Savory Spinach + Cheese Waffles

As you are aware I'm totally crushing on our waffle maker.  I've wanted to keep sharing waffle recipes, as the ideas are overflowing in my head, but I also want to avoid turning this into a waffle blog.  

Although, that idea doesn't sound half bad.

Maybe you're on the fence when it comes to turning typically sweet things savory, but hopefully this recipe will take you happily to the other side.  This is amazingly satisfying for any meal of the day and can be whipped up and ready to eat in about 10-15 minutes!  

I think the key to savory waffles are the toppings.  You could do something simple like plain cream cheese but this seemed like the perfect opportunity to put an egg on top.

And you know I'm always looking for opportunities to put eggs on top of things.

Finished off with a little avocado and salsa verde.  

Happy dance.

I'm thinking cream cheese, salsa, and hot sauce would be another fabulous topping combination.  

Print this!

Savory Spinach + Cheese Waffles gluten-free // yields 2, 6-inch Belgian waffles

adapted from: basic buckwheat waffles

• 1/2 cup raw/light buckwheat flour
• 1/4 cup sweet rice flour
• 3 tablespoons almond meal
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt + pepper
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 3/4 cup chopped baby spinach
• 1/3 cup freshly grated pepper jack cheese
• egg, avocado, salsa, cream cheese, butter, optional toppings

1. Preheat and grease a 6-inch, round Belgian waffle iron, or other.
2. Stir the flours, almond meal, baking powder, oregano, salt, and pepper together in a bowl.
3. Whisk the egg, then whisk in the milk, applesauce, oil, and garlic.  
4. Pour the wet into the dry and whisk until you no longer see dry flour.  Do not over-mix.
5. Fold in the spinach + cheese.
6. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then pour 1/2 of the mixture into your waffle maker and lightly spread if needed.  Depending on your waffle iron, you may get more/less than 2, 6-inch waffles.
7. Cook according to your preference and your specific waffle iron.  I set mine just over medium for a lightly crisped exterior.
8. Remove + serve immediately with desired toppings.  While waffle is cooking, prepare sunny-side up eggs if desired.

notes/substitutions:  2% milk or soy milk will also work.  Sharp cheddar, asiago, or grated parmesan would also work well.  A sharp cheese will make the waffle more flavorful.  Dried basil or parsley can be subbed for oregano if desired.

As speculated the other day the waffle maker now has a permanent position on the counter.  Adios stand mixer!

I can guarantee there will be more waffle recipes coming soon.  

Yum.

Ashley

Watermelon, Strawberry, Basil Salad {2 ways}

2-fer' Friday!  Staring watermelon!

Organic, fair-trade watermelon on sale for $2.50!  What could be better?  Such a huge amount of fruit for that price.  Does anyone else have the problem when cutting watermelon [or pineapple!] that they literally eat HALF of it while cutting.  I'm so incredibly guilty of this.  Even if I just ate a huge meal I can never stop shoveling this juicy fruit into my face.

Luckily, after eating half a mini watermelon yesterday I still had enough left to create the following.  It's rare that fruit actually makes it to a recipe around here.

I'm super excited to share this incredibly refreshing, summery salad with you today.  And it couldn't be simpler.  Well, I'm sure it could be, but this is pretty freaking simple.

And the best part is that there are 2 variations, which are both perfect to share at a picnic or potluck.

If you decide to make the skewers I have a few rules you need to follow.

Well, really just one:  Don't change anything about this recipe!  

Especially the basil leaf!  The burst of juice from the watermelon, the sweetness from the strawberry and honey drizzle, the tangy goat cheese, and the pop of flavor from the basil all fuse together perfectly.  Seriously.  Don't mess with this!  And how pretty are purple basil leaves?  I'm determined to keep my herbs going strong this year.  So far so good.

For the 2nd salad version I'm introducing quinoa to the mix to make it a bit more side-dish worthy and less of an appetizer/snack.

Tri-colored quinoa is so fun but usually much more expensive.  Finally caught it on sale!

There are a few different ways you could serve this salad.

>> Individual bowls or cups mixed with the dressing before serving.

>> All mixed up with the dressing and served on a platter or in a large bowl.

>> Or, plated on a large platter or individual plates in layers and served with dressing on the side.

Layer: quinoa - watermelon - strawberries - sliced almonds - goat cheese - basil - black pepper - drizzle of honey - dressing on the side

I think I like this version best.  The presentation ends up a bit prettier as an added bonus!  

Print this!

Watermelon Strawberry Basil Skewers gluten-free // yield varies 

• Watermelon, cubed ~1-1 1/2-inch in size
• Strawberries, hulled and quartered
• Basil leaves, 1 small leaf per skewer 
• Goat cheese
• Honey

1. Layer the watermelon cube, basil leaf [if the leaves are large cut in half], goat cheese, strawberry, then skewer together with a toothpick.
2. Top with a drizzle of honey just before serving.  Best served immediately. 

