How to achieve perfect crispy waffles: Avoid this common mistake

Waffles are a treat that brings to mind summer trips to the beach and sweet moments of carefree joy. Unfortunately, homemade waffles often don't match up to those bought at stands. They're chewy and soft instead of crispy and light. However, it turns out there's a simple trick that can make homemade waffles taste even better than seaside ones. Just stop making one very common mistake.

Many of us have waffle irons in our kitchens, but we don't always manage to make perfect waffles with them. Often, they turn out chewy and soft, not crispy like those from seaside stands. This happens for two main reasons:

1. Opening the waffle iron during baking is one of the most common mistakes! When you pour the batter into the form and close the lid, don't lift it every moment to check the waffles' status. This only makes things worse and causes them to lose their crispiness.
2. Placing hot waffles on a plate: Ready waffles shouldn't land directly on a plate. Instead, place them on a rack to cool freely. Otherwise, they'll start "sweating" and quickly soften.

By keeping these two rules in mind, you can easily make homemade waffles that are just as delicious or even tastier than those by the sea. Just follow the steps below:

1. Prepare the waffle batter. Use a tried-and-true recipe like the one you'll find below. Remember to mix all the ingredients to get rid of lumps thoroughly.
2. Preheat the waffle iron. Make sure the waffle iron is properly preheated before pouring the batter.
3. Pour the batter into the waffle iron. Don't put too much batter, so the waffles aren't too thick.
4. Close the waffle iron and bake the waffles for 3 to 5 minutes. Don't open the waffle iron during baking!
5. Take out the waffles and place them on a rack. Wait until they cool slightly, then serve with your favourite toppings.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs,
• 500 ml of milk,
• 80 ml of oil,
• 640 ml of all-purpose flour,
• 1 tablespoon of sugar,
• ½ teaspoon of salt,
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder,
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda,
• Butter for greasing the waffle iron.

Preparation:

1. In one bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
2. In another bowl, beat the eggs and combine them with the milk and oil.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix everything with a whisk until a smooth batter is formed with no lumps.
4. Preheat the waffle iron and grease it with butter.
5. Pour portions of the batter onto the preheated waffle iron.
6. Close the waffle iron and bake the waffles for 3 to 5 minutes without opening it during this time.
7. Take out the ready waffles and place them on a rack.
8. Serve with your favourite toppings, such as whipped cream, fruit, maple syrup, or chocolate.

Additional tips:

• You can add different flavours to the waffle batter, such as vanilla extract, lemon zest, or cinnamon.
• Add a pinch of salt to the batter if you want waffles with a more pronounced flavour.
• You can sprinkle the ready waffles with powdered sugar or drizzle them with icing.