Waffles with Vanilla Rhubarb Strawberry Sauce

I have the cheapest waffle machine ever. I don’t believe in the saying that cheaper is worse, but in this case…there’s something in it. It takes about 5-7 minutes for one waffle to be baked (if machine has a good day) and to heat it up… loooooong time. But (there’s always but) I don’t eat waffles that often, maybe once every 6 weeks, so I can manage. Plus this small machine has it’s history. I bought it in Amsterdam 3 years ago and had some good moments with it. Apparently making waffles must be combined with a party, otherwise it takes too long and is no fun. 

Recipe from The first mess blog is perfect for 2 people, as it makes 4-5 waffles. For my breakfast with Mr T it was perfect. And that were the first waffles that turned out super extra delicious and crispy! Yes, this waffles are amazing. If you’re new to waffles, this is the recipe you should start with. It’s even more special with a sauce. Strawberries with rhubarb, orange juice and vanilla may make your day better.

When I was younger I used to eat kilograms of strawberries during a season. My mother knew that whatever’s happened, she will see a smile on my face if I get my strawberries. I hope that you will have a chance to taste polish strawberries one day – it’s unique. 

You will need for waffles (for 4-5):

• 1 cup soy milk, warm
• 1 tsp yeast, instant
• 1 & ½ tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 2 & ½ tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup wheat flour
• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground cardamom
• pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp warm water

Combine soy milk and yeast in a medium bowl and leave it for 5 minutes on a side. Add maple syrup (or honey), oil, vanilla extract and mix few times. Add flour, cinnamon, cardamom, salt and stir until ingredients combine. Add water and stir one more time. Cover the bowl with a towel and leave in a warm place for an hour (it wasn’t difficult in Berlin as we had over 30*C yesterday).

When dough is ready heat the waffle iron and grease it with an oil. Cook until golden and crispy (I could say 7 minutes, but my waffle iron is special).

For vanilia-rhubarb-strawberry-orange sauce

• 2 stalk rhubarb, cut into 3 cm pieces
• 1 small handfull of strawberries, cut in pieces
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• zest and juice of 1 orange
• seeds from 1 vanilla bean pod
• 2 tbsp almonds, chopped

In a small pot combine the rhubarb, strawberries, maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla bean seeds, almonds and cook over a medium heat until rhubarb and strawberries get soft and the mixture looks like a syrup. 

Serve warm.

Enjoy, Marta