I’m not sure which caused the other: my recent waffle cravings or seeming to see them everywhere. Beautifully styled waffles are all over my Instagram, Pinterest, and blog feeds – I had to join in the fun.

These waffles are a repurposed version of my banana and cardamom oatmeal muffins, with a few minor tweaks. Xanthan gum is added to help the waffles hold together in the absence of gluten, ginger and cinnamon bring flavor depth, and extra baking powder creates that super crunchy waffle exterior. Because these are basically oatmeal in a waffle shape, they can guiltlessly be eaten throughout the week.

The entire recipe can be made in a blender, which then becomes a perfect pouring mechanism for the waffle iron. Oh! And I have to share my favorite new food product. Never a fan of conventional cooking sprays, this ghee spray from Fourth and Heart combines ghee from grass-fed cows with grapeseed oil to keep it liquid at room temperature. It’s perfect for high-heat cooking and imparts just a touch of brown-buttery flavor. After several failed attempts of trying to evenly spread butter on my waffle iron and having it land in clumps all over my kitchen counter, this spray was a welcome addition to my ingredient repertoire.

To the recipe!

• 1 cup quick cooking oats (I use Bob’s Red Mill GF) 
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 banana
• A very small pinch cardamom, larger pinch ginger and cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon xanthan gum
• 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• Heat tolerant oil: ghee or avocado 
• Toppings: maple syrup, butter, bee pollen, nut butter, fruit, etc.

Preheat the waffle iron. Combine oats and water, stir, and cook in the microwave for 1 minute, 30 seconds, or until the water has been absorbed.

In a blender, combine the cooked oatmeal, banana, spices, xanthan gum, coconut oil, eggs, salt, and baking powder. Blend until well incorporated.

Spray the waffle iron with heat tolerant oil, and pour the batter in batches. Serve waffles immediately with banana slices, butter, cinnamon, maple syrup, bee pollen, nut butters, or whatever your heart desires.

*serves 2-3 people

*to save leftover waffles, let them cool to room temperature, and freeze in a ziplock bag. Reheat by toasting.