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Unbirthday Buttermilk Waffles

We all know the Mad Hatter was onto something brilliant with the celebration of the “Unbirthday”. The whole concept is awesome! You only get to enjoy your birthday one day a year, but your unbirthday party can last all year long. That alone is worth celebrating! (Ok, I’ll stop.) The same idea goes for these waffles. They are definitely any day of the week buttermilk waffles… but whipped cream and sprinkles make anything special, am I right? (Caramel sauce doesn’t hurt either.) Of course, you can use any topping of your choice. It’s YOUR unbirthday after all. 😉

As organic as possible:

1 3/4 cup Flour

2 Tbsp Sugar

1 1/2 tsp baking Powder

1 tsp baking Soda

1/4 tsp Salt

2 Eggs, beaten

2 cups Buttermilk

1/2 cup Sunflower oil (or subtle oil of your choice)

1 1/2 tsp Vanilla

Caramel sauce, whipped cream and sprinkles (optional, along with any other toppings of your choice!)

Preheat your waffle maker. Lightly coat with non-stick spray. I use a Krups Waffle Maker, you can find it by clicking here.

In a large bowl add flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to a bowl and whisk together.

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Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla to dry ingredients and stir until incorporated. (Little lumps are okay!)

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Using a 1 cup measure, scoop the batter onto each waffle grid square.

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Close lid and don’t peak until indicator shows done! (Or according to manufacturer instructions.)

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Remove with tongs or fork.

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Repeat until batter is gone. Serve warm with your favorite toppings! Makes about 12 waffles.

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Happy Unbirthday! (Or birthday… if it just so happens to be!)

 

 

Lollipop Sugar Cookies

Kids love sugar cookies… Adults love sugar cookies… And I have no idea why, but let me just tell you that if you put them on a stick and call them “lollipop” cookies it increases the awesome factor by 100%. Because everyone loves Lollipop Sugar Cookies! They holler “Look at me, I’m so fun! I taste like candy!” As far as great baking projects to do with the kids go, these are at the top. Just put out the toppings and let their imaginations soar! It really doesn’t get much easier. (And you can even refrigerate the dough ahead of time until you’re ready to let the amusement begin! Bonus!)

As organic as possible:

1 1/4 cups Sugar

1/2 cup Vegetable Shortening

1/2 cup Butter

2 eggs

1/4 light Corn Syrup

2 tsp Vanilla

3 cups Flour

1/2 tsp Salt

1 tsp Baking Powder

1/2 tsp Baking Soda

24-26 Popsicle Sticks

Variety of Toppings (Sprinkles, colored Sugars, nonpareils, miniature candies, etc.)

 

Cream the sugar, shortening and butter in a large bowl by mixer or hand until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, continuing to mix, followed by vanilla and corn syrup. Mixture should be light and creamy.

In a separate bowl combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir together with a whisk until incorporated. Add to creamy egg mixture about a third at a time, mixing until all is combined.

Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to a couple days. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°. Roll the dough into 1 1/2 – 2 inch balls. Place a popsicle stick into the center and place on a baking sheet. With the palm of your hand press to slightly flatten the dough (about an inch high), to create a surface to decorate. Top the lollipop sugar cookies however you’d like! (Decorations may need a gentle pat to stay on.) Then bake for 8 1/2 – 10 minutes. Carefully remove from the oven and allow to sit about 2 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. When completely cool serve your Lollipop Sugar Cookies and watch the kid come out in all!

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