Up until I was in college, my experience with waffles with a dismal one. I’m sure those we had at home were made from a mix and ironically though waffles and pancakes are essentially the same batter, I really did not like waffles. They tasted different to me. Maybe it was a texture thing, I don’t know. Ironically my daughter is the same way so maybe that was a bonus gift from me on her DNA strand.
My first introduction to waffles that weren’t regular batter was in the woods of Mendicino California where I’d tag along to visit the longtime family friend of some college pals. ‘Dr. Dick’, a fond nickname for ‘Richard’ a retired medical doctor, was a sophisticated older gentleman whose primary residence was San Francisco however he kept a rustic compound in the Mendicino hills. He was a gourmet chef and a wine lover, whipping up fantastic dishes I’d never heard of until meeting him.
Evenings would often be filled with board games and flowing wine, during which his normally quiet demeanor would transform into elevated tones of verbose chatter thanks to the bottles of wine consumed. I recall coming into the kitchen on such an evening to find him having gashed his finger with a cooking knife, bleeding unaware into whatever he was preparing. Though this pre-dated the awareness of never touching someone else’s blood for fear of disease, I certainly knew eating it wasn’t good and steered around that dish.
The following mornings would have reconstituted back to a to a more composed tone, beginning the day with a kitchen wafting with hearty, rustic smells of coffee, sizzling meats in a cast iron skillet and sweet notes of earthier baked goods. The air was filled with classical music and hangover-wrapped silence (Dr. Dick’s that is).
He prepared pecan waffles which were a life-changer to my relationship with waffles. It was as though I’d been introduced to the potential all waffles bear at the breakfast table but few rise to claim as their given right. The cooked pecans added a completely new and satisfying dimension for me, as well as blanket permission to put whatever I darn well pleased in any waffles I made from that time forward.
With fall rolling in, sweaters and boots in wardrobe rotation, a new waffle recipe seemed just the ticket for a weekend breakfast: Maple-Pecan Waffles, gluten-free. One of my favorite flours which is gluten-free is oat flour. It is the one gluten-free flour I’ve found can be used on its own (most need to be combined with other flours to gain the effect of the missing gluten) and has a wonderful taste and rustic texture. I love to use it in cakes, cookies, pancakes and more. Coupled with maple syrup, pecans and pumpkin pie spice, these waffles are like being wrapped in a cozy blanket by a crackling fire for me.
Sandra says
Cutest waffles ever!
Kristi says
Perfect timing because I have friend that is coming to stay this weekend and she only eats Gluten Free. I was worried about what I was going to make for breakfast… and these waffles sound perfect.
Toni Dash says
Everything on Boulder Locavore is gluten-free or if there is a gluten option is identified as gluten-free (usually with product names of ingredients I’ve used successfully). Hopefully that will help while your friend is visiting!
Kristi says
Thanks… I am actually going to suggest my friend check out your blog for GF ideas to make on her own.
Christie says
Wow, I wouldn’t have even noticed the gluten was missing! Delicious fall breakfast idea
Chasing Joy says
I love the shape of these waffles. I also grew up with waffles and pancakes being from the same batter.
Toni Dash says
And did you like waffles and pancakes equally?
Chasing Joy says
No, I think I liked waffles better because we had them less often and I liked how the syrup could pool in the waffle squares. LOL
Ann Bacciaglia says
I am always looking for new gluten free recipes. I will have to give this one a try. My kids love waffles. I like the shapes these are in.
Toni Dash says
I hope you’ll love it Ann!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Love these waffles and especially the fun shapes!! I need that waffle maker 🙂
Penelope says
I don’t know what I love more–how these are going to taste or how adorable they look. You’ve got to tell me where you got the barn-themed waffle iron.
Toni Dash says
Penelope it is the Farmyard Waffle maker by VillaWare. I bought it a few years ago I think from Williams Sonoma. I would suggest googling it to see if and where you might still find it (or check VillaWare’s site directly)! So glad you like it.
Crystal says
Those waffles sound amazing. I can’t pour enough maple syrup on mine, so having the flavor in the batter sounds extra yummy.
valerie says
Not only do these sound good, but they are adorable to look at. Thanks for the recipe.
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
omg these waffles are SO cute! and they look crazy delish!
Kelly Hutchinson says
These sound so delicious! I think this would be good with walnuts as well. Yummy!
Chris Scheuer says
Yum! These sound perfect for a lazy fall Saturday breakfast!
Marcie W. says
My husband recently went gluten free so these waffles would enable us to enjoy a big family breakfast again. I appreciate the oat flour recommendation too!
Jeanine says
They sound delicious and look adorable! These would be a HUGE hit with my kiddos!
Liz Mays says
Mm I could get used to some waffles like these. That hint of pumpkin would be perfect right about now.
Pam says
These look delicious! I bet my daughter, who has celiac disease, would be all over these.
Rachelle says
Those sound amazing, and how much cuter can you get!? I’m going to make these soon!
MJ L says
These sounds and look delicious! I love the shapes, my kids would love them!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Those sound delicious! Maple and pecan are such great flavors for waffles.
Shell says
I love waffles! Big, fluffy ones are the best. These maple pecan waffles sound delicious!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I love that you make your waffles into shapes! Waffles are one of our favorites for brinner 😉
Toni Dash says
I actually have a farmyard waffle maker! I bought it on a whim a few years ago and we love the waffles, plus they are cute!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
These sound wonderful Toni – so cute too! I can almost smell them now – have a great week!