| June 15, 2009 |
| Editor's Note |
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Father's Day is fast approaching, it will be observed across the world in many countries on Sunday June 21, 2009. The Father's Day holiday is thought to have first been celebrated in 1908, and was created as a compliment to Mother's Day.
Are you still searching for great Father's Day celebration ideas? Generally guys don't need as much special attention. However, while it used to be OK to present us with a tie, those days are gone as are the days when most of us even wear a tie. A great Father's day gift is something that fits with his interest or is focused on him.
While
getting a dozen of his favorite golf ball or even taking him to a ball
game, or adding an indoor grill for his grilling expertise are all good
ideas. With Father's Day less
than a week away, we thought we would share an idea that will suit most
any man's tastes -- a delicious brunch just for him which could be a
lasting memory. However, these recipes are so good, that they can be used anytime.
In
this issue we share a healthy twist on a favorite breakfast and brunch
treat, waffles. Waffles are not only a delicious brunch item, they are
a great way to dress up an average weekday morning. And what
celebration would be complete without a seasonal beverage? Get ready
for a new version of lemonade that can be enjoyed in it's adult form or
non-alcoholic.
Our
featured products in this newsletter are the chrome non-stick Belgian
Waffle Maker and the Stainless Steel Double Waffle Maker. Waffles will
come out just the way your special dad and the rest of your family
likes them. And you'll never complain about clean-up, because these
waffle makers are non stick nad easy to clean. They also have cool
touch handles and an auto-off feature for extra safety.
Happy Father's Day to all the Fathers, Grandfathers and Godfathers and even Fathers to be. Enjoy your day, wherever you may be!
Terry Retter
Managing Editor, Chef Wannabee's SmartKitchen
chef@yoursmartkitchen.com
PS: While not the feature product for, we are really excited about some new additions we are adding to the site.
The Swiss Diamond non-stick cookware with diamond interiors are an
outstanding alternative to the regular coated non-stick (no chemical).
And the Fissler stainless steel cookware including their innovative
multi-use pans with pressure cooker lids provides waterless cooking
capabilities as a sauce pan and an easy to use pressure cooker with
their unique Blue Point lid. For readers of this newsletter, use the coupon code "New Additions" for a 10% discount on Fissler or Swiss Diamond products. This coupon is good through Father's Day.
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Waffles For Brunch....Or Any Occasion |
| By Allisno Baloglu, for Your Smart Kitchen |
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I
am one of those people that could eat breakfast foods for any meal of
the day, especially pancakes and waffles. And they are always such a
treat when I decide to make them at home. I can dress them up with
fresh pineapple, whipped cream and maybe even shaved coconut for an
extra hint of sweetness. Basically, I can use my own imagination for
creative toppings, or simply use up whatever fresh fruit we have
hanging around the kitchen.
Until
recently though, I had always thought of waffles as a unhealthy start
to my day. That's because the recipes that I was using called for
all-purpose white flour, lots of butter, and sugar. And sometimes when
I was really bad, milk chocolate chips too, yum! Upon reading about the
health benefits of whole wheat flour, oat bran and flaxseed meal, I
decided to work them into my standard waffle recipe. The result? A
hearty and healthy treat. Especially when paired with fresh fruits,
such as bananas and blueberries.
Waffles
don't have to be served alone though. They are one of my favorite
staples for a planned brunch. I also like to make sure that even though
brunch is one of those events where we intend to indulge, that we still
balance it out with a protein and a vegetable. And since it is a
combination of breakfast and lunch, our guests have plenty of choices
to fill them up. Here is a great sample brunch menu:
Heart Healthy Waffles
Whole wheat oat bran waffles topped with fresh fruit, homemade whipped cream and agave-maple syrup
On the Side
Lean Canadian bacon, pan-seared and
Fresh greens tossed with toasted almonds, goat cheese and strawberry vinaigrette
Fresh Fruit
To Drink
Watermelon Lemonade Cocktail
Sparkling Mineral Water
Fresh brewed coffee and tea
I will warn you that the hearty version  of
the waffles is very good for you, but also very filling. So when
serving your guests, I recommend only giving them 1 waffle to start.
Brunch is often best served buffet style though, so your family and
guests can serve themselves. I also recommend having extra fresh fruit
available on the side. Special diet needs among your brunch guests,
such as vegetarians? Try replacing the bacon with scrambled eggs with
chopped scallions and extra firm tofu.
Brunch
is a very special event, and a great way to celebrate a special
occasion such as Father's Day. However, these recipes can be enjoyed
anytime. I made the waffles just this past week, which made for a very
exciting and healthy Wednesday morning breakfast to start my workday.
And because I froze the leftovers, I can easily enjoy them for
breakfast or lunch any day. I also made the watermelon lemonade
cocktail for a happy hour hosted at a friend's house last weekend, and
it was a great summertime hit! So whatever the occasion, buon apetite!
