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.
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.
Dark Chocolate Waffles Recipe
Dark Chocolate Waffles Recipe from Bon Appetit
- 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)
- 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.