Apple Cinnamon Waffles

It has been unseasonably cold here in South Louisiana.  Like crazy cold.  Like 13 degrees cold.  We aren't made for that.  Electricity went out all over the place due to extra strain on the system and trees limbs falling on lines.  My kids school was one of those places that couldn't stay up and running.  About an hour after they got there, they were told to go home.  So, I decided to make them a second breakfast.  Just because.  I have a waffle maker but haven't used it in a while.  We pulled it out of the cabinet, dusted it off and put it to good use.

I love regular waffles, but wanted something different.  It needed to be easy, though.  Here's what we did:

APPLE CINNAMON WAFFLES

2 cups complete pancake mix (the kind where you just add water)
1 1/2 cups water
1/3 cup oil
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 tsp cinnamon

In a large bowl, mix together pancake mix and cinnamon.  Add water, oil and applesauce.  Mix until combined but don't over mix or you'll get tough waffles!

Heat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with a little oil.  I use a silicone brush.  If you don't have one, use tongs and a wadded up paper towel to grease it.

When it's ready, use an ice cream scoop to fill with batter (about 1/4 cup full for mine, follow your manufacturer's directions).  Cook until the steam stops, about 4 - 5 minutes or so.

These came out light and fluffy with just the right amount of spice.  Delicious!  My daughter, who weighs 98 lbs soaking wet, ate three!  She loved them.

This recipe makes about 12.  We didn't eat them all so I cooled them on a wire rack (so they didn't get soggy) and then put them in a freezer bag (between layers of wax paper).  I froze them so all the kids have to do is take a couple out and pop them in the toaster.

So, there you have it, easy, delicious apple cinnamon waffles.  If you don't have a waffle maker, you can use this batter to make pancakes.  If you're not an apple cinnamon fan, substitute brown sugar and maple syrup.  Or pecans.  Or chocolate chips.  Whatever you like.  The pancake mix base makes these so easy to customize.  Experiment and have some fun with your breakfast!