The Strategy
A truly wonderful waffle should have a crisp, golden shell that gives way to a center as light as a feather. Mixing your buttermilk and melted butter into the flour just until they are combined keeps the crumb tender and prevents the waffles from turning tough. Letting the hot iron work its magic yields a breakfast that is ready to catch every drop of sweet syrup.
Technique Summary
Stirring the batter gently and cooking it in a hot iron produces waffles that are crispy on the outside and airy inside. It is a comforting morning staple that is always worth the wait.
Chef’s Checkpoints
- Look for steam rising from the sides of the waffle iron, which will taper off when the waffle is almost cooked.
- Listen for the waffle iron's indicator click or watch for the steam to stop, signaling a crisp crust has formed.
- Feel the outside of the waffle with tongs; it should feel firm and crisp to the touch.