Savory Waffles, 6 Ways

Basic Top Notch Waffle: Whisk 2 C. flour, 1/4 C. confectioners’ sugar, 2 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. baking soda in a large bowl. Whisk 1 1/2 C. milk, 1 1/2 sticks cooled melted butter and 2 eggs in a separate bowl until combined; pour into the flour mixture and stir until just combined. (A few small lumps are fine.) Preheat a waffle iron; lightly brush with butter, then fill with batter three-quarters full and cook until the waffles are golden and crisp.

Sesame, Scallion and Sausage: Add 1 bunch thinly sliced scallions, 3 thinly sliced dried Chinese sausages and 2 tsp. each toasted sesame oil, sesame seeds and grated ginger to the batter. Top the waffles with a fried egg.

Smoked Salmon and Chive : Reduce the milk to 1 1/4 C. and add 1/2 C. sour cream. Add 4 ounces chopped smoked salmon, 1/4 C. minced chives and 2 T. chopped tarragon to the batter. Top the waffles with more sour cream and chives.

Bacon and Almond: Add 8 chopped cooked bacon slices, 1/2 C. finely chopped marcona almonds and 2 tsp. each ancho chile powder and chopped thyme to the batter. Top the waffles with maple syrup.

Goat Cheese and Kale: Add 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese, 1 C. finely chopped kale, 2 T. chopped mixed herbs (parsley, basil and dill), 1 tsp. grated lemon zest and 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper to the batter. Top the waffles with arugula salad.

Chili Cornbread: Replace 1 C. of the flour with cornmeal. Add 1 C. each thawed frozen fire-roasted corn and shredded pepper jack cheese, 1/4 C. chopped cilantro and 1 minced seeded jalapeno to the batter. Top the waffles with honey and hot sauce.

Salami-Provolone: Add 1/2 C. each shredded provolone and grated parmesan, 2 ounces finely chopped salami and 1 tsp. pepper to the batter. Top the waffles with ricotta and olive oil.