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.

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.

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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Cinnamon Sugar Toast

There are few foods I grew up eating and this cinnamon sugar toast was one of them. My babysitter used to make it for me as an afternoon snack. On cold winter days, after the walk home from school, there were few snacks I looked forward to as much as this one. I have fond memories of sitting at the counter, enjoying this with a mug of hot cocoa. The toasty treat would bring life back into my pink nose and frozen limbs. Even the spicy cinnamon scent brought around a feeling of warmth and content.

This is a very easy snack to make and eat. It isn't fancy. It isn't pretentious. It doesn't try to pretend it is something it is not. This is simplicity at its finest.

I always get a little confused with people who go out and buy the cinnamon sugar pre-mixed spice in the grocery store. Honestly, it is so simple, making it much, much cheaper. Plus, you can adjust the ratio of cinnamon to sugar yourself, making it personalized to your tastes.

A good rule of thumb is one teaspoon cinnamon for every tablespoon of sugar. You can make a small batch or a big batch, but if you have a bowl and a spoon—really, you could even use your finger (and then lick it clean)—then you can have your very own cinnamon sugar in less than a minute. No excuses, people. No excuses.

This cinnamon sugar toast smells divine. We all know cinnamon and sugar are the best of friends, but when you sprinkle them on toast with a little butter? It's delectably simple. This is the perfect afternoon snack. Or, if you are feeling adventurous, you could have this with brunch. There is really no wrong way to eat this toast. Any way you decide to serve this, you'll be glad you did.

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Meyer Lemon Curd

Today, I bought Meyer lemons for the first time. I've seen these praised in recipes before, but I had never tried one. For those of you that don't know the difference between a lemon and a Meyer lemon, a Meyer lemon is a true lemon crossed with a mandarin orange. It's a hybrid (and a delicious one at that).

Meyer lemons taste like a lemon taken a deep breath and had a chance to calm down. It isn't trying to knock out your taste buds. They are less tart than a true lemon, but still have that signature flavor. I can eat them raw without puckering up my face into a frightful look.

Finally, a lemon I can handle.

In the depths of winter, I love to see a splash of citrus sunshine on my plate. It's a little reminder that spring is on its way. With such a bright, vibrant color, these lemons are sunshine.

In many ways, I believe The Temptations were really singing about this lemon curd for the song My Girl. Oh, you know it. "I've got sunshine on a cloudy day. When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May."

I imagine they hesitated because lemon curd wouldn't sell as much sex. Pity, really.

This Meyer Lemon Curd is bottled sunshine. It's creamy, tangy, and smooth as silk. Feel free to eat it on toast, crackers, muffins, or place a dollop on top of your oatmeal for a lemon touch. But, if you're like me, you can just eat it plain and by the spoonful.

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