 Watermelon Strawberry Basil Quinoa Salad gluten-free // yields 6+, side-dish servings

• 1 batch lemon shallot dressing
• 3 cups cooked quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups watermelon, 1/4-1/2-inch cubes
• 1 1/2 cups strawberries, hulled + chopped
• Goat cheese, crumbled
• Basil, thinly sliced
• Sliced Almonds
• Honey 
• Lemon, strawberries, salt, pepper, to garnish

1. After quinoa has cooked, let cool and then place in the fridge until fully chilled.
2. Plate just before serving.
3. Plating option 1: Toss quinoa + fruit together with as much dressing as desired.  Place in a large bowl/platter or in individual serving cups and top with crumbled goat cheese, sliced basil, almonds, and a honey drizzle.  Add other garnishes if desired.  Serve immediately.  
4. Plating option 2: Plate quinoa on a large platter, then add the watermelon + strawberries on top, followed by the crumbled goat cheese, basil, and sliced almonds.  Add other garnishes if desired.  Drizzle with honey drizzle + dressing or serve on the side.  Serve immediately. 

Lemon Shallot Dressing gluten-free // yields +1/2 cup

from: this post

• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons minced shallot
• 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt + pepper

1. Combine all ingredients in a jar, seal the jar, and shake vigorously to incorporate the honey.
2. Refrigerate until ready to serve and shake before pouring.  Flavors deepen as it sits.

Enjoy + have a fantastic weekend!

Ashley

The Ultimate Grilled Sandwich

Who doesn't love a good PB + J?

I'm kind of a sucker for them.  

Easy to make.  Perfect for a snack.  For a hike.  For breakfast.  Anytime.

Such simplicity in these ingredients.  And I must be honest with you...I prefer grape jelly!

But for today, let's kick it up a notch.

Let's get a little crazy.

Let's grill this bad boy.

But not in a pan or in a panini press.

Let's pile it high with toppings.  Healthy, sweet, fruity, savory...let your imagination run wild!

And then let's grill it in you WAFFLE MAKER.

Oh yes.  

Do not underestimate the power of the waffle maker.

This grilled sandwich is like no other.  The waffle maker actually creates nooks + crannies and then makes them CRISPY.

Are you hearing the words I'm saying?  Are you looking at the nooks + the golden brown color!?  How is it possible that there is any other way to make a sandwich??

This sandwich making method is blowing my mind.  I think my waffle maker just earned a permanent position on my counter.  That is a big deal!

I don't have an official recipe for you, but I do have a few ideas.

The Ultimate Waffle-Grilled Sandwich gluten-free, vegan

General instructions/tips:

• Preheat + grease your waffle maker around the medium heat setting [adjust as needed].
• If using frozen gluten-free bread be sure the bread is fully thawed before putting in the waffle maker.  A quick way to thaw frozen bread is to put in your toaster on a low setting for about 1/2 - 1 cycle.  Don't let it actually toast, just thaw.
• Do not use a crusty bread, as it will be very hard to clamp down your waffle maker.  Best to use a soft sandwich bread.
• You may not be able to fully close your waffle maker.  Don't force it.
• Spread nut butter on both sides of the bread and then other ingredients in the middle.
• Takes about 1 typical waffle cycle to fully grill, but may vary with your waffle maker. 
• A round or rectangular waffle make will work.

Classic Peanut Butter + Jelly >> Spread peanut butter on both sides then sandwich together.  Grill.  Serve with a side of jelly for dipping.

PB, Banana, Strawberry, Walnut, Coconut >> Spread peanut butter on both sides then top one side with banana slices and one with strawberry slices then sprinkle with walnuts + coconut.  Grill.  Serve with a side of jelly for dipping.

PB, Chocolate, Banana, Coconut >> Spread peanut butter on both sides then top one side with banana, one with dark chocolate chips [vegan if needed], then sprinkle with coconut.  Grill.

Almond Butter + Berry >> Spread almond butter on both sides and top each side with mixed berries.  Grill.  

Smore's >> Spread almond butter on both sides then top one side with chopped marshmallows [gf + vegan if needed] and one side with dark chocolate chips [vegan if needed].  Grill.

PB, Banana, Maple >> Spread peanut butter on both sides and top each side with banana and a sprinkle of cinnamon.  Grill.  Serve with a side of maple syrup.

Strawberry, Almond, Coconut >> Spread softened coconut butter on one side and almond butter on the other then place strawberries on one half.  Grill.  

The possibilities are endless.  

You could easily set this up as a fun weekend breakfast/brunch with family or friends.  Set out bowls with different topping options, a few types of bread, nut butter, jelly, etc. and then get grilling....err....waffling!

It's a bird!  It's a plane!

Nope.

It's a waffle-grilled sandwich!

And if you happen to stop by to my house anytime in the next month, you can without a doubt expect to be fed a waffle sandwich.  Don't worry, I'll let you pick the toppings.  I hope you can deal.

Now what are you waiting for?  Find yourself a waffle maker and get to it!

Ashley