Cranberry Waffles

Cranberry Waffles
2 cups 1% milk
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon dry active yeast
2 1/2 cups flour
3 egg yolks
3 egg whites
1 tablespoon butter. melted
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh Cranberry Orange Relish (see below)
Cranberry Orange Spread (see below) or whipped cream
Powdered sugar, optional


Prepare Cranberry Orange Relish and Cranberry Orange Spread. Set aside.

Heat milk to lukewarm (warmth of a baby bottle); stir in sugar and yeast, allow to dissolve (batter will begin to form a “head”); beat in 1 1/2 cups flour. Set bowl in warm place to rise until double in bulk (about 1/2-1 hour).

Separate eggs. Add yolks and melted butter to batter. Stir in remaining 1 cup flour, salt, and 1 cup fresh cranberry orange relish. Beat egg whites until stiff, but not dry. Fold egg whites into batter. Allow batter to rest 10 minutes. Follow waffle iron manufacturer’s directions for cooking. Cook until golden brown. Serve warm, sprinkled with powdered sugar and a dollop Cranberry Orange Spread or lightly sweetened whipped cream.

Cranberry Orange Relish
1/2 package (12 oz pkg) fresh cranberries
1/2 medium orange, cut into sections
1/2 cup sugar


Combine cranberries and orange sections in food processer and finely chop. Stir in sugar.

Cranberry Orange Spread
1/2 package (12 oz pkg) fresh cranberries
1/2 orange (zest and juice)
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 package (8 oz pkg) cream cheese, softened


Combine cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, sugar, and water in saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer 5-10 minutes. Cool and stir in cream cheese. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes:
Light delicate waffle or pancake, perfect for the holidays. Nice alternative to overly holiday sweet dishes. Nutrition analysis was calculated using Cranberry Spread; adjust according for whipped cream. Serves 8

For variation, cook batter on a hot griddle as a pancake. For convenience waffles may be made ahead and frozen. To crisp, place waffles in a single layer on cookie sheet or rack in 350 degree oven for a few minutes.

See www.UtahDairyCouncil.com for nutrition analysis