As the autumn leaves began to paint the world in vibrant hues, I found myself longing for a breakfast that would encapsulate the cozy vibes of the season. One rainy Sunday morning, while a pot of chai brewed on the stove, inspiration struck. I decided to give a twist to the classic waffle by infusing it with the warm, aromatic spices of chai. The result? A delightful breakfast that dances between the realms of sweet and spicy, perfect for any crisp morning.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
2 large eggs
1 ¾ cups buttermilk
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Maple-Cinnamon Drizzle
½ cup pure maple syrup
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
The first step in this delicious journey is to preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. With the anticipation of that first golden waffle, gather all your ingredients and let the aromas of spices fill the air.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed, allowing the spices to intermingle like old friends reuniting after years apart.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth, and the scent will transport you to a bustling chai shop. Carefully pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. It’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy; that’s what makes it homemade!
Now, it’s time to make the magic happen. Lightly grease your preheated waffle iron with cooking spray or a brush of butter. Pour the batter onto the center of the waffle iron (amount depends on the size of your iron) and close the lid. Cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Repeat with the remaining batter, keeping the cooked waffles warm in the oven if necessary.
While the waffles are cooking, prepare the maple-cinnamon drizzle. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the maple syrup and ground cinnamon. Stir gently until warmed through and well blended, allowing the sweet aroma to waft through your kitchen.
Once the waffles are ready, plate them up and drizzle generously with the warm maple-cinnamon mixture. For an extra touch, you can garnish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dollop of whipped cream.
As you take your first bite, the warmth of the spices will envelop you, making every forkful feel like a warm hug. Enjoy these chai-spiced waffles as the perfect way to celebrate the beauty of autumn, or any day when you need a little extra comfort.