Green Valley Spa’s Whole Grain Waffles

This health and fitness-oriented spa is known for access to some of the best scenic hiking trails in the country, and has a spa cuisine program to match. Green Valley Spa in southwestern Utah prepares its healthy meals around the seasonal availability of vegetables, meats, and fruits.

Whole Grain Waffles Ingredients (Serves 20; makes 20 4-inch square waffles):

Ingredients:
1 quart nonfat buttermilk
2 eggs, whole
⅓ cup honey
1½ cup rolled oats
1½ cup whole wheat flour
1¼ cup buckwheat flour
½ cup polenta cornmeal
2 tbsp baking powder
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 cup egg whites
Vegetable oil spray as needed

Instructions:
1.      Combine the buttermilk, whole eggs, and honey in a large bowl. Process the oats in a blender or processor until mealy.
2.      Combine the flours, rolled oats, polenta cornmeal, baking powder, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the liquid ingredients and mix just until incorporated.
3.      Whip the egg whites to a soft peak and fold into the batter.
4.      Lightly spray a hot waffle iron with vegetable oil and ladle the batter into the waffle iron. Cook until the waffles are golden brown, about 3 minutes. Serve immediately.

Chef’s tip: To keep waffle crisp, toss it back and forth between open-palmed hands.

Serving suggestions: serve waffles with fresh peaches, toasted pecans and maple syrup, or warmed fruit and yogurt.

Nutritional information per serving: 150 calories; 1.5 g fat (10% calories from fat); 7 g protein; 27 g carbohydrate; 25 mg cholesterol; 200 mg sodium