Description
I am an impatient baker. Oh, I’ll tell you to get all your ducks in a row and block off enough time. Sure, these are crucial, but I’m still impatient. So, when I was craving cranberry-orange oatmeal muffins and didn’t feel like waiting, I created a version in waffle form. All the flavour, half the time. It’s times like these when impatience pays off.
Ingredients
1/2 cup walnut pieces
1/2 cup quick or rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
3/4 cup buttermilk
Zest of 1 navel orange
¼ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Heat and oil your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Meanwhile, toast the walnuts. See Note for toasting ideas.
In a blender of food processor, combine the oats and flour. Blend or process until the oats are powdered. In a large bowl, whisk the oat mixture, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and brown sugar, until well blended. Add the cranberries and toasted nuts and toss to coat well with the flour mixture.
In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, orange zest, orange juice, butter, egg, and vanilla. Beat with a fork until well combined. Pour over the flour mixture and stir until combined, being careful not to over-mix.
Cook the waffles in the heated waffle iron, following the manufacturer’s instructions for batter quantity and timing. Serve immediately with maple syrup, and/or vanilla yogurt.
Notes
Leftover waffles can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 2 months. To restore the waffles to their former glory (sort of) reheat by toasting them in a toaster or toaster oven, or popping them back in a hot waffle iron.
When baking, I usually toast nuts in the oven. But with waffles, it seems a wasteful method. You can toast nuts on the stovetop in a dry non-stick skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave in 30-second bursts. Be sure to slightly under-toast them, as they will continue to cook on their own for a minute or two.
Keywords: waffles, cranberry, orange, oats, easy, breakfast, brunch