Yeasted Waffles

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Yeasted Waffles

yeasted waffles

I was never one who really enjoyed waffles. Whenever they were on the menu, I'd complain (loudly) and begrudgingly stomach one. I could stand them if need be, but I didn't really like them. They were always too thick, too chewy, too soggy, or too thin. They never were just the right combination of these characteristics. Perhaps this makes me a waffle snob.

I used to eat waffles covered with a thick spread of peanut butter and jelly. I quickly learned that waffles are not a substitute for bread. However, I'll hesitantly admit that I don't really mind toaster waffles that much (I know, I know). But seriously, who are they (and I) trying to kid? They are nothing like real waffles.

Perhaps I am not a waffle snob after all.

yeasted waffles

Lately, I've noticed yeasted waffles being touted as the "best waffle ever" throughout the internet. This makes me wonder—could it be true? Today I decided to put them to the test. If I couldn't like the "best waffle ever", then there is no hope that I could ever enjoy them.

Luckily for all of us, these really are the best waffles ever. I ate four. Yes, four. Call me converted.

I know the word "yeast" can scare off a few of you, but these are an absolute cinch to make and you couldn't mess them up unless you really, really tried. Scout's honor. Simply throw a few ingredients into a bowl, allow it to sit overnight, and in the morning you'll have perfect waffles.

Perfect waffles.

I just wanted to point that out again.

yeasted waffles

These yeasted waffles are really something special. The outside is crisp and crunchy while the inside stays moist and tender. They are not too thick or thin and never soggy (unless you drown them in too much syrup). Make these because they are delicious and easy. Make these because you've also been curious about the best waffle ever. Make these because you'll never look back.

Perfect waffles.

It needed to be said one more time.

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Yeasted Chocolate Coffee Cake

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Yeasted Chocolate Coffee Cake

yeasted chocolate coffee cake

As a baker, I like to pride myself on keeping my cupboards well stocked so when inspiration strikes I can make whatever strikes my fancy without making a trip to the grocery store. My pantry is filled with the basics—flour, sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar... What can I say? I like sugar. The hall closet doubles as another pantry to keep the extra bags of baking necessities. You'd be surprised how much I go through every week.

Or appalled. Possibly concerned for my arteries.

yeasted chocolate coffee cake

Yet, no matter how I try, it seems that I'm always missing some ingredient. Always. I try to be prepared; why can't that be good enough?

Today there wasn't milk in the house. Luckily, I had powdered milk on hand from this Mexican Hot Cocoa Mix to save this coffee cake. However, I very often find that I don't quite have what I need. Perhaps I don't have enough butter or cream to finish out a recipe. This is when my desserts suddenly become low-fat.

Sometimes low-fat is on purpose, like when I drag out the whole wheat and chop the sugar in half, like for these banana cinnamon muffins.

Usually, though, its because I was too lazy to take a trip to the grocery store.

yeasted chocolate coffee cake

This yeasted chocolate coffee cake is decadent and rich. The cake manages to be both dense and flaky at the same time. Each flavor is separated and distinct, yet they complement each other in such a way that you'll find yourself taking bite after bite. This cake is good. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee for the perfect afternoon snack (or breakfast if you feel like a bit of a rebel).

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Heart Shaped Cinnamon Rolls

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Heart Shaped Cinnamon Rolls

heart shaped cinnamon roll

Dear Computer,

I know you are on your last leg of life. We have entered the final days. It is hard to admit (to both you and myself) that you are past the point of repair. You are old. You've had a good life. It is time we begin our goodbyes.

You and I, we've been together for a long time. Four years, to be exact. We've traveled the world together. I protected you from the great rolling fogs when we lived in England. We struggled to learn French together while in Quebec. We've seen the Rocky Mountains, we've been from sea to shining sea. But now you are old; the 3 foot journey from the kitchen counter to the dining room table has become too much for you.

heart shaped cinnamon roll

When I was feeling down, you were there to cheer me up. You showed me pictures of baby animals and delighted me with beautiful pictures of food. We watched hours of television together. I was always surprised that we had the same taste in music. But now a 4 minute YouTube video completely shuts you down.

Then you broke your hip (or hinge, as it may be). It was sad, but we dealt with it. We worked around your new disability. But then you cracked the other, breaking yourself cleanly in half. I taped you together, but the tape wouldn't hold. I held you up with wine bottles, first full and then empty—it was a rough moment for the both of us. Your screen is dim, your track pad no longer recognizes my touch. Now you are held together with rubber bands and rulers.

We've had a good run, you and I. Soon you will go to a better place, where memory is unlimited and your battery never runs of juice. I will have to find a replacement, you know. But don't worry, no computer can replace the space you have made in my heart.

After you leave this earth, the next thing to go will be my bank account.

Love,
Kristin

PS: These heart shaped rolls are for you. Pay no attention to the fact that Valentine's Day is tomorrow.

heart shaped cinnamon roll

These cinnamon rolls are heart shaped! The dough is soft, full, and easy to work with—what more could you ask for? The filling is rich, buttery, and just oozes that gooey brown sugar. The filling isn't too sweet, which I enjoy; this is breakfast, not dessert. The glaze is made from cream cheese and has this lovely tang. Each flavor is distinct and independent—the yeasted dough, cinnamon, and cream cheese. This is a perfect Sunday morning pastry.

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