Feeding Littles: Ginger Apple Spice Waffles

Every once in a while, I have a baking day to make healthy foods that I can store in the freezer and quickly heat up to feed the kids at lunchtime. We're not above hotdogs and chicken nuggets, but I try to give them something healthier more often. It's great having several different choices made and ready to pull out for them when they wake up from their late-morning nap!

One of my standards is a batch of nice hearty waffles. Here's a typical recipe I've developed over time. My kids love them and, if you have a free naptime to prepare a batch, you'll be set on breakfasts or lunches for the next several days, depending on how many little eaters you have!

Ingredients:

• 1 C. all-purpose flour 
• 1 C. whole wheat flour 
• 2 tsp. baking powder 
• 1 tsp. baking soda 
• 2 tsp. cinnamon 
• 1 tsp. nutmeg 
• 2 tbsp. raw honey (it is not recommended that children under 12 mos. be given honey or baked goods containing honey) 
• 1/2 C. coconut oil
• 2 C. buttermilk 
• 2 lg. eggs 
• 1 granny smith apple, peeled, cored, and run through the food processor until finely chopped 
• 2 tsp. fresh ginger root, finely grated

Turn on your waffle iron, so it'll be well-heated by the time you have your batter prepared.

In a large bowl, combine flours, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring with a wooden spoon until combined.

In a medium bowl, combine coconut oil and raw honey, whisking until combined. Add the eggs and whisk until well-beaten. Add buttermilk and whisk again until combined. Add the apple and ginger and stir with a spoon until combined. Add flour mixture and stir until just combined, leaving some lumps in the batter.

Ladle or slowly pour into the center of your waffle iron, close, and bake until a nice golden brown.

Makes about 10 waffles, a bunch of smiling kids, and one happy mommy :)