I’m so excited to share this brunch recipe with you for Valentine’s Day, even better, since valentines actually falls on a Sunday. This is one of my favorite recipes, sourdough waffles. In the spirit of the holiday, I’ve done them up in six variations, to suit any valentine.  In this list there should be something to suit everyone, from the rugged no fuss sweetheart, to the refined, and most discriminating tastes.  Alongside each waffle is a short personality profile, so you can be sure you are matching your valentine to the right variety.  As a disclaimer, it should be made known, all waffle variations are delicious, and personality profiles written in good fun.

# 1 The Eternal Child

A waffle with vanilla ice cream, sprinkles, whipped cream and pokey sticks.  Much like you would guess the personality of an Eternal Child is lovable and carefree.  They have managed to pass through life maintaining the excitement, spontaneity, and open hearted spirt of a child.  They love to laugh and find pleasure in the silly, and ridiculous. Waiting and moderation are words an Eternal Child struggles to understand; patience is not a virtue they possess.  However, excitement, joy, and purity of heart, are characteristics they have in spades.  The Eternal Child is well balanced by a Classic, or a Minimalist. But, a word of warning, they will only get up to trouble in the company of a Banana Nutter or another Eternal Child.

# 2 The Carnivore

Topping this waffle is bacon, butter, and maple syrup.  The Carnivore is made of substance and requires it.  Their personality is the type that says it likes it is, and doesn’t believe in dressing things up. Typically, a carnivore will have little concern for others judgments or criticisms, as they are committed to their opinions. Willing to attempt anything on their own, they pride themselves on being a survival expert. On the down side, they may occasionally resort to prehistoric means of communication, such as chest beating, and grunting.  A carnivore can find balance in a Classic, or a Minimalist. Additionally, they can be a grounding force for a She She Fu Fu.  When it comes to a Carnivores favorite company, it is hands down, a Banana Nutter or Eternal Child.

# 3 The Classic

A waffle served with mixed berries, banana, maple syrup and butter. With a Classic what you see is what you get, and it’s pretty darn good. A balance, of health and indulgence a Classic has mastered the tightrope of enjoying life without falling into overindulgence. This characteristic inspires admiration and irritation equally in others.  Classics are dependable, reliable, and follow direction. On occasion a classic can benefit from the playful risk taking attitude of a Banana Nutter or Eternal Child.  As well, they can get along with the right Carnivore, Minimalist, or even a She She Fu Fu. 

# 4 The Banana Nutter

Topped with bananas, Nutella sauce, and hazelnuts.  The Banana Nutter is forever a comedian without necessarily intending to be. They embrace the lighthearted, the silly, and the playful side of life. For a banana butter there is nothing that that doesn’t go with a superman cape. On the down side they tend to be poor at risk assessment and don’t always fully think their actions through. Balance for them, can be found in a Minimalist or a Classic.  Be aware, they are known to get up to ridiculous shenanigans if left in the company of an Eternal Child as well as other Banana Nutters. 

# 5 The Minimalist

Simply maple syrup and butter. A minimalist does not believe in frivolity, excess or anything beyond the absolutely necessary. They are conscious beings, who keep small foot prints.  A Minimalist can benefit from the spirit and company of a Banana Nutter or Eternal Child, to help them enjoy the lighter side of life, and take things a bit less seriously.  Classics typically get on well with Minimalists, however, Carnivores and She She Fu Fu’s tend to find friction in relationships with them.

# 6 The She She Fu Fu

Dark chocolate ganache, dulce de leche, and gold leaf top this waffle combination. What you may ask is the personality of a She She Fu Fu?  Well, they appreciate, and feel they deserve, the finer things in life. Occasionally, they have been referred to as “hoity”.  On the plus side, a She She Fu Fu will introduce you to luxuries of life, that you never even thought existed. On the down side, low key, simple, and unfussy are words that do not exist in their vocabulary.  Often, when they feel they are looing rather aristocratic, to others they appear as though they are deciphering a smell.  A She She Fu Fu will almost always butt heads with a Minimalist, but can be balanced by a Carnivore or Classic.  Banana Nutters, and the Eternal Child are typically not refined enough for a She She Fu Fu. 

Making Sourdough Waffles

This is hands down my favorite way to use up my surplus (discard) sourdough starter. I love this recipe so much because it makes the lightest waffles with a beautifully crispy exterior crust. This is owed to the generous, yet not excessive, amount of butter and sugar in the batter.

This recipe will make about 8-10 waffles in a four square waffle press. When making these waffles, I will often make a double batch and freeze the extra in a Ziploc bag.  They warm up fast in a toaster, and make for great on the go snacks, when your rushing out the door.

What is Sourdough Surplus?

The process of maintaining your sourdough starter can lead to some inevitable waste. To keep a starter healthy, you need to revive it by pouring of half it’s volume, and feeding it new flour and water. If you are keeping it on the counter, this will be daily, if stored in the refrigerator weekly will be more than sufficient. If you intend to bake with your discard vs throwing it out be sure it is relatively fresh. Room temperature surplus no older than a day, refrigerated surplus no more than 5 days.

Do You Have A Sourdough Starter?

To learn how to make your own sourdough starter, check out Beginners Guide to Creating a Bubbling Starter, or you can also purchase a sourdough starter here. You can still make the recipe without starter, simply add ¼ cup milk, and ¼ cup flour, typically, a starter kept at 100% hydration is a 1:1 ratio liquid to flour.