Apple Cinnamon Belgian Waffles

My favorite waffle recipe, with additional cinnamon and apples because I love them. I got this great Belgian waffle iron at an estate sale.. for the steep price of $1.75... but it is my favorite I've ever used. Incredibly non-stick, and it makes amazing fluffy-on-the-inside-crisp-on-the-outside goodness.

Wonderful old Oster waffle iron! 

also very good with apples on top as well as inside! 

yummm!

not surprisingly.. the guys on my dorm would usually congregate in the kitchen when they smelled these stacks of waffles.. 

Apple Cinnamon Belgian Waffles

Ingredients:
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
2 cups milk
3 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
approx. 1 medium apple, sliced into small pieces
1 tsp cinnamon

To Make:
1_ Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl
2_ Add milk, eggs, and oil to the dry ingredients, mix until combined.
3_ Add chopped apples, mix until combined.
4_ Every waffle maker is different, but usually use approximately 1/3 cup for Belgian waffles, and less for a regular waffle iron.
5_ Bake on waffle maker according to maker's directions
6_ Voila! Yummy (healthier AND tastier) Waffles!

(adapted from http://www.food.com/recipe/bellas-whole-wheat-belgian-waffles-109880)

Currently listening to_
Middle Class Rut // 'New Low'

Prep Time: 5 mins

Total Time: 45 mins

Rustic Pear Tart

I've had this blog for a long time, but never actually had the time/energy to post! So for all of those people who wanted my recipes, here they are!

I made this tart last spring, but it was really delicious. I little thicker, crumbly crust and a delicious not-too-sweet filling. It's perfect for breakfast, dessert, and everything in between.

I did a simple twisted edge to the crust, little extra work,  but makes it pretty! 

yum! 

(Adapted from dulcisinfurno.blogspot.com)


Ingredients: For the pasty dough: 

2 2/3 cups all purpose flour
2/3 cup cold butter into small pieces
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 pinch of salt
2 tsp baking powder

Pear Filling
1 1/2 lb pears
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp rum extract
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp water

Wash for Crust
1 tablespoon milk
2 tsp melted butter
icing sugar to sprinkle


To Make:

Prepare the pastry dough: 
1_ Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. 
2_ Cut in butter with a pastry cutter or fork, until the mixture becomes even and crumbly. 
3_ Add egg and mix until combined. 
4_ Form into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 20-30 minutes. 


Meanwhile, prep the filling:
1_ Peel all pears and cut into slices
2_ Combine in bowl with sugar,
Prepare the filling: peel the pears and cut into very thin slices. Put them in a bowl, add sugar, cinnamon, rum extract, vanilla, and water; stir gently
3_ Let rest at least 5 min


Assembly:
1_ Butter and flour a 12 in springform pan
2_ Roll out approximately 2/3 of the pastry dough on a floured surface, and place it in the pan, working it up   the sides of the pan about 1 in or so. 
3_ Arrange the pears on the pastry - DO NOT add liquid, as this makes the tart mushy. The pears have enough juice of their own. (Also, I am very particular with fruit fillings - I work in layers, making the most solid arrangement I can, so that there is minimal sinking during baking. It is annoying, but worth it)
4_ Roll out remaining dough, and place over the filling. 
5_ Cut off extra, and recombine if you wish to make a braided/twisted edge
6_ Fold any overlapping bottom pastry over the top pastry. .
7_ Make twisted edge out of extra, and place around the perimeter. 
8_ Mix butter and milk for the wash, and paint crust with a basting brush or fork. 
9_ Poke holes in the top crust with a fork to let air escape during baking. 
10_ Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45-50 min or until the pastry crust turns a light golden brown.
11_ Let cool and remove form pan. Sprinkle with icing sugar and serve.


Note_ This pasty gets better after about a day, when the pear filling has had a chance to mix with the flavors of the crust. Perfect for picnics and the like :)


Currently listening to_ 
Armistics// 'Mission Bells'