Summer Berry Waffles

Summertime in Florida is just as dreamy as the movies make it-- Aside from earning its name as the sunshine state, we also have a variety of seasonal delicacies that come this time of year. Plant City, FL is famous for their juicy, mouthwatering berries and produce. These berries are so ripe and sweet that they are best served raw, simply macerated in a bit of sugar and vanilla bean (if desired)

This recipe was created fully inspired by the beauty of the summer season, and all of the berries that come with it! Ready in under 30 minutes these waffles help make mornings more enjoyable, especially for young kids!

Vanilla Waffle Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 3/4 cup buttermilk

• 1 cup milk

• 2 eggs, separated

• 10 tbsp salted butter, melted

• 1 tbsp quality vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp sea salt

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 1 tbsp powdered sugar, to garnish

• (Optional: Quickly batter with your favorite fruit by stirring in a few tablespoons of your favorite jam!)

1. Plug in your waffle maker, making sure to follow manufacturers instructions

2. You'll need three mixing bowls. In one mixing bowl, whisk egg whites until they form stiff peaks (This means to whip them until the whisk can stand up straight in the meringue)

3. In the second bowl, combine buttermilk, milk, yolks, butter, and vanilla (Optional, stir in your favorite fruit jam here!)

4. In the third, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt

5. Slowly mix dry ingredients into the buttermilk/vanilla mixture. This mixture will be lumpy at first

6. In thirds, folds whipped egg whites into batter

7. Fold until the batter is mixed throughly with no streaks of egg whites

8. Fill waffle maker with however much your maker holds, ours was about 3/4 cup!

9. Top with powdered sugar and macerated berries

Macerated Berries

• 1 cup strawberries, quartered

• 1 cup raspberries

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/8 tsp vanilla bean paste

• 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice

• Pinch of sea salt

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl

2. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes

3. Serve on top of waffles, toast, pancakes, oatmeal, or yogurt as a delicious garnish!