Gluten Free Buttermilk Waffles

Few things make me happier than a plate of waffles. Thick Belgian waffles, crispy on the outside and tender in the center, brushed with butter, soaked with maple syrup and topped with a side of bacon.... or whipped cream and strawberries or banana & peanut butter or fried chicken or whatever you're feelin' like.

Waffles are nostalgic and comforting and the ultimate indulgent breakfast food. They remind me of being a kid and eating like an entire box of Eggo's every day after school..... wait, did you not do that? Eleven and I would have been best buds.

It's been about four years since I *reluctantly* stopped eating wheat. Long story short, I used to get terrible migraines at least 3-4 times per week and cutting out wheat miraculously eliminated them completely. I can't complain because I'd rather omit wheat than suffer from frequent awful headaches, but at the same time it still stinks because basically I want to cook traditional bread, muffins, cakes, cookies, pancakes, pasta, and (duh) waffles.

(Yes there are plenty of recipes on this blog with wheat ingredients - I don't like to make my loved ones suffer, too! Most of the time I make a glutinous version for others as well as gluten free for myself)

With that being said, sometimes, gluten free goodies can actually taste even better because there is more depth of flavor and texture from the use of different ingredients. Plus if you do it right it's often much healthier and more nutrient dense. These waffles are made from almond flour, oat flour and a gluten free flour blend (which I recommend to be rice flour based). They taste similar to your traditional waffle but slightly denser and with a bit more nuttiness - plus there is actual protein and fiber! My boyfriend and I both agreed they were some of the best waffles we've had. They're also super good leftover with syrup or toasted with peanut butter and a drizzle of honey.

This recipe is perfect for anyone, whether you eat gluten free or not, and you can feel good about eating them. I add vanilla and a pinch of cinnamon for some warmth which also makes them smell fantastic when cooking - but that's optional (but recommended).

Happy brunching :)



PS- I am in the midst of absolutely perfecting my GF pancake recipe and plan on sharing soon! My favorite version is crumbled bacon and chocolate chip.....


Gluten Free Buttermilk Waffles

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups gluten free flour blend (ideally w/ xantham gum)
1/2 cup oat flour
1/2 cup almond flour
1 tbsp cornstarch
3 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp baking powder
2 cups buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 egg whites

Directions:

• Heat and grease waffle iron.
• Mix together dry ingredients.
• In a separate bowl, wisk together buttermilk, vanilla and butter. Mix into the dry ingredients. 
• Beat egg whites on high until they form soft peaks. Fold into the batter gently until incorporated. 
• Scoop 1/2-1 cup of batter into waffle iron, depending on how large your iron is. Some irons ding when the waffle is done, but if yours doesn't it will take about 5-6 minutes to get crisp on the outside and cooked through.
• The recipe makes about 5 waffles. To keep crisp and warm while cooking, heat oven to 200 and leave waffles on a baking sheet while the remaining ones cook.