It's safe to say we're going through a pretty intense waffle phase over here, experimenting with everything from savory-sweet (cornbread waffles with chili, you guys) to full-on savory (leftover pizza waffles? BELIEVE THAT).....to this sweet little discovery seen above. These waffles are loosely adapted from Local Milk's excellent brown butter waffle recipe, and like hers they're based on the nutty, flavorful backbone that is brown butter. Add to that some complex sweetness from maple syrup & brown sugar, and the finishing touch of fresh strawberries & thyme.....and it's a garden-fresh breakfast that's as pretty as it is perfect for sharing. Slightly more romantic than cornbread waffles with chili, anyway, particularly when served on a flower-strewn plate.
Speaking of romance, I couldn't resist the opportunity to share one of my favorite images of a young, trombone-playing Paul Newman and an impossibly lovely Joanne Woodward. Here's to love, with or without brass instruments!
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup light brown sugar
3 large eggs
6 tablespoons brown butter*, cooled to room temp
1/2 cup real maple syrup
1 1/4 cup milk
Extra butter for waffle iron
For the glaze:
1 cup confectioners sugar
2 tablespoons milk
Fresh strawberries, stemmed and sliced
Fresh thyme leaves
*To brown butter: Melt in a skillet over medium heat and continue cooking until it begins to brown and give off a wonderful, nutty aroma. Watch carefully, the cooking process can go quickly! Butter is perfect when it turns a deep golden brown, like toasted almonds. Pout immediately into a bowl and let cool.
Combine all dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, stir to mix thoroughly. In a separate bowl, combine all wet ingredients and whisk until well blended. Slowly add wet ingredients to dry ones, gently breaking up lumps and stirring until batter is just combined.
Preheat waffle iron and brush lightly with butter. Pour a generous scoop of batter into the iron, cook until done, repeat with remaining batter.
Combine confectioner's sugar with milk, mix until smooth. Add a slice or two of strawberry and crush lightly with a fork--strawberry should be mixed into glaze, but in a 'rustic', not-totally-smooth way. Sprinkle in some thyme leaves and stir until combined. Drizzle over waffles and serve!
