Mondo is a self-taught baker, food stylist, and the owner of Mondo’s Morsels. When she's not working or studying American Sign Language, you’ll usually find her waiting impatiently for the latest episode Mr. Robot and stuffing her lactose-intolerant face with bacon-filled grilled cheese sandwiches.
Man, that sounds corny, but it’s true. I’m one of those people who draws energy from other people. Good lord, I’m starting to sound like someone who worked at the Psychic Friends Network. The truth of the matter is that if you’re sitting next to me at a cafe, I’ll just start talking to you like we’re old friends-I’m that chick. I mean, why not? Spread the joy…that’s my policy.
Usually, when this happens, I meet some interesting people. Or, at least have some fun and airy banter. Our conversation doesn’t have to be anything deep over a hot cuppa and biscotti. Let’s keep it light. Shall we?
And yet…
Sometimes it goes all wrong. On occasion, I choose the worst person with whom to start a chat. You know, that one dude who’s waiting desperately for someone, anyone to say anything to him, but doesn’t understand the art of conversation.
Check it out…
Dave and I went to Starbucks the other day for a coffee and a tea. I was in a mood and just wanted to get out of the house. We grabbed our drinks and sat down next to a guy working on his laptop.
“Let’s be friends.” I said.
“That’s the nicest thing anyone has said to me in weeks,” he replied, which of course, made me feel wonderful. I was all set to exchange pleasantries and then this happened.
“Usually, it’s white people telling me to go back to my own country.” Wow, um…that’s a bit much, but ok.
Dave tried to keep it light and said, “We usually try to keep that to ourselves.” Fantastic, I thought. Let’s laugh this away and get to talking about something else.
“I don’t consider you white. You’re too nice to be white.”
Ugh, I had chosen wrong. I chose to sit next to some nut job with an axe to grind. I wanted to scream at him “No! Keep it light, dumbass! You’re supposed to keep it light!” Instead, he unleashed upon us an endless stream of bullshit comprised of titles like Why Siri Sucks and My Healthcare Situation.
I guess I should’ve stayed at home. If I had I could’ve whipped up a batch of waffles and drank my tea in peace.
Typically, I reach for a golden, crispy waffle, but not today. Today, I took a trip to the dark side.
These dark chocolate waffles are serious…not see-me-after-class serious, but are-you-really-trying to-have-this-for-breakfast serious. The answer is ‘yes’. Yes, I am and I did.
The kiddies probably won’t like this one. This breakfast is on the adult-side: super-rich, dark chocolate waffles that aren’t too sweet. Perhaps, that’s why I drizzled them with melted peanut butter. What?
Don’t wait for a special occasion. Make them today. Invite me over for breakfast and make them for me. If you do, I promise to be on my best behavior…and keep the conversation nice and breezy.
6 oz. bittersweet chocolate (at least 70% cacao), finely chopped
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
Unsalted butter, warm pure maple syrup and peanut butter (for serving)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 250°.
Whisk flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
Make a well in the center and add egg yolks, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla.
Blend with a fork, then gradually incorporate dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat egg whites in a small bowl until soft peaks form.(It took about 6 min)
Working in 2 batches, fold egg whites into batter just until combined. Fold in chocolate.
Heat a waffle iron until very hot; lightly coat with nonstick spray. Working in batches, cook waffles until cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack and keep warm in oven until ready to serve.
Serve waffles with butter, syrup and peanut butter.
Yes, I’m crazy about breakfast, but not if it includes something scrambled. I guess I’ll eat them if:
The doctor says “Do it!”
They’re hard boiled.
There’s a bowl of Sriracha nearby(seriously, gotta mask that eggy taste).
Don’t get me wrong, eggs are amazing and extremely versatile. Wanna make a custard? Yolks are your best friend. Meringue for my pie? Hand me those egg whites. Need a lift for your cake? You get the picture.
And let us not forget cookies. I make a lot cookies. Sometimes they’re of the sugar cookie variety. On occasion, they’re of the brown butter pumpkin shortbread variety. Needless to write, I always have a lot eggs hanging around. Yesterday, I used a couple to make a Grilled Cheese Egg in the Hole. What?
If you are an egg fan and a grilled cheese fan, you need to make this sandwich. Trust. They’re very impressive, equally simplistic, and go from kitchen to table in less than 10 minutes. Plus, if you’re like me, you’ll be the lucky one eating all the leftover holes of grilled cheese. Now, that’s what I’m talking about!
What does one do when her partner gives up his studio?
Yeah, you guessed it. The answer is ‘wait’. I hate waiting, man-like I will “Hulk-SMASH” if you put me on hold for longer than the length one Katy Perry song, but what was I to do? Read More…
How was your Valentine’s Day? Did you stuff your face with a 1 lb assortment of nuts and chews from See’s Candies? Afterward, did you walk 4 miles because you felt a wee bit guilty? After that, did you completely negate your workout by stuffing your face with pizza and chocolate cake at your bestie’s daughter’s birthday party? No? Um…me neither.
So…Time Magazine named Kit Kat as the most influential candy bar in the world. Apparently, it was the first candy bar marketed with the idea of sharing, as it has four pieces that you can easily break apart. I get that it was named most influential. I mean, who’s not influenced by crunchy wafers covered in chocolate? What I don’t get is the concept of sharing. If you try to get some of my Kit Kat, you will lose a finger. (LA Times)
Get ready to get excited, wine lovers….Italy’s got something very special for you. Are you ready for prison wine! Yeah, man…50 of Italy’s finest criminals got together to make alcohol for ya. It’s called Gorgona and it retails for $95. Here’s hoping they didn’t make it in the toilet. (FoodBeast)