Lemon Gingerbread Belgian Waffles with Caramelized Pears

Ok ok ... here's my recipe for my waffles. =) Let me know how much you enjoy devouring them.

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Waffles:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon all-spice
3 large eggs, separated
1 1/4 cups milk
1/4 cup butter flavored maple syrup (Genuine maple syrup works too, but it's expensive)
1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
Grated zest of one lemon

Mix all dry ingredients together in a bowl. In a 2nd bowl, mix egg yolks with a wisk, and then add milk, syrup, butter and brown sugar. Add in the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.

In a 3rd bowl, beat egg whites on high speed until they form a firm peak. Gently fold these into the above mixture. Add the grated lemon zest. Your waffle iron should already be heated, and ready to go. Spray lightly with Olive Oil cooking spray and pour in the right amount for your iron. I have a round Professional Waring Belgian waffle maker. This recipe makes 5 or 6 waffles this side. Browning setting should be on 4.5 for the right color.

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Caramelized Pears

This can be any fruit really, but the pears are so tasty.

3-4 ripe pears, peeled and cut into large chunks
1 stick unsalted butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
Cinnamon to taste

Melt butter until it begins to foam, then add the brown sugar. Be careful not to plop this in because it will make the butter spill out of the skillet.

Cover and let this melt, stir occasionally with a whisk. Once it has melted (about 3 minutes), add in the chopped pears. I use a bamboo spoon to fold it all together, then add a dash or two of cinnamon.

These are best when they are left to thicken a little bit and cool just a little. Spoon this on top of the waffles, and top with whipped cream, cool whip, or lemon sherbet.

Chicken-fried Gluten Steaks

Who says vegetarians don't have tasty food?? Try out this recipe for the best gluten steaks you'll ever eat.

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1/3 cup Old Fashioned Oats
1/3 cup Nutritional Yeast Flakes
1/3 cup chopped Walnuts
1/3 cup whole wheat flour

1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp minced garlic

Blend together in 2 cups extremely hot water until very smooth.

Pour into mixing bowl with 2 1/4 cup Vital Wheat Gluten. Stir until mixed well.

Bring to boil:
half pot of water
1-2 cups of soy sauce
1 large onion, chopped

Spray cutting board with Olive Oil Pam, turn dough onto dough and roll into a log. It should be soft and very pliable. Cut small slices, flatten with palms of hands.

Drop one by one into boiling sauce mixture. Boil approximately 30-40 minutes. Drain and save the broth.

Mix in bowl:
Unbleached flour
Lawry's seasoned salt to taste,
Onion Powder, to taste
Garlic Powder, to taste

Mix in bowl:
1 cup milk
4-5 eggs
Mix well

Dip gluten steak into egg mixture, then dip into flour mixture and drop into hot oil frying pan. Fry until golden brown and drain, then place into a large casserole dish.

Take the leftover broth, and heat in a pot. Thicken as desired with cornstarch. You can either pour the gravy over the steaks in the casserole dish and reheat later, or you can keep the steaks crispy and just let people pour the gravy over the steaks themselves.

These are delicious with mashed potatoes, broccoli, and toasty bread.

Enjoy!