(Pictures from Allison Creative Photography)
Featured Products
Non Stick Belgian Waffle Maker by Oster, Chrome Whether
you like your waffles crispy or soft, waffles will come out just the
way you and your family wants them with the Belgian Waffle Maker by
Oster, thanks to its adjustable temperature controls. And never
complain about clean-up because this waffle maker is non stick. It also
has cool touch handles, and has an auto-off feature for extra safety.
Now you can enjoy waffles anytime with peace of mind.
Tips
Waffle TipsHomemade Whipped Cream
- To make your own homemade whipped cream, simply place 1 cup of
whipping cream, 2 tbsp of sugar and ½ tsp of pure vanilla extract in a
chilled mixing bowl and beat on medium speed until soft peaks form.
Yields 2 cups of whipped cream. 
Waffles Ahead of Time and Leftovers - Leftover waffles or waffles made ahead of time can be placed in the fridge for 1-2 days, or in the freezer in a Ziploc bag. The waffles can be reheated for enjoyment throughout the week.
Simply thaw them on the counter or in the microwave on defrost, and
then place in the toaster on low. Cook according to your waffle texture
preferences: longer for more crispy waffles and shorter periods for
softer waffles. A quick alternative is to simply microwave them for soft ready to eat waffles.
If
making waffles on the weekend, try making extra and serving them
throughout the week, it will make for a healthy breakfast even when you
don't have a lot of time.
Waffle Sandwiches
- Trying to find new ways to use your leftover waffles? Use two waffles
to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or an egg and cheese
breakfast sandwich. Use any of your favorite toppings such as pumpkin
butter for an anytime snack. | |
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Recipes
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Whole Wheat Waffles - Fresh Fruit
(Recipe borrowed from Allison Baloglu)
Makes 10-12 waffles
-
1 ½ cups of Bob's Red Mill Whole Wheat Pastry Flour or any whole wheat flour
- ¼ cup of oat bran
-
2 tbsp evaporated cane juice or granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 2 eggs
-
2 cups milk
- ¼ cup mwlted butter or cooking oil
-
¾ cup Bob's Red Mill Ground Flaxseed Meal or similar brand
- 1 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Fresh seasonal fruit such as blueberries, bananas, strawberries or peaches; sliced
- Fresh whipped cream (optional)
- Powdered sugar (optional)
- Trader Joe's Maple Agave Syrup Blend or any syrup choice
Step 1:
In a medium bowl, mix the flour, oat bran, evaporated cane juice,
baking powder and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
Step 2:
In a another bowl, beat the eggs slightly and then stir in the milk,
butter, flaxseed meal, lemon juice and vanilla. Add the egg mixture all
at once to the flour mixture and stir only until combined and moist.
The batter will be lumpy.
Step 3:
Pour the batter into the grids of a preheated, and lightly greased
waffle maker. (about 1 to 1 ¼ cups of batter) Close the lid immediately
and do not open until the waffles are done.
Cooking times may vary based on your waffle maker.
Bake according to your machine's directions. Remove the waffles from
the waffle maker with a fork and place onto a heated plate and repeat
the process until all of the batter has been transformed into delicious
waffles.
To Serve:
Place 1-2 warm waffles on a warm plate. Top with fresh fruit and
whipped cream. Sprinkle them lightly with powdered sugar. Serve the
syrup on the side in a heated serving dish (Hint: use a small creamer
pitcher to allow guests to drizzle the warm syrup).
Safety Note: Follow your manufacturer's care instructions for use and clean up.
Watermelon Lemonade Cocktail
Recipe adapted by Allison Baloglu,
from the California Sol Food Casual Cooking from the Junior League of San Diego)
Makes about 8-10 servings
-
4 cups pureed seeded watermelon
- 2 cups water, sparkling water
- 2 cups fresh lemon juice
- 1-2 cups of vodka (optional, omit for a non-alcoholic beverage)
- 1 cup sugar
Step 1: Puree the watermelon in a food processor or blender. Squeeze several fresh lemons and set the juice to the side.
Step 2: Mix the wate
rmelon puree, water, lemon juice, vodka and sugar in a large pitcher. Stir to mix well. Cover and place in the refrigerator to chill.
To Serve: Fill a glass with ice. Pour the lemonade over the ice and garnish with lemon and sprigs of fresh mint. Enjoy responsibly!
Note: Omit
the vodka for a non-alcoholic version. Try replacing the sparkling
water with sparkling wine or regular tap water for a variation of this
cocktail.
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Comments Received |
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"We very much look forward to using your clay bakeware and will order more in the future!"
JD from
Conifer, CO
"Thank you so very much, I am so looking forward to using this baker!"
LM from
Kansas City, MO
"Thank you so very much for your prompt and courteous response!"
MW from
Kansas City, MO |
| Questions or Suggestions |
If you have any questions regarding this newsletter, products, recipes or just want to express on opinion, please send us a note.
We would also like your ideas of topics we should cover in future issues of this newsletter. | |
