I enjoy cooking and I like eating even more! I guess it’s like a chicken or the egg kind-of thing. Which came first?
I try to cook healthy for our family. Try is the story of my life. We are especially in a rush on Sunday mornings. I was feeding the children those frozen waffles out of a box. Yes, they were whole grain waffles. But they probably tasted like cardboard. When staying at a hotel with a breakfast buffet last fall, the children fell in love with those do it yourself fresh waffles. They are pretty darn tasty all hot and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
While I like to cook, I do not like kitchen gadgets. I prefer to keep my life low maintenance and as clutter free as possible. After our experience with homemade waffles, I went on the hunt for an inexpensive (but good) waffle maker. After reading many reviews (and complaints), I made my purchase. And the winner is . . .
The BEST Inexpensive Waffle Maker: Proctor-Silex 26500Y Durable Belgian Waffle Baker
I researched many waffle makers and I was surprised at how bad the reviews were for more expensive waffle makers. This waffle maker by Proctor-Silex makes great waffles for about $25.00! (FREE Prime shipping from Amazon)
Why I like my Proctor-Silex Waffle Maker
- Makes fluffy Belgian style waffles.
- Heats quickly with a light to tell you when it’s ready to start baking.
- It only makes one waffle at a time but it takes less than 3 minutes to make each waffle.
- Nonstick surface works great. I spray waffle iron and the waffles pop right out.
- Easy clean-up.
- It is really slim and fits nicely under the counter.
- The kiddos think I am fabulous. Just like a hotel buffet!
- Great Value!
Bob’s Red Mill 10 Grain Pancake & Waffle Whole Grain Mix
I always make our pancakes from scratch. But I just haven’t had time to put together a really good and healthy waffle recipe. Thus far, we have been using Bob’s Red Mill 10 Grain Pancake & Waffle Whole Grain Mix. The waffles turn out crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. They are delicious. The directions suggest you beat the egg whites. I did that at first but I’m lazy. I no longer beat the egg whites and the waffles are still light and fluffy.
While these waffles are whole grain (and aluminum-free) the kiddos cheer when they see the waffle maker. Not once have they said, “Hey, these don’t taste like those waffles at the hotel.”
Freeze and Reheat
No more boxed frozen waffles for our family! When I make a full recipe we always have left-overs. I break the left-over waffles into quarters and pop them into a zip-lock bag. Now on Sunday mornings, the children enjoy hot and crispy waffles from the freezer. I heat them quickly in the oven.
Typically, I buy very few items for the kitchen. However, in the last year I’ve made several great kitchen purchases. I’m frugal, so they’re all great buys. I found some at TJMAXX so they were a really great buy. I never make a purchase without researching thoroughly so these are gadgets I use and love. I hope to highlight a few from time to time.
Life with Jeannine
What’s a great kitchen purchase that you use and love?
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