1840 Farm Multigrain Waffles

I began making these waffles a few years ago. When I came across a recipe for “Waffles of Insane Greatness”, I couldn’t help myself. My curiosity simply got the best of me. I had to know. Were these waffles really that good?

My entire family was a bit skeptical. We already had a favorite recipe for homemade waffles. We didn’t think that this recipe would win us over. We were so wrong.  After the first bite, we were sold. It was crispy on the outside with a light interior and wonderful flavor. It was official: we had a new favorite recipe for homemade waffles.

A few months ago, I was invited to take part in the Grain Mill Wagon Challenge to create a series of recipes using freshly ground flours and meals using a WonderMill Electric Grain Mill.  Our tried and true recipe for waffles was one of the first recipes I incorporated our home ground flour and meal into.

I wouldn’t have believed that it was possible to improve upon our waffle recipe, but I was wrong again.  The fresh flour and meal added such a fantastic, earthy flavor to the batter.  Once the waffles were topped with butter and our favorite maple syrup from Lowell’s Sugar Shack, they were better than great.  They were perfect.

1840 Farm Multigrain Waffles
adapted from Aretha Frankenstein’s Waffles of Insane Greatness
Makes 6 large Belgian waffles

Our version of the original recipe has evolved quite a bit since that infamous first bite.  I substitute our freshly milled wholegrain flour for much of the All-purpose flour called for in the original recipe.  Adding a bit of our freshly ground cornmeal helps to create a waffle with fantastic texture.  If you don’t have access to freshly ground flour or cornmeal, you can substitute whole wheat flour and standard cornmeal.

I also like to use both butter and vegetable oil in the batter.  I find that the butter delivers a crispier crust while the oil keeps the interior of the waffle moist.  Instead of using sugar to sweeten the batter, I like to substitute real maple syrup.  When combined with our home brewed vanilla extract, it lends a sweet, earthy flavor to the batter.

¾ cup (90 grams) freshly milled whole wheat flour
½ cup (60 grams) freshly ground cornmeal
¼ cup (30 grams) All-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
6 Tablespoons butter
1 ¾ cup (14 ounces) milk
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
¼ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

In a large bowl, combine the flours, cornmeal, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  Gently whisk to combine.

In a microwave safe bowl or measuring cup, melt the butter by microwaving in 20 second intervals.  Add milk, apple cider vinegar, and oil to the butter and whisk to combine.  Add the eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla to this mixture and whisk until smooth.

Add the liquid ingredients to the dry and whisk until completely smooth.  Allow the batter to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Near the end of the half hour, preheat your waffle maker.  Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.  Once they come to temperature, oil the plates of the waffle iron using oil or pan spray.  Follow the guidelines for your waffle maker to fill and cook the waffles.

Keep the cooked waffles warm by placing them on a wire rack in the preheated oven.  Continue preparing the waffles until you have used all of the batter.  Serve hot with butter and pure maple syrup.

Leftover waffles can be frozen for later use.  Allow the waffles to cool to room temperature before freezing.  Frozen waffles can be reheated in a toaster, toaster oven, or waffle maker.

This recipe was shared on the Grain Mill Wagon Challenge.