August 24th is National Waffle Day, an opportunity to enjoy a beloved breakfast treat with a wholesome twist. Waffles are celebrated for their crisp exterior and tender, fluffy interior, making them an ideal base for a variety of toppings. This recipe introduces healthier ingredients by using olive oil, honey, and homemade organic short-grain brown rice flour for traditional flour, ensuring that breakfast enthusiasts can enjoy the same deliciousness with added nutritional benefits. This waffle recipe combines traditional comfort with a healthier approach, resulting in a breakfast that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Perfect for those looking to celebrate the day with a bit more mindful indulgence.

Serving Size: This recipe makes approximately 4-6 waffles, depending on the size of your waffle iron.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (including making rice flour)

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

For the Brown Rice Flour:

2 Cups Organic Short-Grain Brown Rice

For the Waffles:

2 Cups Blended Flour Western Rice Mills Organic Short Grain Brown Rice

1/4 Cup BC Buzz Honey Wildflower Honey

1 Tbsp Baking Powder

1/2 Tsp Salt Chef Laura Gourmet 12 Spice Collection Tin Box

2 Large Eggs The Egg Store Enriched White Eggs 30 Eggs

1 3/4 Cups Milk Goat's Pride Dairy Whole Goat Milk

1/2 Cup Olive Oil All of Oils Savoury Butter Infused Early Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 Tsp Vanilla Extract

Optional:

Crushed Freeze-Dried Fruits Origo Foods Freeze Dried Fruit Variety Berry Trio

Smoke Seasoning Butcher Bro's BBQ Seasoning Traditional Smoke BBQ Seasoning

Sweet Toppings:

Blueberry Compote Formosa Nursey Co Frozen Blueberries Organic Certified

Raspberry Compote Berry Brook Organic Farms Certified Organic Frozen Raspberries

Strawberry Compote The Egg Store Frozen Strawberries

Cranberry Sauce The BOG Riverside Cranberry Farm Cranberry Sauce

Mountain Huckleberry Jam West Coast Wild Foods Mountain Huckleberry Jam

Honey BC Buzz Honey Comb Honey

Yogurt Plant Veda Plangurt Probiotic Cashew Yogurt         

Savoury Toppings:

 Bacon Iron Butcher Maple Bacon

Chicken Breast Campbell Valley Farms Fresh Certified Organic Skinless Chicken Breast

Cheddar Cheese Goat's Pride Dairy Chevre Herb and Garlic Cream Cheese

Microgreens Hunters' Dale Amaranth Microgreens

Instructions:

Prepare the Brown Rice Flour:

Rinse the organic short-grain brown rice under cold water to remove any dust or impurities. Drain well.

Spread the rinsed rice on a clean kitchen towel or baking sheet and allow it to air dry completely.

Once the rice is dry, transfer it in small batches to a high-powered blender, food processor, or grain mill. Grind until the rice reaches a fine, powdery consistency.

Sift the ground rice flour through a fine mesh sieve to remove any larger pieces. Return any coarse pieces to the grinder and process them again until fine.

Store the brown rice flour in an airtight container until ready to use.

Preheat the Waffle Iron:

Begin by preheating the waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This step ensures the waffles cook evenly and develop a golden, crispy exterior.

Prepare the Batter:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the homemade brown rice flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the milk, olive oil, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy, which helps create light and fluffy waffles. Add any optional ingredients.

Cook the Waffles:

Pour the batter into the preheated waffle iron, using a ladle or measuring cup to ensure consistent portions. Cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 3-5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy.

Serve and Enjoy:

Carefully remove the waffles and serve immediately. Garnish with preferred toppings. For a sweet experience, add a dollop of yogurt with a berry compote or jam and crushed honey comb. For a savoury hearty breakfast top with fried chicken breast or crispy bacon with cream cheese and garnish with a sprinkle of microgreens for a touch of freshness.