There are few items on Amazon for under $10 that are as fantastic as this mini waffle maker. My Wife and I absolutely love it, as does our Little Girl. And what's not to love about it? It makes perfect Eggo-sized waffles, in record time. I do have a few quick suggestions for anyone that's interested in getting it, as well as one terrific hack for using this waffle maker that will be a real game-changer for breakfast and desserts. First off, how to use it.... We use Krusteaz Belgian waffle mix, although just about any waffle or pancake mix will do. We recently got a KPKitchen batter dispenser for pancakes and waffles, which makes it easier to get just the right amount of batter into the waffle iron each and every time. WHAT IF YOU DON'T HAVE A BATTER DISPENSER? Quick pro tip I can offer you. Don't have a fancy measured batter dispenser? Next time you finish off a bottle of ketchup, mustard, squeeze jelly, etc, don't throw away the container. Wash it well. Then when you have your pancake or waffle batter mixed, just remove the top to the squeeze bottle, and pour the batter in. Pop the top back on. And now you've got an easy-squeeze bottle that lets you perfectly pour batter info waffle makers or on a frying pan. Best of all, you don't have to use all of the batter at once. When you're done making waffles, just close the cap, and stick the bottle in the fridge. It will usually stay good for 2-4 days, just don't leave it at room temp for more than two hours at a time. BACK TO MAKING THE WAFFLES.... The easiest way to "grease" the waffle maker is to simply do a quick spray of Pam on each hot plate before you start making them. If you want waffles that are soft on the outside, spray between each waffle made. If you like a golden brown, slightly crispy/crunchy texture to your waffles, you only need to use the cooking spray once. Stick to using silicone and similar spatulas (avoid using metal utensils) to remove the waffle when it's finished. What's terrific about the size of this waffle maker is that if you have a leftover waffle or two after eating, you can simply stick them in the fridge or freezer for later, and pop them into your toaster (something you can't do with regular-sized waffle makers). Okay, now to the really cool part.... You can make the most amazing waffles with this thing using just canned cinnamon rolls. Without everyone having to wait forever for cinnamon rolls to be baked in the oven. Get a can of the Pillsbury cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing. Now you can use the icing as-is, but you can make it "pourable" by adding a few ingredients. Just whisk/stir the included cream cheese icing with a cup of powdered sugar, three tablespoons of milk, and a teaspoon of vanilla. Once it's smooth, set it aside. When the waffle maker is hot and ready, stick one cinnamon roll directly in the center of it, and close the top firmly. What's going to happen is that it will slowly rise, the top will slowly move up as well. Grab the "handle" for the top and firmly press it down a second time. What this does is not only flatten the roll to completely fit the circle of the waffle iron, but ensures that it stays flat and baked through. You can eyeball and it and tell when it's made to your liking, I've found that it takes just slightly longer to make a cinnamon roll waffle than a regular waffle made with batter. Before each waffle is served, drizzle your cream cheese glaze over it. Not only do you have an amazing waffle with a taste like none other, but you don't need any type of pancake or waffle batter on hand. I experimented and also made Pillsbury orange rolls with orange icing, they were fantastic. Just remember, the key to making perfectly round cinnamon roll waffles is to close the lid not once, but a second time as the roll starts to rise in your waffle maker. There are plenty of things you can buy for ten bucks. But instead of spending ten bucks on fast food, or two iced coffees, invest it something that you'll actually use often. And when you order one of these, you'll definitely use it often. Breakfast waffles. Piping hot cinnamon roll waffles topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Fried chicken and waffle sandwiches. Your only limit is your imagination. You can do what I did, read plenty of reviews, and then decide to order it. Or you could just see for yourself how great it works, it's only $10. Go ahead and add it to your shopping cart, you'll be glad you did.
