Orange Buttermilk Waffles

I love breakfast foods.  They're my absolute favorites, so most Saturday mornings you'll find me in the kitchen whipping up something wonderful to eat.  This recipe is one I've wanted to try for awhile, and finally got around to this morning.  They turned out so well that I thought I might as well share them right away.

Orange Buttermilk Waffles

1-1/4 Cups gluten-free flour mix
1/4 tsp xanthan gum
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
2 tsp sugar
1/8 tsp salt

1/2 Cup orange juice
3/4 Cup buttermilk
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp grated orange peel
2 eggs, divided

Coat inside of waffle iron with cooking spray and preheat.  Whisk together the dry ingredients in a medium sized bowl.  In another bowl, whisk together the orange juice, buttermilk, vegetable oil, grated orange peel and egg yolks.  Pour into flour mixture and whisk together until dry ingredients are incorporated.  Beat egg whites until soft peaks form; fold into batter.*  Pour batter onto heated waffle iron and bake until steaming stops and waffle is golden.  Makes 4-6 waffles.

*Doing this step will ensure light, crispy waffles.  However, having raised kids, I know that sometimes everyone is clamoring for breakfast and you'd rather have your teeth drilled than dirty one more bowl and dig around in the bottom cupboard for your hand mixer, let alone take the time to beat the egg whites and then slowly fold them into the batter.  So hey, go ahead and just beat the whole eggs into the liquid ingredients and proceed.  I won't report you to the waffle police, the waffles will still turn out delish, your family will never know the difference, and you can still feel proud of yourself for having produced something better than cold cereal.  Happiness all around :-D.

In case you're wondering what's smeared on the waffles in the picture, remember the Cream Cheese Spread from earlier in the month?  Oh. My. Goodness.  They are M.F.E.O. (remember Sleepless in Seattle? )  Seriously, you've got to try it.  Mmmmmmmmm.