Toaster Waffles and Real Maple Syrup?

notice the syrup is almost empty

 For the longest time, I've avoided making waffles.  Eggo has a very effective marketing machine (who doesn't know "Leggo my Eggo!"?) and a fairly decent product.  Plus, I usually have a coupon for them - and you know how I love a coupon!  But, I am a maple syrup snob.  I want the real stuff.  The never have a coupon, pay an outrageous price, delicious amber tree nectar stuff . . . only to pour it over an almost tasteless, often overly toasted, toaster waffle.  I have the equipment (my darling Grandmother bought me a waffle maker years ago and it has languished in the high cabinet), the know-how (I love to bake) and now I have the desire.  So I'm jumping in feet first.

just waiting for syrup!

I went with a mix I use for pancakes (let's not go crazy here) and just followed the instructions on the back.  Four minutes (and 12 seconds) in the hot waffle iron and I had beautiful and delicious waffles.  A slight crisp outer texture and a wonderfully fluffy interior.  Real waffles for real maple syrup!  Now, I don't think I'll be giving up Eggo's altogether - after all, they do make a mean peanut butter breakfast sandwich, but I don't think they'll be seeing my maple syrup anymore.

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Stir-Fry Three Ways

If I hear complaining about what's for dinner one more time, I'm just going to throw it all into a blender and serve it up!  My darling husband never complains (even though I've cooked up some doozies).  It's the under 8 crowd that seems to think I run a diner.  "I don't like cooked carrots." and "Are we going to eat that?!" or my favorite, "I'm not hungry." even though their tummy just growled and I know they haven't eaten a thing since lunch.  

But everyone loves stir-fry!  And, I found that if I break it down, I can change it to everyone's taste, with-out becoming a short order cook.  I just cook up the beef or chicken (tonight  it was chicken tenders) and set aside.  Then I start building - throw a little leftover rice and chicken in the wok and heat through, add my sauce, shredded carrots and a handful of fresh spinach and stir for a minute more.   

 Kids done - onto mine.  I start the same way, rice and chicken, but then I add a whole bunch of good veggies (you know, the ones the children make horrible faces at), a little sauce (plus a dash of sriracha) and done.  

Husband gets the same chicken, veggies and sauce as mine (plus a much bigger dash of sriracha) and I toss his with leftover noodles.  All done in the same wok, all using the same base ingredients and everyone is happy (including me).  I think I'll even do the dishes!

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