Hello friends!  I can hardly believe that 2019 is upon us.  How crazy is that? I thought it’d be fitting to start the new year with something both delicious AND healthy, since I know that creating healthy habits is on a lot of people’s minds during this time of year.

I also went a bit crazy with some of my favourite winter treats.  Lots of citrus slices, and the prettiest pink glaze made with fresh pomegranate juice.  Add a few more pomegranate arils on top, a little dollop of whipped cream (because it’s all about moderation), and maybe some coconut flakes.  Make it your own!

Gluten-free Protein Waffles

yields: 2-3 waffles
recipe by: Kelsey Siemens

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 1-2

Ingredients

90 g (1 cup) rolled oats (*use verified gluten-free oats if needed)

60 g (½ cup) Dairyland cottage cheese

1 ripe banana

2 large eggs

4 g (1 tsp) baking powder

4 grams (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract

1 grams (1/2 tsp) ground cinnamon

7 g (1 tbsp) ground flax seed

Pinch of salt

Directions

First preheat the waffle iron.

Place oats into a blender, and blend until they form a fine flour.  They may need stirred a few times. Add the rest of the ingredients to the blender, and blend until smooth.

Pour half (or one third) of the waffle mixture into your waffle iron, and cook until done.  Size will depend on your waffle iron. Repeat with the rest of the batter.

Serve with your choice of toppings.  Suggested: pomegranate glaze (recipe below) citrus slices, pomegranate arils, coconut flakes, Dairyland whipped cream, maple syrup, berries, etc.

Freeze leftovers in an airtight container.  Toasting them to defrost is quick and easy, and keeps them from getting soggy!

Pomegranate glaze

Ingredients

87 g (½ cup) pomegranate arils

94 g (¾ cup) powdered sugar - more to taste

14.2 g (1 tbsp) unsalted butter, very soft - almost melted

Directions

Squeeze the juice from pomegranate arils, and strain.

In a medium bowl, whisk together pomegranate juice, powdered sugar, and very soft butter together until smooth.  Add more powdered sugar if needed to get the glaze to the desired thickness. Use immediately, or keep in the fridge.  May need warmed up slightly when ready to use from fridge.

Happy New Year, and happy waffle making!