Herbed Sweet Corn Waffles with Apple Jalapeño Syrup
Topping these waffles with
herb butter-infused corn is really fun! The kernels fall perfectly
into the hollows.
There are several criteria for good waffles. They must be light
and crisp but also moist and almost creamy in the center. They need
to rise just enough, but not so much that the batter fails to cook
through. And ideally, they should also be substantial enough to
keep you from feeling light-headed two hours later. This recipe
covers all the bases.
- If you're making this in
mid- to late summerÑor in early fallÑshave fresh sweet
corn directly from the cob. If corn is not in season, use frozen
corn. To defrost, place it in a strainer and run it under
room-temperature tap water. Drain and dry it thoroughly before
adding to the batter.
- To keep the waffles warm,
transfer them to a rack on a baking tray, and place the tray in a
200F oven until serving time. The rack keeps them
crisp.
1 1/2 to 2 cups fresh
corn kernels (from about 3 cobs)
1/4 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons water
3 large eggs
Nonstick spray and butter for the waffle iron
Apple-Jalape–o Syrup (recipe follows)
- Preheat the waffle iron.
- Combine the corn and herbs in a bowl. Add the melted butter,
mix gently and set aside.
- Combine the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar
in a medium-sized bowl and mix well.
- Measure the buttermilk and then the water into a 4-cup liquid
measure. Add the eggs and beat gently with a fork or a small whisk
until smooth. Pour this mixture, along with 1 1/2 cups of the
corn-butter-herb mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until
thoroughly blended, scraping from the bottom and sides of the bowl.
Don't overmixÑa few lumps are okay. NOTE: Reserve the
rest of the corn-butter-herb mixture for sprinkling on top of the
cooked waffles.
- Lightly spray the hot waffle iron on both the top and bottom
surfaces with nonstick spray, then rub on a little butter. (This is
most easily accomplished by generously buttering a chunk of bread
and using it as a nifty, edible utensil to butter the waffle iron.)
Add enough batter to just cover the cooking
surfaceÑapproximately 1/2 cup.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, depending on your waffle iron. Don't
overbakeÑyou want it crisp and brown but not too dark. It's
okay to peek.
- Serve hot, topped with a drizzle of Apple-Jalape–o Syrup
and a sprinkling of the reserved corn-butter-herb mixture.