let’s be honest, one of the funnest things about getting married (besides getting to spend forever with your best friend, of course) is registering for all the things. i’ve mentioned before that S and i really tried to show restraint, only registering for things we truly loved and felt would be key in helping us build our first home together. but of course it doesn’t hurt to throw a couple of novelty items on the list, too, right? one such item was our cuisinart griddler (perfect for grilling inside and making paninis) with -and maybe more importantly –the waffle plate inserts. while we may not use them often, it is fun to have them on hand when the craving strikes. plus i can already envision our future littles bellied up to our kitchen table devouring waffles on a sunday morning.

i haven’t really touched on it too much here, but S is the clear chef in the family. i can make a mean batch of roasted brussels sprouts, but when it comes to essentially everything else, my husband is the domestic god of our household (don’t even get me started on his chocolate chip cookie recipe). so when waffles are on the menu for the weekend, S suits up his apron and gets to work. for the record, i’m an excellent sous chef.

given my gluten-intolerance, we actually make two sets of waffles -one with gluten, one without. below is the adapted recipe we make so this picky eater can have waffles and eat them, too!

chef S’s gluten-free waffle recipe (as adapted from minimalist baker)

makes one giant waffle 

ingredients:

1/2 c. + 2 tbs. unsweetened almond milk + 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbs. olive oil
2 tbs. maple syrup
heaping 1/4 c. gluten-free rolled oats
3/4 c. + 2 tbs. gluten-free flour blend (white rice flour, tapioca flour, potato starch & brown rice flour)
3/4 tsp. baking powder
pinch sea salt

directions:

combine almond milk and vinegar in a small mixing bowl and let set for a few minutes to curdle/activate. then add olive oil, maple syrup and whisk. 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. test batter for sweetness and flavor and adjust accordingly.

let set for 5-10 minutes while your waffle iron preheats. (adjust the dial to adjust to your desired crispiness level).

once the waffle iron is ready, generously coat it with non-stick spray and pour on the entirety of the batter. cook according to manufacturer instructions and serve immediately with desired toppings. i like to top mine with fresh berries (raspberries were on sale!) this time of year (bananas or peaches are also delicious options) and a hearty drizzle of real maple syrup. best served with an iced coffee and on a tv tray in bed.