Easy Pancakes and Waffles from Scratch

I have been searching for some time for a simple waffle recipe. Everything I found had too many steps or used egg whites that had been whipped and then folded into the batter. Who wants complicated early in the morning when you are trying to get breakfast on the table? Then this morning I had an epiphany, why couldn’t I use my pancake recipe and just add a tad bit more oil? After all that exactly what the package mixes have you do. So, I set out to experiment with my recipe and got lucky with the first batch. Here is what the final product looked like. I had some waffles left over so I tried freezing them. I just took one out of the freezer, popped it into the toaster and let me tell you it came out as good as fresh made. I’ll include the freezing directions at the end of the recipe.

Easy Pancakes and Waffles from Scratch

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2  teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/4 cups milk
1 egg
3 tablespoons cooking oil (4 tablespoons for waffles)

In a large bowl whisk together the egg, oil and milk. In a separate medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until well moistened, if over mixed finished product will be tough.

Pancakes:
Heat an oiled griddle or skillet over medium high heat. Test griddle by dropping a drop of water on griddle or skillet, water will sizzle and pop off of skillet if temperature is right. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto griddle. Let set until the top looks dry and bubbled. Turn and allow other side to brown.

Waffles:
Since waffle irons are different, follow manufacturers directions for heating. Spray grids with cooking spray and then fill with a little more than 1/3 cup but less than 1/2 cup of batter (here again waffle irons vary, you may need to experiment to see what works for your waffle iron). Lift lid of waffle iron and check brownness after about 3 minutes; let waffle continue to cook until desired brownness.

Yields 8 four inch pancakes or 6 waffle squares

Freezing directions for waffles: Place on wire rack and let cool completely. Once completely cooled, put in freezer bag and freeze. To reheat, place in toaster and toast. You will probably have to toast longer than toast since it will be frozen.