These days it seems like I’m living in a time warp. I actually have been since I had to go to Mexico City for work for a few weeks (I’m so sorry I left you high and dry. I didn’t see it coming). Mexico City is normally an hour behind NYC, but they changed to daylight savings a week before the US did. So I’ve been moving in and out of time zones that are changing their clocks inconsistently.
But I am finally back in my kitchen and so happy to be here. I was hoping to make some dia de los muertos goodies like last year, but I didn’t get the chance to :\. Upon arriving back, the first thing I really wanted was breakfast! Most days I eat overnight oats or a smoothie, but my grand return to my own life called for a celebration with good old fashioned hot waffles and chocolate. The kind of breakfast that could also be dessert.
After a couple of weeks in Mexico, these waffles needed to be EVERYTHING because I came home craving a little decadence and tender loving care. These rose to the occasion. They’re layered and indulgent without being too rich or too sweet (they contain just a touch of maple syrup). They’re also gluten-free and vegan thanks to my flour research and flax seeds. More than that, they’re absolutely delicious and you would never know they were “alternative.” These were by far the best waffles I’ve had in a while. I hope you love them as much as I do!
I would be remiss if I didn’t address one of the things that made last week so hard in Mexico. Many of the people that I interact with and respect in Mexico held me accountable as an American for our election results. Having to assuage the feelings of and apologize to the people with whom you spend your days, for the words and actions of your nation’s future leader is not a good feeling. It made me feel a little less certain in an already uncertain world.
However, I do believe that fundamentally we as humans all want the same things– health, happiness, certain freedoms and having our basic needs met. I also believe that real change comes from the bottom up. I’m hopeful that if we all continue to make the choices that keep us in alignment with our values and try to be true to what is universally human, we can effectuate change on a micro level and our actions will trickle up. Take care of yourselves and each other. Make these waffles. See you next week!
DOUBLE CHOCOLATE WAFFLES (V+GF)
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened plain almond milk
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil or coconut oil (melted)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 1/2 cups gluten free flour blend (for us it’s always potato-starch free)
- 1/2 cup rolled oat
- 1 tbsp ground flax seed
- pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- handful of your favorite dark chocolate bar, chopped
DIRECTIONS:
Combine almond milk and vinegar in a large liquid measuring cup and let set for a few minutes. Then add oil, vanilla extract and maple syrup. Whisk and set aside.
Add dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl and whisk until well combined.
Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until well incorporated. Let set for 10-15 minutes or more (this is a key step. In my impatience, when I omitted the wait, the waffles stuck to iron) while your waffle iron preheats.
Once waffle iron is ready, generously coat with non-stick spray and pour on enough to make a waffle (about a 1/4 cup of the batter). Cook according to manufacturer instructions (I use the waffle iron on 350F for 3 minutes) and then remove and place on a baking rack in a 200F degree oven to keep warm. Do not stack and instead keep them in a single layer to ensure crispiness remains.
Serve immediately with desired toppings. Store leftovers in a freezer safe bag and reheat in the toaster for best results.
It sounded like dia de los muertos was quite amazing this year – shame you didn’t have time to make any goodies, but I’m sure they will keep for the future. It’s quite astonishing what you are able to produce without dairy – those waffles look so good! I’m sure you could fool me in a taste test 🙂
Thanks, MD. Dia de Los muertos was awesome. You can see some pictures on my Instagram account. I ate tons of sugary pan de muertos. As for these waffles, I find that almond milk tastes better now. These were decadent and I can’t wait to make them again. Enjoy the rest of the week!
I bet!
Welcome back and wow- chocolate for breakfast. Nice soothing comfort food to help forget such a nasty election year.
Thanks, Jovina. So great to be back and I always appreciate your kind comments. Xo. be well.
Oh these waffles look delicious (still considering getting a waffle iron, but haven’t quite made up my mind yet)! I am glad you are back in the kitchen making yummy, decadent comfort goodies. I totally agree with you about making efforts to change the world on your own personal level; that is the only way of moving on even with the worst possible things happening in the world. And we NEED to remain positive and not let ourselves get overwhelmed with all the horrors the media is bombarding us with. And chocolate can be of great help in such cases.
So great to see you here too, Darya! Thank you so much for all of your support. I’m so glad you emphasized the media’s role in this. I really do think the media has played a very large part and they’re continuing. These waffles help though! So good! I vote for your waffle maker, though I’m jealous of the ice cream maker. I”m looking forward to your apple or pear dish 🙂
Ugh, no pear or apple dish… got lazy. But I did order the waffle-maker of my dreams 🙂
You did?!!!! Use it well! You’ll love it! Email to come.
