Chocolate Waffles with Whip Cream and Strawberry Coulis

The smell of these waffles cooking is so strong and so haunting, it will make you stop what you are doing and go investigate.  I love making these for the girls for breakfast because they will come sleepy eyed down the stairs, with a big smile on their faces.

Chocolate Waffle Batter

2 large eggs 

2 cups milk

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup Dutch cocoa powder

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

2 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, chopped and melted (chips will work fine)

4 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and vanilla.  Over a sheet of waxed paper, sift together the flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder and salt.  Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and whisk until smooth.  Add chocolate and butter and whisk until smooth.

Heat a waffle iron and pour batter in, cook for about 4 minutes.  I took mine from okay to stop the car, with the addition of some fresh whipping cream and a strawberry coulis.  Amazing what you can do with a few cookie cutters, huh!  The heart shape is to send a little love to anyone who needs it.

Strawberry Coulis

1 pint fresh strawberries

1 tbsp. granulated sugar

Pulse strawberries and sugar together in a food processor and pass through a fine sieve.

I just wanted to share this thought with you today.  It's about perspective; taking a minute to enjoy the moment, smells and taste of food.  That is what leaves an imprint on your brain and keeps you inspired and passionate.  We are constantly bombarded by the ideal of perfection; don't compare yourself to those images, revel in every success there is no such thing as a small one.  Rejoice with every small step you take and keep pushing forward and you can get anywhere you want to be.

Enjoy, 

Gina