Fluffy Dairy-Free Waffles

Wake up to a healthier morning! Do you ever crave a hearty and decadent breakfast during the weekends? I do! However, as much as I love the taste of butter and bacon in the morning, I needed a healthier option.

Aside from my more health conscious mind. This idea actually stemmed from an exciting trip to Bulk Barn (my favourite food store in the world). Amongst the rows and bins of random powders, seeds, nuts and sugar was 'chickpea flour'. I didn't realize this was a thing until now! I mean, of course it is! What isn't a thing these days? Oat flour, quinoa flour - you name it!

I decided I would pick some up for some sort of experiment. It took me a while to figure it out until J's sister sent us a lovely Christmas gift - mini waffle maker!!! I can't get over how obsessed I am with this cute appliance! Then and there, I decided I was going to make waffles!

While I was figuring out and researching what make the perfect waffle, I was also trying to come up with a dairy free recipe. I've recently experienced the dreaded adult hormonal acne (gasp!). I knew the reason was due to stress, lack of sleep and of course my allergy to dairy products. It's really sad because I LOVE ANYTHING to do with dairy - cheese, milk, cream, ice cream! But my skin and body is more important. I'm glad to report my skin is starting to clear up after a week of a non-dairy diet.

So I came up with this yummy recipe. It took a couple of times to get this recipe right but I am totally happy with the way these turned out! Fluffy, soft and so delicious! The banana binds everything together while adding a sweet taste and fantastic aroma

This will make about 6 mini-waffles or 3 medium-large waffles
You will need a waffle maker and blender or food processor

Ingredients:
1/2 cup ground oats (you can grind rolled outs yourself)
1/2 chickpea flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 ripe banana (chopped)
1 tbsp honey
1.2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup almond milk (unsweetened)
3/4 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 tsp water

Cooking oil spray for the waffle maker

Direction

• Start with your dry ingredients. If you don't already have ground oats, you can do this yourself easily. Pour in rolled oats into a blender and blitz until it's powder fine.
• Add in chickpea flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt. Blitz until it's well mixed
• Add in the wet ingredients - banana, honey, vanilla extract, almond milk, coconut oil, water. 
• You make need a bit more water or almond milk to get the right consistency. You're basically looking for a similar consistency as pancake but slightly thicker
• Spray you waffle maker with some cooking spray to prevent the waffle from sticking. 
• Pour the batter in and cook according to the waffle maker's settings. It should take less than 5 mins to cook one waffle
• Garnish or top with your favourite toppings

Enjoy!!