Pink Velvet Waffles

It's February, which means two things: Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine's Day. While I have a few different Super Bowl Day recipes like my spinach artichoke dip or my potato skins, Valentine's day is literally the next day this year. As much as my husband and I don't celebrate Valentine's Day, I do love the idea of celebrating love and eating chocolate. No matter the occasion, these pink velvet waffles are absolutely perfect for breakfast, brunch board, or a Galentine's themed brunch party.

I was never a waffle lover as a kid, I always preferred french toast (still kinda do...) or would have a bagel. After making waffles a handful of times as an adult I can appreciate the fluffy texture, the perfect grooves to capture the syrup, and the combination of flavors are endless! Let's talk a little about these waffles: what are pink velvet waffles and why are they not red? For starters, I did not have any red food coloring and did not feel like running to the store for red dye. The term "red velvet" refers to the reaction the buttermilk, cocoa powder, and vinegar create when combined in recipes. it's not chocolate, but it's also not vanilla. It's a happy medium, and the buttermilk just tastes amazing. Any time I am able to incorporate buttermilk into a baking recipe I am giddy, because I know that the buttermilk will add fat, texture, and such a different flavor. Making batter for waffles is not very complex. All it takes is a classic combination of oil, eggs, a touch of sugar, to name a few. You can't go wrong with making waffles, so why not make them red, err, PINK velvet.

Waffles couldn't be easier to make at home. If you have a waffle iron, and it doesn't need to be a large one (I own a small version from Dash and it works wonders). Sometimes making recipes seems daunting if you don't have the correct equipment, but I promise you, it doesn't need to be complicated.

Pink Velvet Waffles Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Waffle iron
• Ladle spoon
• Whisk

Pink Velvet Waffles Ingredients:

• Eggs, oil, and sugar: the trifecta base of the recipe! Whisking these together first helps trap air.
• Buttermilk: one of the most important ingredients in making a "velvet" recipe.
• Vinegar: a second ingredient that is super important in a velvet recipe.
• Cocoa powder: the chocolate factor!
• All -purpose flour: very versatile for any recipe, especially waffles.
• Baking powder: adds the fluff factor
• Red or pink food coloring: of course, use red if you have, otherwise pink is fun!!

Pink Velvet Waffles Tips:

• Do your best not to over-mix the batter. I do this sometimes and always end up regretting the end result. Over-mixing causes a lot of issues with gumminess and results in flat or chewy waffles. Some lumps is ok!
• When adding batter to the iron, add less than you think you need. It will overflow, trust me.
• Gluten free? This will work well with a gluten free flour.

I know I am already looking forward to making these waffles again soon, because they are just SO delicious. With other holidays coming up, I'm sure I'll be looking to make more with different food coloring, maybe even a gluten free option too for my gluten-sensitive readers. Either way, this recipe for pink velvet waffles is sure to please anyone who enjoys them, give you the biggest hug, and will warm your day!