on the menu: buttermilk waffles

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I finally broke out the waffle iron. Why did I not sooner? It didn’t take nearly as long as I was imagining to get a waffle going. This is a buttermilk waffle recipe from Cook’s Illustrated (here it is featured on a cooking blog), which calls for seltzer water to add fluffiness. Works like a charm. Want to try a recipe with yeast next, then something with multiple grains, something savory…it’s only a matter of time. Only a matter of time and waffles.

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I invested in a nice All-Clad waffle iron and am so pleased with it. I rarely had waffles growing up and they haven’t lost their air of specialness. Like, if I make you waffles, I must really like you.* It must be a special day (or is henceforth destined to be a special day, on account of the waffles). The people I like aren’t usually around at breakfast, but I hope this is not always the case. It’s hard to imagine a better expression of affection than a gift of homemade waffles. Especially those accompanied by blueberries and proper maple syrup.

* If you make me waffles, you must really like me. If I will not make you waffles, I must not like you quite enough, etc. An unexpectedly effective barometer.

on the menu: warm grains salad

A mix of grains and vegetables is a flexible formula I often put to use.

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This is a mix of brown rice, long-grain wild black rice, and quinoa cooked with raisins and pistachios, then tossed with sauteed string beans and fresh tomatoes. A garnish of fleur de sel and toasted almonds, and a [very] light dash of rice wine vinegar and soy sauce.

This grains + vegetables concept can go in so many excellent directions. I also really like adding curry powder and cider vinegar to the base of grains (which might also include millet or cous cous), and any number of vegetables can be appealing in. I’m thinking Brussels sprouts, roasted beets, roasted sweet potato, broccoli, kale…I especially like a blend of cooked and raw. Like: raw celery, scallions, ginger, tomatoes, or cucumbers.  Alternatively the grains part of the equation could be flavored with saffron or coconut, or replaced with lentils…

I keep thinking it would be so good alongside fish but I keep kind of forgetting about the fish in the moment. I’m going to eat more fish, though.* I aspire.

*Maybe if I blog it, it will come true…