We've got a new gadget in the kitchen. A No-Mess Waffle Maker from Sage by Heston Blumenthal. The recipe I'm sharing today using it would be perfect for breakfast on a lazy Sunday morning. This Sunday for instance, which just happens to be Mother's Day! Traditionally children and young people who were "in service" (i.e.household servants) were given a day off on the fourth Sunday of lent so they could visit their families (or return to their "mother" church). The children would pick wild flowers along the way to place in the church or give to their mothers. Eventually, the religious tradition evolved into the secular Mother's Day gift giving as we know it. Whether its waffles, a full English, tea and toast or a bowl of cornflakes I hope all the Mum's out there are treated to something a wee bit special for breakfast this Sunday morning. I'm expecting great things from my two!
We've had Waffle makers in the past but they pale in comparison with the No-Mess Waffle. Our previous bargain waffle machines certainly seemed to adequately do the job at the time, so did we really need a premium gadget? (rrp £99.95) The answer is an unequivocal yes! The resulting waffles are much thicker, hold their shape better and have the perfect crisp outer and fluffy interior. Certainly in this case a superior machine produces a superior product. Previously our rather sad and limp waffles had to be eaten immediately, these much more sturdy ones can be kept and then eaten cold or reheated. Before trying out our own recipe experiments we made a batch of the Belgian-Style Waffles (yeasted) and a batch of Classic Waffles as per the recipes in the booklet. Both turned out perfectly with each large circular waffle splitting naturally into 4 smaller triangular sections.
The machine itself is compact, stylish and super easy to clean. You won't need to grease the non stick plates and only a quick wipe down with a piece of kitchen roll is required after use. There's a locking catch mechanism which is really nifty as is the integral power cord holder. The "no-mess" bit comes courtesy of a moat which catches any over-spill. The machine is quick to heat up and bleeps and displays a light when ready to go. At this point you spoon/pour in the batter and gently close the lid, no need to force it shut. Any over exuberance of batter will be contained in the 360 degree moat. I was somewhat excited that these "spillages" would be chefs perks but alas they don't cook all the way through. A beep will again alert you when your desired darkness setting has been reached and your waffle is ready for consumption. A big thumbs up all round for this machine and a bonus is it's super easy for kids (age 8 plus) to use too so perfect for them to make Breakfast on Bed!
Apple, Cinnamon & Maple Syrup Waffles
Makes 8
300g Self Raising Flour
1 tsp Salt
2 tsp Cinnamon
400ml Milk
3 Tbsp Maple Syrup
3 Free Range Eggs
125g Butter, melted & cooled
2 Apples, Grated (no need to peel)
Mix the flour, salt and cinnamon together in a large bowl.
In a second smaller bowl whisk together the milk, maple syrup, eggs and melted butter.
Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and gradually pour in the wet mixing until just combined. Lastly fold through the grated apple.
Cook according to the instructions for your particular waffle maker. (We found that setting 6 on the No-Mess Waffle was perfect for these.)
Serve with lashings of maple syrup.
There's a whole world of amazing waffle recipes out there just waiting to be discovered. I asked some of my blogging friends to share theirs and they didn't let me down. Something cheesy is definitely next on my waffle hit list!
Disclosure - I received a Sage No-Mess Waffle Maker for review. All views expressed are my own. This is not a paid post.
