One glance at my Instagram will tell you that I love waffles. They're the special guest star of my healthy breakfast routine, providing a welcome break from eggs or porridge. Plus because they're easier to manipulate than pancakes (no precarious flipping required!) you have more leeway to experiment with the recipe—which I do in spades! It seems like every week I'm trying out a new combo of ingredients. This latest one is quite possibly my lightest, crispiest, and most wholesome yet; it's essentially the same components as a bowl of oatmeal, only baked into waffle form!
Of course when you love waffles as much as I do, it's only a matter of time before they break out of their breakfast boundaries and into other meals. And when Nourish Snacks sent me samples of their Mr. Popular half-popped corn kernels, I heard a tasty waffle opportunity (waffletunity?) knocking. Founded by Joy Bauer, the nutritionist for NBC's TODAY show, Nourish Snacks makes whole foods snack pouches that are a brilliant alternative to all the convenient but sugary energy bars out there. They're not only perfectly portioned but come in a range of creative flavors (honey-roasted chickpeas! mocha granola bites!) that beg to be enjoyed in as many ways as possible.
My simple waffle batter is brilliant on its own, but the inclusion of half-popped corn kernels really takes things to the next level! These fellas have a satisfying salty-sweet balance that plays well with the crunchy morsels studded throughout. This was also my first time making mini snack-sized waffles rather than big ones, and I was thrilled with how they turned out. It couldn't be easier to prepare and freeze a batch, then pop them in the toaster when a waffle craving strikes. So like, all day, every day?!
Gluten Free Waffles with Popcorn
(makes approximately 2 cups batter)
1 overripe banana
2 eggs
1/2 c nonfat plain yogurt
1 c gluten free old-fashioned rolled oats
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 pouch Nourish Snacks Mr. Popular half-popped corn kernels
In a blender on high, liquify all ingredients but popcorn for several minutes until a smooth batter results. Let batter rest while waffle iron heats up. Spritz waffle iron plates with nonstick spray. On the center of the bottom plate sprinkle a generous pinch of half-popped corn kernels, then pour 1/4 cup batter over kernels. Close top plate and cook according to waffle iron instructions, or until waffle is golden and crispy. Drizzle with honey and devour!
P.S. Also check out paleo gingerbread waffles and grain-free peanut butter waffles! Disclosure: I received compensation in exchange for creating this recipe in collaboration with Nourish Snacks, but all opinions are my own. In other words, I genuinely do love waffles, and I think Nourish is awesome!