I am definitely a bit of a choco-holic this week, but what can I say? Sometimes a girl needs chocolate.
This Sunday brunch is a simple twist on waffles, that’s even a bit healthier than the traditional recipe. We are going to make yummy dark chocolate waffles topped with raspberries and homemade whipped cream.
What You’ll Need
1 3/4 cups unrefined wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup dark baker’s cocoa
3 tablespoons raw sugar
pinch of salt
2 cups low-fat milk
1/2 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 egg whites
1/4 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
raspberries
1/2 pint whipping cream (optional)
Let‘s Do It
In a medium mixing bowl stir together flour, baking powder, baker’s cocoa, sugar, and salt. Leave a well in the center. In another bowl mix together milk and oil. Add milk mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir to moisten. Add in chocolate chips. In a small bowl beat egg whites and pure vanilla together, and then gently fold egg white mixture into flour and milk mixture. Pour into waffle iron, but not too full. These will be light, with a nice combination of moist on the inside, crisp on the outside.
When done, top with a generous portion of red raspberries, and you can even add a dollop of whipped cream for that extra Sunday brunch flair.
Homemade Whipped Cream (optional): To make homemade whipped cream, use a mixer to whip the whipping cream lightly. You can add in a pinch of raw sugar and a splash of pure vanilla extract. Be sure not to over mix. If you have a little more time, alternatively you can whisk by hand.
Bonus Benefits
Unrefined Wheat Flour: This has a rich, nutty flavor with many health benefits. A good source of fiber, manganese, and magnesium, unrefined wheat flour actually helps our waistline by reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome, as well as substantially lowers the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, lessens chronic inflammation, helps prevent gallstones, and keeps you fueled with great energy so you feel vibrant.
Dark Baker’s Cocoa: The powder is high in flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. They help protect the body from free radical damage that causes many illnesses and diseases. Having the equivalent of one dark cocoa square per day also helps the cardiovascular system, is said to improve blood flow and circulation, thereby lowering blood pressure by up to 2 points (according to the Mayo Clinic). Plus the serotonin in the chocolate is a natural mood enhancer, so it will help you feel happier and boost mood, too!
Red Raspberries: This healthy, delicious, and naturally sweet berry is also high in antioxidants, and contains ellagic acid, which also protects against free radical damage and provides cellular protection. Research also indicates raspberries may have cancer preventative properties in various parts of the body, including the colon. Raspberries also contain 50% higher antioxidant activity than strawberries and 3 times that of kiwis.
