"Waffle Truck" Waffles

Have you ever had waffles from a waffle truck that taste more like dessert than a waffle? Well, my aunt, Andi, and my cousin, Mindy, shared a recipe with me that tastes just like them! They make them for baby showers, wedding showers, and family get togethers and they're always a big hit. These waffles are to DIE for! You'll see why when you try them. Here's how to make them:

Belgian Waffles:

1 (1/4 oz.) package yeast (or 2 1/4 tsp.)
1/3 cup warm water
1 1/2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 cups flour
3 eggs
1 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1 cup Belgian pearl sugar*

Mix the yeast, water, sugar, and salt in a bowl and let it develop or sit for 15 minutes.

Place the flour in a separate large mixing bowl and make a well in the center of the flour.

Pour the yeast mixture into the well and mix until blended on medium speed.

Add the eggs (one at a time), melted butter a bit at a time, and the vanilla and cinnamon. Be sure to mix well after each addition to the batter. Keep in mind the batter will be thick and very sticky.

Remove the bowl from the mixer and let the dough rest until it doubles in volume inside the bowl.

Gently fold in the pearl sugar and let the dough rest for 15 more minutes.

While the dough is resting, heat the waffle iron (we recommend a Belgian waffle iron because it has deep pockets).

Spoon your batter onto the iron (I used about 1/3 - 1/2 cup). Waffles take 3-5 minutes to cook. Serve with caramel syrup, strawberries, and whip cream. Enjoy!

*Belgian pearl sugar can be found at Orson Gygi in Salt Lake City, online on Amazon.com or Walmart.com. You can make your own if you don't have any on hand. Here's the recipe I used from the Pancake Princess: Pearl sugar I used the stove top method. I still prefer the real stuff but this works too!

Caramel Syrup:

1/3 cup sugar
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup dark corn syrup
1 cup heavy cream

In a large heavy saucepan stir together ingredients and cook over moderately high heat, undisturbed, until it registers 220 degrees on a candy thermometer. Serve warm. Keeps covered and chilled for 1 week.

(I have also used a delicious vanilla/cinnamon syrup from Allrecipes.com that is super delicious too!)

 

When I made these for my kids my oldest son said, "Mom, you get the reward for best waffle maker ever!" Now if that's not the best compliment ever I don't know what is!

 

Enjoy!

Chicken Pot Pie

My Aunt, Helen, gave me this delicious chicken pot pie recipe. My kids love it and so do I! It's also a great recipe to make extras of and freeze for later.

Chicken Pot Pie -

1 can cream of potato soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup cooked chopped onion
1 1/2 cup frozen peas and corn
1 can diced carrots
2 cups cooked chicken cubed

Mix all ingredients together and spoon into prepared crusts.

Pie Crust -

2 cups flour
1 cup shortening
1 tsp salt
1/3 cup cold water

Combine flour and salt. Cut in shortening until crumbly. Gradually add water little at a time, tossing with fork until dough forms a ball. Shape dough into two balls, wrap in waxed paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Roll out dough. Line 2 small pie tins or 1 large pie tin with dough. Add filling. Put remaining dough on top of pie. Trim, seal, and flute edges. Cut slits in top. Bake at 375 degrees for 45-50 minutes.

Coffee Table Refinish

If you have oak furniture that is still in good shape but you just want to give it an update try painting it. Refinishing a coffee table it much easier than you think! What you will need:

 Electric sander

(sanding by hand would work too but would take much longer)

 Sand paper - I used 200 and 220 grit. Higher number = smoother finish.

A primer - I like to use Kilz 2 latex

Paint brush and roller

Paint - I chose a gray/blue

 Protective finish - I used Minwax water based Polycrylic.

Start by lightly sanding the whole table with your sander. For the places your sander can't reach just sand it by hand.

Wipe down the entire table so there's no dust on it before you begin painting.

Next, paint 1 coat of primer all over the table and legs with your brush and roller. Let dry completely.

After it's dry, paint a second coat of primer. Let dry.

Using the brush and roller put your first coat of paint on. Again, let it dry completely. Paint a second coat and let it dry.

Once the paint is dry you are ready to distress the edges. I used sandpaper on a block and sanded the edges and legs a bit. Don't be afraid to mess up your beautiful paint job! It'll be worth it in the end.

After you distress it you're ready to paint it with the protective finish. Paint it on just like you did with the primer and paint. It's thin so a little bit of this goes a long way. Allow to dry and paint on your final coat. 

Here's a close up look at the distressed edges:

That's it! You're finished. Now your coffee table has a beautiful, modern new look.