National Waffle Day!

August24


It's National Waffle Day: http://mamashighstrung.com/blog/?p=6338

There’s something special about homemade waffles.

Maybe it’s all those little honeycombed nooks where butter, syrup and other sweet liquids can hide, infusing the waffle with flavor.

Or maybe it’s the anticipation of the crisp waffle, just waiting for a dusting of powdered sugar or a pile of fresh berries.

They really don’t take long to mix-up or to cook… it just seems like it because we’re so used to quick-serve toaster-heated frozen waffles (a very poor substitute for the real thing).

I always double the recipe so I can freeze some for later in the week. After the waffles cool, I slip a sheet of waxed paper between each one and freeze six of them together in a gallon size Ziploc® Freezer Bags.

Today is National Waffle Day so surprise everyone by mixing up a batch. Even if you don’t make extra, everyone will know why homemade waffles are so special… just like you.


Skillet Fried Chicken

January23

Must be the weather. Mama’s been seeing a lot of fried chicken recipes lately… and they all look fabulous.

Check out the January 2012 cover of  bon appétit magazine. A woman sitting next to me on the train was reading it, so I hit the newsstand as soon as the train pulled into the station.

Funny thing… the recipe is almost EXACTLY like my recipe. But the magazine offers up some really excellent tips that guarantee crisp and crunchy chicken.

GP was also hypnotized by the magazine’s cover. “THAT’s what I want for my birthday dinner,” he announced. So, since everyone in the fam gets to pick his or her birthday dinner, that’s what I made: Skillet Fried Chicken inspired by bon appétit.

I already know what you’re thinking:
1. It’s too greasy. No, if the oil is the proper temperature, it’s not greasy at all.
2. It’s too fattening. This is a special occasion. We’re not eating like this everyday.
3. It’s too messy. Like any cooking project, if you are organized, you can control the chaos.
4. It takes too much time. Yes, yes it does. This is not a 15 second microwave burrito. But in order to create enchantment, you have to invest a little bit of time (and a little bit of yourself!).

Really good Skillet Fried Chicken does take a little work, but oh my goodness is it worth it!

 

 

 

 

 

Hi…
I’m Christina Chavez

I was a TV journalist for many years, but with a house full of kids I decided to come off the road, go to culinary school and follow my passion for cooking. Mama’s High Strung is all about food… everything from creative recipe ideas to some really cool kitchen gadgets and cooking tips. I live in Chicago, but I love to travel and write about my food discoveries! You can reach me by email: mamashighstrung@gmail.com