National Waffle Day

Here's one more national holiday that I can get behind. I am not a fan of breakfast food, mainly because I don't like eggs. But waffles are ok with me. The perfect waffle has a crispy outside and a spongy inside. Waffle toppings are hugely important, fruit and real whipped cream are my preference. I don't like syrup that is too sweet and it must be poured with restraint. Otherwise I feel like I am having syrup with a side of waffle. Also, I don't like butter on my waffles, the taste gets lost under the syrup. If all of my very minor issues can be achieved then waffles are delightful. (Needless to say I don't have waffles that often.)

Here are a few waffle recipes from epicurious.com. Don't get scared away by the titles, the recipes are simple to make and the results are wonderful.

belgian buttermilk waffles with glazed bananas
crispy waffles with salted caramel coulis
lemon-poppy seed waffles with blueberry sauce
spiced waffles with caramelized apples

Hungry Eyes

There are (many) times that I sit, watching television, hungry (note: hungry is in bold which means that this is serious business).  At times such as these, my favorite thing to watch is The Food Network.  Giada , although a bit smiley, always makes really tasty looking treats (and all of her recipes that I have made have always been really good) OR Bobby Flay's Throwdown OR Barefoot Contesssa OR Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (The bonus with DD&D is that I can plan the best road trip in the history of America.) OR.........you see where this is going.    

I have to say, on a related but different note, I just can't trust a skinny cook.  I can't.  Shifty and Sketchy.  I need to see that the cook LOVES food to the point that they can't eat it in a moderate fashion.  If you are passionate about something are you really able to restrain yourself?  (Sorry Sandra Lee.)  You don't have to be a contestant on the Biggest Loser but a little fluff goes a long way.  My other Food Network irritation is Rachel Ray, she seems like a sweet lady but everytime she tastes something she must close her eyes as she says "MMMmmmmmmmmmm......."  Yes, it really does go on that long.  I CAN'T TAKE IT.  Also, just say extra virgin olive oil. Please.  For the love of all that is good and kind in this world. Saying "EVOO" doesn't save that much time.

Anyhow, after having sushi for dinner which isn't as delicious when you eat it at home.  Then what I have named, "Hungry Eyes" set in.......Bobby Flay...... Throwdown.....Fried Chicken and Waffles.  What!  So Yummy!  I can almost, very nearly, taste all the wonderfulness.  So wonderful, just ask everyone crammed in to the dining room.  I must have this magical fried chicken.  I hear that this chicken is spicy and the flavored syrup that is poured over it takes it to a whole new level.  Yummmm....   (Bobby made Fried Chicken and Wild Rice Waffles with Pink Peppercorn Butter and Maple-Horseradish Syrup .)