Waffles and Whipped Cream Recipes from The Wafel Shop

Golden and grid-like, waffles are a total treat for kids. The allure never wore off for Noah Goldsmith, founder of The Wafel Shop in Ann Arbor.

"It was my breakfast of choice, for sure – starting with the frozen Eggo," he says. "It's different for kids. It comes in a fun shape." And, "It's one of those items where the parents tend to give kids a little control" on the toppings.

The Wafel Shop

This month, Goldsmith's shop celebrates its first birthday. It serves up authentic, from-scratch Belgian Brussels waffles – and prides itself on its Liege waffles. "We're one of very few places in the Midwest to be making them," he says. "It's a sweet waffle." That's due to its star ingredient, pearl sugar, which, Goldsmith says, looks like little pieces of rock candy. The end result is dense and chewy, with a rich vanilla bean and cinnamon kick.

The Wafel Shop – spelled Dutch-style – also boasts local ingredients, from produce to butter. A new PB&J waffle on the menu has jelly from Cherry Republic in Ann Arbor and Koeze peanut butter from Grand Rapids.

In time for Valentine's Day, Goldsmith shared family-friendly recipes for basic waffles and homemade whipped cream.

Basic Waffles

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups whole milk
• 1 Tbsp. sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 Tbsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract (optional)

Equipment

• Hand mixer, stand mixer or whisk
• Waffle iron

Directions

1. Add flour, salt, sugar and baking powder to mixing bowl.
2. In a separate container, lightly beat eggs; then add to mixing bowl.
3. Add remaining ingredients to mixing bowl while whipping the mixture.
4. Continue whipping until batter is smooth and lump-free.
5. Preheat waffle iron and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
6. Per your waffle iron's instructions, ladle-in the suggested amount of batter. Cook on medium-high (the iron shouldn't exceed 400 F). Each batch takes about 2-4 minutes, depending on iron. They'll be golden-brown when ready.
7. Carefully remove the waffles with a non-metal spatula or utensil. Yields about 6-8 waffles.

Whipped Cream

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 Tbsp. confectioner's (powdered) sugar

Equipment

• Hand mixer, stand mixer or whisk

Directions

1. Pour cream into mixing bowl. Whip until it starts to thicken a bit.
2. Add confectioner's sugar to cream.
3. Continue whipping until you have formed soft peaks.

Note: Be careful: If you over-whip, you'll end up with butter!