Cranberry-Orange Waffles

HOWDY friends!  Thought I’d drop by to post one more recipe before I get too busy with Easter preparations to do it.  I came across a version of this recipe years ago in a cookbook called Gifts from a Jar:  Holiday Treats.  I’ve made it many times, but never actually put it together in a gift jar like they recommend.  It’s really good, so I wanted to share my adapted recipe with you so you can try it, and tell me what you think.

 

1 jar Faithy’s Favorite Cranberry Waffle Mix (see recipe below)
1 cup buttermilk (if you don’t have any buttermilk, you can substitute 1 Tbsp. vinegar plus enough skim/fat free milk to make 1 cup - stir well and let stand for 5 minutes before using)
1/4 to 1/2 cup orange juice (you can substitute skim/fat free milk if you don’t have any, but the orange juice really adds a nice flavor)
1/4 cup HEB Real Egg (or 1 actual egg, beaten)
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 Tablespoons Smart Balance Butter Blend sticks, melted (or real butter)
Powdered sugar, butter, maple syrup or your favorite jam

Preheat waffle iron, and spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Pour waffle mix into a large bowl and stir until well blended.  Whisk together buttermilk, 1/4 cup orange juice, egg and vanilla.  (I like to do this in a large measuring cup, so it’s easy to pour into the dry ingredients when it’s ready!)  Add liquids to dry ingredients and still until just moistened.

Stir in butter.  If batter is too thick, add additional orange juice, 1 Tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the consistency you prefer.
 
Pour about ¾ cup batter onto waffle iron (you may need more or less depending on your waffle iron - check the manufacturer’s directions for recommended amounts).  Close lid and bake until steaming stops or waffles are brown and crispy.

Serve hot with toppings of your choice.  (My favorite is the powdered sugar…I think it goes perfectly with these!!)

NOTE:  You can keep waffles warm in a preheated 200°F oven.  Just place them directly on the oven rack in a single layer.  If you really want to do it right, you can heat your plates on another rack until time to serve.

ANOTHER NOTE:  These waffles freeze very well.  Just double the recipe so you’ll have some leftovers.  Then you can just pull them out and pop them in the toaster for a quick and easy breakfast!

Faithy’s Favorite Cranberry Waffle Mix

1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup whole wheat flour (if you don’t have any whole wheat flour, feel free to use all-purpose for the entire amount - however, if you don’t have any, you SHOULD get some to keep on hand - it adds a delicious flavor as well as a nutrition boost)
1 teaspoon fresh orange peel (you can use dried, but the fresh is SOOOO much better!)
1/2 teaspoon low sodium baking powder (or regular baking powder if you don’t have this)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup yellow cornmeal
1/3 cup Smart Sugar (as usual, feel free to substitute an equal amount of regular sugar or your own favorite sugar substitute)
1/2 cup dried cranberries (or other dried fruit of your choice - I think I’ll try dried cherries next time)
1/3 cup all-purpose flour

For a pretty gift, layer ingredients (in the order listed above) in a 1-pint canning jar with a tight-fitting lid.  Lightly pack down ingredients before adding each additional layer, then cover the top of the jar with fabric and attach a gift tag (with directions on how to make them) with a pretty ribbon or some raffia.

(I haven’t ever actually done that, but I’m sure I will one day.  If you try it, please send me a picture with your feedback!)

Hope you and yours survived the recent time change, and are well and happy as we approach Easter!

Blessings,
--Faithy