Healthy Whole Wheat Waffles with Oats

Did you guys have a good weekend? I certainly did! On Saturday, I went on a very long run and completed a goal of mine which felt great AND I went fishing for the first time. I snagged one but the little rascal got away. I love the weekends so much! Now that our schedules are much busier during the week, it's so nice to relax over the weekend and enjoy being together as a family. Usually, Gordon and I have enough time to make one big breakfast on Saturday or Sunday. This past week, it was on Sunday morning and we had waffles! I have a good waffles recipe after I did some experimenting but it was time for a change so I revamped it and made it a little healthier with whole wheat flour and oats. Add some fresh fruit and a little syrup and you've got a delicious healthy breakfast. Now, I'm going to get on my soap box for a minute and say that homemade waffles are SO much better than the skinny frozen store bought ones and even though they take a little more effort, it's worth the extra 15 minutes. There. I said it.

If you do have extra time on the weekends or one evening during the week, you could make a few extras and freeze them so you have a stash that only needs reheating! (I do this with my pancakes as well)

About the waffles themselves: this recipe calls for whole wheat flour only. If your family is not used to the textures of whole wheat flour, then I'd recommend using half all purpose and half whole wheat to ease them into it. The all purpose flour gives a softer lighter texture while the whole wheat flour makes the waffles more dense. Also, the oats add a little extra kick of fiber which is good for your G.I. tract and keeps you full longer. If you're following a low calorie diet, then these would be a great choice for a breakfast option because they really do keep you full until lunch--at least they did for me. If you have a waffle with a little fruit and a scrambled egg, then you have a healthy, balanced breakfast! You're welcome. So, get your waffle on and make your family happy (and healthy!)


Healthy Whole Wheat Waffles with Oats
yield: about 7 large waffles

Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat flour (or half all purpose half whole wheat)
1/4 cup quick oats
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
dash nutmeg (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 large egg
2 tablespoons canola oil
3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons milk

Directions:
Mix all dry ingredients together in a bowl. Gently stir in all wet ingredients until just combined. Pour batter onto a preheated and greased waffle iron. Serve hot with syrup and fruit.

Recipe TIPS:
-I used a waffle iron similar to this one, however, this is the one I wish I had had because its bigger and it flips! How cool is that?