Kitchen adventure: Waffles

I enjoy having breakfast for dinner when the weather gets cooler as it is now where I live. Sometimes, when I've had a really healthy substantial lunch, all I'll want in the evening is something to satisfy my sweet tooth, and waffles are just the thing.  These waffles are light, but substantial because of the oats and bananas; and using bananas also eliminates the need for oil in the batter.  Whether you eat them for breakfast or dinner, I think this recipe will become a favorite.

WAFFLES

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup non-dairy milk + 1 tsp white or apple cider vinegar
• 1 very ripe banana mashed
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup 
• 1/2 cup rolled oats pulsed in a food processor until fine or oat flour
• 1 3/4 cups white whole wheat (or all purpose) flour
• 1 Tbsp flaxseed meal
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ice water as needed 
• Toppings - vegan butter or yogurt, maple syrup, fruit (fresh or thawed berries, diced apples or peaches), nuts, cacao nibs.  

Instructions

1. Combine non-dairy milk and vinegar in a small mixing bowl and let set for a few minutes to curdle. Then add mashed banana, maple syrup, vanilla extract. Whisk until combined and set aside.
2. Add dry ingredients (flour, oats, flax meal, and baking powder) into a large mixing bowl and whisk until well combined.
3. Add wet ingredients to the dry and mix until well incorporated. If the batter is too thick, add a teaspoon of ice water at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
4. Let the batter set for 5-10 minutes while your waffle iron preheats, and add more ice water if the batter gets too thick. 
5. When the waffle iron is ready, generously coat with non-stick spray and pour in batter until nearly to the edges. Cook according to your preferred doneness.  I like mine to be well done with crispy edges, so I cook until there isn't any steam coming from the iron.  This takes about 1.5 times through on the highest setting on my waffle iron.  Remove and place on a baking rack in a 200 degree oven to keep warm. Do not stack, but keep them in a single layer to keep crisp.
6. Serve with desired toppings (I had blueberries and pecans), vegan butter and maple syrup.  Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the toaster for crisp waffles or in the microwave for softer ones.  I double the recipe and put the extras in the in the freezer in a freezer storage bag.  They will keep for a few months.