almond flour - Use only super fine and not almond meal. They are two different ingredients and will drastically change the final almond flour waffle recipe.
2. Eggs - Eggs help set the almond flour waffles as they cook as well as providing the extra lift and airy texture.
3. Sugar - It helps with the caramelization effect and accentuates the natural sweetness of almonds. Use regular white, brown, coconut sugar or skip to make them sugar-free.
4. Whole milk - The dairy fat in the form of whole milk is essential in adding richness and flavor. Use almond or coconut milk instead.
5. Baking Powder - Double action baking powder gives the much needed lift and light texture.

Variations

This easy recipe is a base for different flavorings and add-ins. It can be customized with whatever you have on hand or that your family desires. Here are a few suggestions:

• Chocolate Chip – Stir a few tablespoons semi sweet chocolate chips at the end.
• Blueberry - Gently fold in a cup of fresh blueberries.
• Lemon Blueberry – Add 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest and some blueberries.
• Vanilla - Use a dash of Vanilla extract.
• Cinnamon – Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
• Sliced almonds - Stir chopped sliced almonds for an added crunch.

1. Add super fine almond flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into a bowl and whisk to combine.

2. Pour in milk.

3. Seperate 2 large eggs and add only the yolks into the bowl.

Pro tip: Seperate the eggs while they are still chilly from the fridge. Yolks are still firm and less prone to break when cold.

4. Whisk all ingredients together, until well combined.

5 & 6. Place the 2 egg whites in a seperate bowl and beat with a hand held electric beater until it is thick and stiff.

Tip: Beat until the whites appear smooth and white cloud like.

Pro tip: Don't over beat the whites! Going past the stiff peak stage, the tiny bubbles will become too rigid and rupture, squeeing out the moisture contained in the whites, resulting in a meringue that weeps and breaks.

7. Add the beaten egg whites into the combined batter and fold gently, until you no longer see streaks of whites.

8. Preheat your waffle iron according to manufactures instructions, and cook waffles until deep golden brown in color for a crisp exterior!

Tip: Be gentle when removing from the iron as these are a super tender when hot. A few minutes of resting time on a wire rack will help them crisp up and firm!

Topping ideas

There are so many different ways you can top your Almond Flour Waffles! Here are some of my favorite topping ideas:

1. Maple syrup – Is it even breakfast without a warm drizzle of maple syrup?
2. Softened salted butter
3. Whipped cream – Serve as a dessert and top them with regular whipped cream or coconut milk whipped cream and fresh berries.
4. Yogurt - A dollop of sweetened greek yogurt
5. Chopped nuts – Add some crunch by topping with toasted chopped almonds or pecans.
6. Fresh fruits - Fresh strawberries, blueberries, black berries, raspberries, sliced bananas or chopped peaches.
7. Tropical - Top with coconut milk whipped cream, chopped pineapple and shredded coconut.
8. Nutella - Can anyone go wrong here?!
9. Fried Egg - Add some crumbled crisp bacon.
10. Chocolate Chips - Mini chocolate chips or shaved dark chocolate.
11. Sprinkles - Surprise the kids on their birthday!
12. Candied Nuts - Candied pecans or caramel walnuts.

Freezing and Reheating instructions

These almond flour waffles freeze wonderfully. I like to make a double batch or store leftovers in the freezer for a convent healthy breakfast when in a hurry.

Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and place in the freezer until they are frozen. Then transfer to a freezer bag, seal well and freeze. These will stay well in the freezer for up to two months. Use any of the following methods to reheat:

1. Toaster – Pop one or two frozen guys in a bread toaster for 1-2 minutes, until hot and crisp.
2. Oven – This method works best when you are reheating several at the same time. Place frozen ones directly on the oven rack in a single layer, in a preheated 275°F oven for 9 to 12 minutes.
3. Microwave method – Microwave one or two for about a minute or until hot. This is not one of our preferred method since it softens them.

Helpful tips

• Grease the waffle maker with non-stick cooking spray before cooking each batch - This is crucial when working with recipes without gluten.
• Use only almond flour and not almond meal.
• Cook until deep golden brown for a crisp texture.
• Make sure the iron is pre heated before pouring the batter.