How to Prime a Waffle Iron
Almost everybody loves a hot, crisp waffle topped with maple syrup and butter on a lazy weekend morning. But, all too often the first waffle is disappointing. It is not brown enough or crispy enough. It may even stick to the waffle iron or split in two. These problems are so common that many refer to the first waffle as the sacrificial waffle. You can avoid the sacrificial waffle by priming the waffle iron properly and not trying to remove the waffle too soon. Priming the waffle iron simply means to ready the appliance for waffle baking by greasing and preheating it. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Set up the waffle iron. If your waffle iron has removable plates, attach them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure they are securely locked in place so they have maximum contact with the heating elements of the waffle iron.
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2
Grease both waffle plates generously. Use a pastry brush to apply the grease to make sure it gets into every nook and cranny of the waffle plate. You can use either a flavorless liquid oil or solid vegetable shortening.
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Plug in the waffle iron and turn it on to preheat. Many waffle irons have a light that glows when the waffle iron is at the proper cooking temperature. Waffles will stick if the iron is not sufficiently preheated.
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4
Mix up your waffle batter according to your favorite recipe. Make sure it is a recipe that includes oil or melted butter in the list of ingredients.
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When the waffle iron is hot, pour batter into the center. Don't pour in too much batter; leave enough room for the waffle to spread when you close the lid.
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Close the lid of the waffle iron and let the waffle bake.
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Look for signs that the waffle is done. Your waffle iron may have a light that goes on when it thinks the waffle should be done, but you also need to make a visual inspection. When the waffle is ready, steam will stop coming out of the iron. Carefully and slowly lift up the lid. If there is any sign that the waffle is going to stick, split or isn't brown enough, put the lid back down and let the waffle cook for a few more minutes.
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Remove the waffle from the iron. If needed, you can use a silicon spatula to loosen the edges.
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Clean the waffle iron thoroughly when done baking. Debris left on the plates will cause sticking the next time you use the waffle iron.
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