In article >,
"Kent" > wrote:

> I'm looking for a small waffle maker just for one person.
> Do you have a small waffle maker you particularly like?

I have a preference for vintage waffle irons with cast iron grids. When
I first got married, we were given a n/s waffle iron as a wedding gift.
It did a horrible job cooking waffles. Exchanged it for another brand,
same disappointing results. While at a Waffle House, I asked what the
temp was on their waffle irons, and was told 400 degrees F. Tested the
iron at home, only got 325 degrees. Exchanged it, and the new one only
hit 275. Gave up and started hitting estate sales and thrifts until I
found a 1950's electric model. It made it to 455. Dropped it back to
400 and the results were sheer perfection.

> What waffle mix do you prefer? That's probably more important than the
> waffle maker. Mixing my own ingredients in the early morning hours just
> doesn't work.

I use the vintage Joy of Cooking recipe. I can make a batch of batter
and keep it in the fridge for at least three days. I have a 1965
revision of JoC that I get this recipe from. It calls for separating
the eggs and beating the whites to fold in. I add a tablespoon of
vanilla per batch and the results nearly match Waffle House. I tried
substituting half and half for the milk, and the results were fluffier,
but not enough to justify the calories.

Now why would I try half and half?

Well this plays into the alternate answer for this question. I have
done this twice successfully, and been told no over a half dozen times.
BUT, if you hit things right at your local waffle house, you may be able
to score a pouch of their mix. Then you add eggs and half and half at
home and enjoy them at your own table from your own waffle iron. If you
are able to score this, it is a real treat.

jt