Buttermilk Waffles

Make sure not to skip the step of letting the waffles sit in the oven for 10 minutes. They will come out much crispier. I like to double the recipe and put them in the freezer. Then for a quick breakfast pull them out and pop them in the toaster.

Buttermilk Waffles

Makes about eight 7-inch round waffles

While the waffles can be eaten as soon as they are removed from the waffle iron, they will have a crispier exterior if rested in a warm oven for 10 minutes. (This method also makes it possible to serve everyone at the same time.) Buttermilk powder is available in most supermarkets and is generally located near the dried-milk products or in the baking aisle. Leftover buttermilk powder, which can be used in a number of baking applications, can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a year. Seltzer or club soda gives these waffles a light texture that would otherwise be provided by whipped egg whites. (Avoid sparkling water such as Perrier—it’s not bubbly enough.) Use a freshly opened container for maximum lift. Serve waffles with butter and warmed maple syrup.

Ingredients

• 2cups (10 ounces) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1tablespoon sugar
• 3/4teaspoon table salt
• 1/2cup dried buttermilk powder (see note)
• 1/2teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2cup sour cream
• 2large eggs
• 1/4teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/4cups unflavored seltzer water

Instructions

• 1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 250 degrees. Set wire rack in rimmed baking sheet and place baking sheet in oven. Whisk flour, sugar, salt, buttermilk powder, and baking soda in large bowl to combine. Whisk sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and oil in medium bowl to combine. 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.
• 2. Heat waffle iron and bake waffles according to manufacturer’s instructions (use about 1/3 cup for 7-inch round iron). Transfer waffles to rack in warm oven and hold for up to 10 minutes before serving with butter and maple syrup.
  
  Recipe and photo source: America's Test Kitchen