Brown Sugar Bacon and Waffles

This Valentine's Day, I want to set you up on a blind date. I know, I know, you've had enough awkward conversations for one lifetime, thank you. But what if I told you you wouldn't have to talk? Nope, not even a word. No rambling about the weather. No long, uncomfortable silences. It'll just be you and your new friend, enjoying each other's company.

Still nervous? I'll tell you what, I'll even show you a picture of your date. 

Beautiful...isn't it? I think you two will get along just fine. 

Now quick! Go get ready! You don't want to keep your new friend waiting. Throw on your comfiest sweat pants, your softest long sleeve T, and the thickest socks you own. Muss your hair a little bit and don't, don't brush your teeth. Stop worrying about how fickle your waffle iron is or how strange it seems to put sugar on bacon. Trust me. This will be the best blind date of your life. 

One warning, because you're my friend. You may find after your date that all you want to do is go back to bed and sleep for several hours. It is impossible to resist this urge. Give in. I won't judge.

Buttermilk Waffles
Makes 3 Belgian waffles
Recipe adapted from Joy the Baker

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 Tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cups canola or grapeseed oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups buttermilk

Directions:

1. Get out your old dusty waffle maker and plug it in. Preheat. You may want to put paper towel or a rag under your waffle maker to catch any oozing waffle batter.

2. In a large bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, brown sugar, and cinnamon. 

3. In another bowl whisk together eggs, oil, vanilla, and buttermilk. 

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until just combined. A few lumps will remain. 

5. Pour 1/3 batter into your waffle iron. Depending on your waffle iron and how high your heat is, it could take anywhere from 3-10 minutes to make your waffle.

Brown Sugar Bacon
Makes 10 slices bacon


Ingredients:
10 slices bacon
1/4-1/3 cup brown sugar

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Spread a piece of foil on a large cookie sheet. Turn up edges slightly.
3. Place bacon strips on foil cookie sheet.
4. Sprinkle generously with brown sugar.
5. Bake in oven for 12-15 minutes.