Buttermilk Waffes with Plum Compote

Inspiration: 2 plums ripening on the KPK counter & some buttermilk in the fridge left over from baking coconut cupcakes . . .

I love to toss fruit into a pot with a drizzle of water and a spoonful or two of brown sugar or white sugar. I do this with plums, apples, nectarines, peaches, pears.....It works well with pretty much any fruit.... I squeeze in a little lemon juice and then throw in a chunk or more of lemon. Oranges work well too. The pith in either citrus fruit will naturally thicken the compote without adding corn starch or anything....Natural pectin. Simply cook over medium heat (or low) just until the fruit softens and the the juice thickens. It happens in no time! You can then add a bit of vanilla if you wish, or cinnamon (which pairs well with apples and actually, plums too!). On Sunday morning, I was content to use the plums, a few orange and lemon wedges, and a thinly sliced, tart green, Granny Smith apple. A little sugar and it was sweet-tart and delectable. So, next time you have some fruit that needs to be eaten, think of making a simple compote. It can top waffles, pancakes, english muffins or bagels and for sure.... ice cream, right? How about pound cake, ice cream and warm compote? Chilled compote mixed with your favorite yogurt. Friggin' delicious. Many possibilities. Also, think of adding dried fruit like cranberries, cherries or raisins. Excellent! You can add nuts too, and you can go nuts, if you like.

Ok.... here's the basic waffle recipe.......

Homemade Buttermilk Waffles*

2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon kosher salt

3 tablespoons sugar

~ ~ ~

3 eggs, beaten

1/2 stick of butter, melted

16 ounces (2 cups) buttermilk

Preheat your waffle iron according to your directions. Spray with non-stick spray, if required. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients until well combined. In another bowl, mix the eggs and melted butter, and then add the buttermilk. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and still until combined. Allow to rest for 5 minutes.

Ladle the batter into the iron, as directed by the waffle iron manufacturer. Mine calls about two cups of batter to be poured and then smoothed out with a rubber spatula. Close the iron and cook until golden brown. Serve immediately or keep in the oven set at "warm" on a foil-lined pan until ready to serve.

*adapted from Alton Brown's basic waffle recipe

Spoon on some warm compote, serve with fresh fruit, sprinkle with powdered sugar if you like. Snap a photo. Dig in!

Make waffles for dinner tonight

Love, Katie