Muscat Raisin Waffles with Fresh Berries to Brighten Your Day

Waffles! Just the word gets the mouth-watering (I’m starting a campaign to include an exclamation mark in the spelling of waffles!). These waffles! are a great breakfast or after dinner idea. Or both. In one day! These waffles! are simple to make, delicious to eat, nutritious to boot and organic.

You may have noticed the word organic at the end of that sentence, and wondered why? I mean, the word organic has been associated with healthier, but the question on everyone’s lips is often: Is that the case?

Well, to break it down simply, when you choose organic, you reduce your exposure to chemicals and pesticides. Organic food is typically more enriched with vitamins and antioxidants and is not genetically engineered or modified. Organic farming is better for the environment, soil fertility and helps to conserve natural resource such as water.

While not everything you purchase must be organic, I recommend, where possible, to consume seasonal organic produce when you can and if it works within your budget. Making small and sustainable changes, like buying the organic version of one ingredient, will make this easier.

When it comes to food choices, I like to ask myself a couple of questions, firstly Are they Australian owned and Is this organic? Thankfully Murray River Organics make it easier because they are both. They’re committed to growing sustainably through implementing environmentally sound practices, to create high-quality Australian health foods and pantry staples. They believe everyone deserves organic food that tastes great and is easily accessible and affordable. Affordability is one of the main reasons people find it hard to eat organics, however these wonderful organic products are much more reasonably priced and really good value.

Just a quick fact for your next trivia game – The Murray River is one of the largest navigable waterways in the world, spanning across Victoria, NSW and South Australia. The Australian Aboriginal people relied on it for its abundance and carried goods across it. Today, it provides essential water across Australia for industrial, domestic and recreational use.

Oops! You can tell I’m passionate about something when I start waffling on a little too much! Where was I? Oh yes, waffles! Just add Sun Muscat raisins from Murray River Organics, fresh berries, maple syrup and you’ve got yourself a real breakfast-or-snack-or-after-dinner-or-maybe-even-dinner special.

Speaking of raisins, I believe they don’t deserve their reputation as just dried-up grapes in tiny cardboard boxes. They’re not just shrivelled up grapes, okay?! They are so much more than that and give these pancakes a sweetness and depth of flavour. Raisins are naturally sweet, giving you lots of energy and are full of antioxidants. Have you ever thought that raisins are just the kids-friendly version of wine? Nope, just me, anyway…

I include them in porridge, chicken salads, home-made granola and even as a snack on their own. The 100% organic Sun Muscat Raisins in my waffles, are packed full of more nutrients than other varieties, without the harmful pesticides. These delightful raisins originate from Murray River Organics; the world’s largest dried vine fruit producer. I love supporting regional businesses, especially in these times where we all need a bit of love!  

Now, for the waffles! Dried ingredients are always useful to have on hand, especially when you’re in a house with a waffle maker. Oat flour, for example, is gluten-free friendly and high in fibre. Cinnamon has traditionally used to aid digestion and adds a subtle sweetness to this waffle mix. I’ve also included my Sun Muscat Raisins, salt and gluten-free baking powder.

For the wet ingredients, I’ve used coconut milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, apple cider vinegar and Murray River Organics Avocado Oil. Why avocado oil? Well, firstly, it’s derived from avocadoes, and who doesn’t love avocadoes? Avocado oil is high in monounsaturated healthy fats, and the antioxidants vitamin E, lutein and beta-carotene. Together, these dry and wet ingredients make for a delicious and billowy and crunchy edged waffle for the whole family.

Of course, the mighty waffle would be nowhere without its trusty sidekick, toppings. While we all know that maple syrup is a must on waffles, have you thought about other ingredients to supercharge your waffles? Don’t worry; I’ve done the hard thinking for you. I love serving these waffles with fresh berries, plain yoghurt or coconut yoghurt and then, of course, I round it all out with a drizzle of maple syrup.

These waffles are a little bit of sweetness to brighten your day. This dish is such good fun for little kids and big kids alike. 

Muscat Raisin Waffles with Fresh Berries

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups oat flour
• 2 teaspoons gluten-free baking powder
• 1/2 heaped teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 TBS Murray River Organics 100% organic Sun Muscat Raisins
• ¾ cup Pacific Organics coconut milk
• ¼ cup Murray River Organics avocado oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons Pacific Organics maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 punnet berries (I used blueberries and raspberries)
• ½ cup plain yoghurt
• Extra Maple Syrup to serve

Method

In a medium bowl, combine the oat flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and raisins.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, avocado oil, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla and apple cider vinegar.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until well combined. Set the batter aside for 10 minutes to thicken.

Heat waffle maker and spray with a little oil (trick is to get waffle maker very hot when its ready to use).

Spoon in a portion of batter and cook until golden.

Leave on a wire rack to cool slightly and crisp up while repeating the process with the remaining batter.

Serve topped with berries, yoghurt and maple syrup.