I am early for spring cleaning, but I recently did some organizing and cleaning out of my home. I came across a brand-new Cuisinart and my underused waffle iron. I am still working on a home for the Cuisinart, but since the waffle iron is smaller, I promptly found a spot in the cabinet. I have been having fun exploring its use for things other than waffles. As you will see, many of my experiments made creative use of leftovers and/or ingredients I had sitting around.
Leftovers Reimagined
Not one to waste, I brought home leftover white rice from an Asian restaurant. I packed a layer of rice in the waffle iron. About five minutes later, the rice had a crispy outside with a chewy inside. This became the base for stir fried teriyaki vegetables and an egg. Fried rice waffles work in a similar manner, as cold rice put into the waffle iron results in an extra crispy waffle.
Leftover egg whites added to extra filling from Samosa Thoke Salad resulted in a flavorful accompaniment to a salad.
Waffle Quesadilla
I spread refried beans, cheese, and veggies on a tortilla and topped it with another tortilla. The tortillas held their crisp until cooling, and the melted cheese held it all together. I could envision many other tweaks using this idea, including a use for leftovers.
Sandwiches
After experimenting with various starchy bases, I wondered how the waffle iron would treat other food groups. I tried tofu with BBQ Waffle Iron Tofu. I was hoping for a more crispy outside and wonder if cutting the tofu thinner would help. In my opinion, the waffle iron just made the tofu more interesting to look at and the effort might not have been worth it.
My next experiment was to use the waffle iron like a panini press. My grilled cheese sandwich was perfectly melted, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The waffle’s divots were ideal for holding soup in a grilled cheese and tomato soup combo. As an advocate of getting kids in the kitchen, sometimes we need to help reluctant eaters to realize food can be more exciting than initially thought. A waffle iron sandwich suits this mission well. You could try this waffled Reuben sandwich with them!
A Snack Idea
Once I tackled main dishes, an open package of egg roll wrappers from the samosas served as inspiration. I sprayed both sides lightly with cooking spray and sprinkled on a mixture of garlic powder, cumin seeds, and black pepper and created something resembling papadum. Papadum is a very thin, North Indian cracker served with dipping sauces and chutneys at Indian restaurants. The wrappers got and remained crisp.
Dessert Fun
Donuts are delicious, but the mess produced from frying make them a less desired baking project. So, I tried mini donut waffles. The outcome was a small, slightly fluffy and sweet waffle that I topped like you would a donut, melted butter with cinnamon and sugar, chocolate ganache, a maple glaze, and sprinkles.
Puff pastry left from making potato borekas resulted in another experiment. I rolled out a square of puff pastry, filled one half with strawberry jelly, chocolate chips, and strawberries and folded over the empty half and waited for the waffle iron to do its magic. A fun gooey- treat best enjoyed warm was produced. After trying this, I learned this concoction has a name, a croffle.
All of this experimenting got me thinking of a podcast I listen to, Food Network’s Obsessed. Each episode ends with a “speed round.” One frequent question, “What tool/appliance/gadget can you not live without?” I think you can guess my current answer.
If knives are your tool of choice, consider one of the most useful classes on our class calendar, Knife Skills. Or if you are yearning to discover your tool/gadget of choice, come to any class to make the discovery. There are many great options to help you out. Waffles can be added to the delicious menu planned for Teen Cooking Class: Hands on Breakfast and Brunch Pastries.
Sheet pans and bowls have had their “hay day,” it is time for the waffle iron to take the stage. There is no better time, National Waffle Day is March 25! Want even more waffled dish ideas? Check out our Founder Shelley Young's post.
