Happy 2016!!!
I took a little time off from blogging to enjoy the last few weeks of 2015 with my family (I hope all 5 of my loyal readers didn’t mind), but I’m getting back into the swing of things now… diet included.
I always eat pretty well, but somehow, somewhere, the train definitely came off the tracks. I’m pretty sure a red, watery liquid that goes by the name of “cabernet sauvignon,” had something to do with it … whatever the case, it’s time to get back on track and start reaching for those 2016 goals.
We’re really buckling down at our house … clearing the pantry of processed foods and emptying the wine rack of its colorful bottles.
It’s subtle changes that can make a noticeable difference in overall health, and creating an environment that promotes better health, is the easiest way to get there.
If you can give yourself a good start in the morning, you are setting yourself up for success for the day. It’s important to load up on foods that leave you feeling full and fueled, not ones that spark food cravings, or cause you to crash.
These little waffles are the perfect breakfast to get you going in the morning. They’re dense and hearty, yet won’t leave you feeling weighed down. They are gluten-free, dairy-free and refined sugar-free, but not free of flavor.
It only takes a handful of ingredients, most of which you should already have in your pantry if you do any amount of baking.
The coconut nectar might be something you’ll have to purchase, but it’s totally worth it. This raw, pure sweetener comes from the sap of coconut trees. It’s prepared at a low temperature (so, all of its nutrients are preserved) and is low on the glycemic index boasting iron, magnesium and zinc. It’s the ideal sweetener, especially for a dish like this.
Also, buckwheat flour might not be in your pantry, but it’s worth getting into as well. It is a fantastic gluten-free alternative. I love the nutty flavor that comes with it, plus it holds together really well (unlike some g-free flours), so it’s perfect for waffle and muffin-making.
Here’s what you’ll need for these nutritious breakfast waffles.
Ginger & Spice Waffles Ingredients:
1 c buckwheat flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp pink himalayan salt (a pinch)
1 tsp organic ground ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1 c almond milk (room temperature)
2 Tbsp coconut oil (melted)
2 Tbsp coconut nectar
1 1/2 tsp non-alcohol vanilla
1 Tbsp. chia seeds (optional)
*Yields 4 waffles
Directions:
- Mix dry ingredients together: flour, baking powder and soda, sea salt, spices and chia seeds (optional).
- Whisk in your melted coconut oil, coconut nectar, vanilla and **room temperature almond milk (otherwise coconut oil will harden and not mix evenly). If you don’t have any almond milk I have an easy recipe, you just need a few dates, water, vanilla and almonds find the recipe here “Vanilla Almond Milk”
- Warm up your waffle maker, grease it lightly with coconut oil, cook for 5 minutes, or until waffle maker shows it’s ready, then serve.
You can top these waffles with some walnuts, which provide omega 3’s and brain fuel, and bananas for extra potassium and added sweetness.
Finish it off with some grade-b maple syrup and you are set. This syrup is another great, natural sweetener that has minerals and antioxidants built in. It’s rich in flavor and in nutrients.
The warm spices of the ginger and cinnamon give it great flavor especially when paired with the nutty flavor of the buckwheat flour. One waffle can easily fill you up too, which is key if you’re trying to eat less and lose a little weight (I mean, who isn’t!?!?).
A breakfast that tastes so good, yet is healthy in so many ways.
Try it!
(If you don’t have a waffle maker, try making these gluten free, dairy free pancakes Pumpkin Pecan Pancakes. Similar ingredients and so good!)
Notes:
*If you want to go spicier you can DOUBLE the ginger and cinnamon, or add in a teaspoon of nutmeg for a gingerbread flavor.
*If you like things on the sweeter-side, add 3-Tablespoons of coconut nectar instead of 2. (I think the syrup sweetens them up enough, but it’s all a matter of personal preference.)
*For a more neutral waffle, you can omit the spices all together EXCEPT for the cinnamon. The cinnamon will give it a little sweetness, yet subtle flavor.
*You can use honey for an alternative sweetener, just 1 Tbsp. If you’re vegan; grade-b maple syrup, liquid stevia or agave or is a better option. (Agave has conflicting reviews… It’s processed at a high heat, which takes it to an unhealthy level, according to some nutritionists. I don’t use it because I’m not a fan of the flavor, but you might look into it as an option.)
*Double the recipe to make additional waffles.
*Coconut nectar and buckwheat flour can be found at most health food stores, on Amazon or on Vitacost.com.
