Dark Chocolate Waffles & the Art of Conversation

Dark Chocolate Waffles by I bake he shoots: a chocolate alternative for breakfast that's not overly sweet. | ibakeheshoots.com

I’m a people person.

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.

Dark Chocolate Waffles by I bake he shoots: a chocolate alternative for breakfast that's not overly sweet | ibakeheshoots.com

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.

Dark Chocolate Waffles by I bake he shoots: a chocolate alternative for breakfast that's not overly sweet | ibakeheshoots.com

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?

Dark Chocolate Waffles by I bake he shoots: a chocolate alternative for breakfast that's not overly sweet | ibakeheshoots.com

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.

 

Dark Chocolate Waffles Recipe

Dark Chocolate Waffles Recipe from Bon Appetit

Dark Chocolate Waffles
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup (packed) brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 large eggs, separated
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 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
  1. Preheat oven to 250°.
  2. Whisk flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
  3. Make a well in the center and add egg yolks, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla.
  4. Blend with a fork, then gradually incorporate dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
  5. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat egg whites in a small bowl until soft peaks form.(It took about 6 min)
  6. Working in 2 batches, fold egg whites into batter just until combined. Fold in chocolate.
  7. 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.
  8. Serve waffles with butter, syrup and peanut butter.

 

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57 Comments

  1. 1

    Mondo,
    It matters not what I just stuffed my face with, I always want what you just made. Always. Right now. We need to be neighbors and I need to be a taster of your creations. Regularly.
    But until that little idea is checked off my bucket list I will simply salivate from afar and steal every last recipe.

    • 2

      Hahahahahaha…thanks for the love, Brandie. I do what I can. If you lived in my neighborhood we could work something out. Moreover, I would never share with you that on occasion the food goes straight into the trash post-photo shoot. Thanks for reading!

  2. 3

    I found this post on Foodie — I thought I had to see these dark chocolate waffles up close and personal. I’m pretty sure I would eat these for breakfast every day for the rest of my life…no special occasion required. 🙂

  3. 7

    Ok… I saw these on Tumblr & followed the link to acquire the recipe. Admittedly, I was ALL in due to the dark chocolate; but when you mentioned the peanut butter drizzle!! What???… indeed!! Two of my all time favorite things eaten with syrup… wait for it… AND butter!!! OMG! I cannot wait to try these. Thanks Mondo!! Peace.

    • 8

      It is truly a marvelous combination, Layne. My regular consumption has fallen to complete abuse. I’m seeing a therapist about it. Thanks for reading. Deuces.

  4. 10

    I just found your blog, and this post made me drool big time. What a mouthwatering recipe and oh-so-gorgeous photographs. I am loving this blog of yours. I will be back for sure, and will follow you guys on FB right now.
    Thanks for sharing. 🙂

    Btw, yes, sometimes I chose the wrong person to have a light conversation with, too.

    • 11

      Pang! Thanks so much for visiting. I’m particularly proud of these photos; I believe they’re the best work we’ve ever done. I’m honored that you’re a fan. Cheers!

  5. 13

    omg! you are truly a goddess.
    Good thing we are not friends as my willpower could not handle it. These look like they would be worth every last drop of sweat shed to burn them off but there are only so many hours in the day available for working out… However, I promise that should we ever meet, I totally get your take on casual, light conversation with random strangers and it would be a delight.
    🙂

    • 14

      No one’s ever called me a goddess before and I gotta say…I don’t mind it at all and thank you very much. I feel ya, Aspen. I’m still workin’ off these waffles and I made them well over a month ago. Still…worth it! Thanks for reading.

  6. 15
    • 16

      After smearing the waffle all over his face, I hope he gets some in his mouth…hahahaha! Just curious…are waffles popular in China? Thanks for reading.

  7. 17

    These waffles look amazing and your story gave me a giggle!! I’m the same way… A people person and more times than not something crazy like that happens… Hey at least you can laugh at the situation later 🙂

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  9. 33

    By the way…its a shame you write like that because actually from a food and photography point of view your blog is very good. Sometimes people have so much confidence they forget you can’t always have everything your way. Keep up the good photography/baking….but stop being the neighbourhood conversation police.

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  11. 42

    Pinned this waffle recipe on Butter and Brioches’Pinterest,which I only recently discovered and am totally raiding her!!Love her!AND love you!I must subscribe to your blog!I AM that friendly people person as well.My fave is in “breaking “the crabby ones into being not crabby,AND am super happy if I am able to draw laughter out of them.THE BEST!At 55 years young AND still big time ADHD,well what can I say!Life is short,laughter is all healing!!

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