Waffles to Swoon Over

These are just too good not to share, so here they are...

Brian and Maria's Waffles

Heat waffle maker.

Whisk together:

2 cups all purpose flour

2 tsp. sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ginger

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp. cloves

zest of 1 lemon

In a separate bowl, beat until stiff (I use the Kitchen Aid):

2 egg whites

Chop:

about 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries,

or mixed frozen fruit, or apples, etc.

In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, mix together:

2 cups milk

juice of 1 lemon (this will curdle the milk- not a problem)

1/4 cup canola oil or melted butter

2 egg yolks

1 tsp. vanilla

Add milk mixture to dry ingredients. Whisk carefully, only until combined. Do not over-mix. Batter will have a few small lumps. Mix in fruit. Gently fold in (or whisk in), egg whites just until incorporated. Batter should be light and airy. Bake waffles as directed in the waffle maker instructions. Butter iron between waffles to prevent sticking and to make crispier waffles! Serve with real maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh berries, etc.