I have always loved experimenting in the kitchen and I have been a dietetic (health reasons as opposed to moral/ethical) vegan for a little over a year now -- while my diet has expanded to encompass vegetarian choices at present because my budget is somewhat limited while on the job search (^-^) I do plan on following vegan guidelines again as soon as possible, but I figured I'd share the wisdom I've garnered over my year-long journey as the Big V.

Today I've decided to share my own recipe for home-made, Mayan Waffles; chocolate with a little kick to get you going in the morning (but don't let me limit you -- some of my best dinners have circled around breakfast foods). The special equipment you'll need for this recipe is a handy waffle iron. If you can't find yours or don't have one available, feel free to turn waffle day into pancake day!

Ingredients:
1 ripe banana
2 cups soy milk
.5 cup oatmeal
1.5 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
.5 cup baking cocoa*
.25 cup vegan chocolate, shaved
cayenne pepper

*for a richer, more intense depth of flavor, replace .25 cup baking cocoa with .25 cup vegan hot chocolate mix. A friend of mine living in Burlington, VT sent me "Aztec Spicy Hot Chocolate" mix from Lake Champlain Chocolates as a gift and it is still my favorite. Not only is it all-natural, but it has a little spice of its own which I think is delicious.

Directions:
Turn on your waffle iron/stove top and grease cooking surfaces of the iron or griddle. Mash your banana with a fork or your hands until most of its shape has left (leaving some texture only improves on the taste); Combine ingredients in a mixing bowl (leave some lumps -- if you over-mix it will toughen the waffles); pour enough batter of the iron to JUST cover the bottom reservoir (overfilling will result in spillage -- however, delicious spillage that is safe to eat as it will not contain raw egg) and close the iron; if cooking on the stove, I believe you know what to do from here out. When the iron light turns on, signalling completion, open iron away from face (steam safety) and remove the waffles; Immediately arrange on plate with shavings and cayenne pepper sprinkled over the top so as to melt; Serve.

Suggestions:
My personal favorite chocolate bar for this dish is Green & Black's "Mayan Gold" Chocolate (with orange and spices), found in most large grocery stores. It is Fair Trade Certified, vegan, and muy delicioso -- need I say more? If you're looking for a vegan version of the original or plain waffle, try my Blonde Waffle; substitute cocoa, chocolate and pepper for cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. A nice treat with So Delicious' vanilla dairy-free ice cream or even go crazy and opt for some pure Maine maple syrup.

xoxo
Nico