Yay! I even ordered a thin Flemish waffle iron, to make thin, crispy waffle-biscuits like those we find here in northern Frace! Can’t wait to get it and get cooking.
Beautiful waffles, Amanda! Cocoa and maple syrup sounds like am amazing and comforting combination! Goodness knows a lot of us need comfort food right now, and it is a bonus that these waffles sound healthy as well. 🙂 It has been a hard week. I can imagine it was hard to be in another country and try to explain the politics that have been going on here. Things feel very uncertain right now. I agree, we need to live according to our values, and actions on a micro level can trickle up, or spread like a ripple from a stone thrown into a pond. Take care! xoxo
True on all accounts, Jenny. It’s good to be back in the kitchen and the States, despite this week of being inundated by fear. These waffles aren’t bad for you at all and I cannot wait to make them again. I’ve got some great Thanksgiving recipes coming up and I’m trying to stay positive and hopeful and grateful for all the good around us. Be well! xo
I’m sorry you were held accountable for the election results. I was stopped on the street a time or two and asked why Americans were even considering such a presidential candidate; I can’t imagine what it’s like now.
Right? It’s craziness. They truly are baffled by our system. Everyone from the people we worked with down there and the hotel staff, taxis, Starbucks people had something to say, as well they should. It’s tough for us, having spent so much time there and having a true affinity with the country to have to be the ugly American. Hope you’re doing well, W!
Dessert for breakfast, that´s my kind of cake (literally). Even though far away from the US, I see what you mean (I think) with your remark on uncertainty to come. I – almost all Europe – feels it, too. To say the very, very, very least.
Take care!
Hahaha thanks, Sabine! I love dessert for breakfast. I see you posted an amazing classic today. I’ll have to drop by to see it. I know the whole world feels what’s going on and we just need to keep our heads about us. Be well!
sigh. this political climate really blows, doesn’t it? add on top that you had to explain and apologize for the actions of someone else? UGH.
but having chocolate for breakfast is mollifying, though doesn’t solve the issues. i imagine it to be fortifying as we rolling up sleeves and prepare for the coming term.
Totally, lan. We used almost the same language in our posts. I really believe in bottom up influence and so we go on. Even if we have to eat your soup and my waffles daily.
Hey Amanda,
Unfortunately I can totally understand the position you were in, having to take ownership and blame for the election of Trump.It’s weird burden to carry right?
We can only control what is within our control; we have to focus on elevating ourselves individually, above the stereotypes put against us and above the prejudices carried against us.
I’m glad you treated yourself to such a decadent breakfast when you got back, I mean what better way to start your day <3
I totally agree, Dana. Thanks for the kind words. They’re very true and it’s something I need to keep in mind as I go through my days both here and in Mexico. This chocolate though….yumm! Be well.
We just gotta focus on putting out good vibes from our end. They’re infectious 🙂
I truly love your waffle inspirations, Amanda, and this one is especially tempting! What a cozy, welcome treat upon returning to your kitchen.
I couldn’t agree more…we are all human, with shared dreams and goals. Listening to each other with kindness and respect will go a long way towards making positive changes. And indulging in chocolate waffles will certainly bring much happiness!
Thanks, Hannah. This waffle maker was the best gift I never thought I wanted! There are so many options here. I’m glad you agree with my thoughts on people as a whole. It’s my comfort these days. Thanks for stopping by as always. Hearing from you makes my day. 🙂 Be well.
These look so divine. Can’t wait to try these.
Thanks so much! I hope you love them. Xo
I think at some point I’ll have to buy a waffle iron… Your chocolate waffles must be so delicious! Gosh yes it must be hard being in Mexico these days whilst being American. Be strong and take care! Un abrazo!
Hola Amiga! I’m only just home from Spain. Such an incredible trip.
Love this brilliant gluten-free and yet still simple, chocolate waffle recipe. Genius. And an antidote to the woes of the world.
I do have a waffle iron and I’m not afraid to use it!
Big hugs from north of the border. xoxo
Bienvenido de regreso! I can only imagine how meaningful el Camino was for you. So glad you’re home safely with all of your experiences fresh. These are worth pulling the waffle iron out for! Can’t wait to see your next post!