Brewing the Perfect Morning: Our Journey to the Ultimate Protein-Packed Paleo Waffle

The morning air is filled with a familiar, comforting aroma - coffee. It's the first step in any recipe here at Compass Coffee. The hiss of the kettle, the burble of the boiling water, and the soft, melodic strains of Vitamin String Quartet playing contemporary tunes on traditional string instruments filling the air - brewing coffee is a ritual, a moment of calm before the day's storm. After over a decade in the coffee business, I still favor the French press for this daily ritual. My blend of choice? The Waypoint Blend, our signature dark roast coffee. It's a toasty, balanced, and bold blend with strong flavors, full-bodied with notes of cacao and brown sugar. Simple, yet effective, it brews a cup that is rich and bold, an irresistible promise of the day to come and always points me in the right direction.

The ultimate protein paleo waffle

During weekdays, Sofia found solace in Swapples, a delightful Yucca-based waffle crafted by our neighbors at Union Kitchen right here in Washington DC. But weekends called for something homemade, something warm and comforting. And that's when our journey to create the perfect paleo waffle began. But let's be honest here, I suspect Sofia sees these waffles less as a breakfast staple and more as a delicious delivery system for her favorite toppings. Piling them high with jelly, butter, maple syrup, and almond butter, she's crafted the art of waffle topping into a form all its own.

Mis en place

Mix mix mix

Preparation Steps for the Ultimate Protein-Packed Paleo Waffles

1. Before you start, get out your waffle iron - we're using an All-Clad that offers settings for all types of waffles - and start by preheating it. While it's heating, set the 'shade' or degree of cooking that you prefer for your waffles. I personally like them more on the crispier side, so I use setting 6.

2. Now, prepare your “mise en place.” This is a French culinary phrase meaning “everything in its place,” and it's one of the most important practices for any chef. It refers to organizing and arranging all the ingredients you'll need for your recipe before you start cooking. This ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process, and it significantly reduces the chance of errors. Plus, it makes for good Instragram content. So, gather all your ingredients and have them measured, cut, and ready to use.

3. Take a large mixing bowl and combine all your ingredients. Start with the dry ingredients: cassava flour, protein powder, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder. Give these a quick mix.

4. Next, add in the wet ingredients: eggs, coconut milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

5. Now it's time to get whisking! Blend the ingredients together thoroughly, making sure there are no lumps from the cassava flour. This is key - a smooth batter will ensure your waffles turn out just right. And don't worry if you don't have an electric mixer - a manual whisk is just fine for this recipe.

6. Once the batter is smooth, coat your waffle iron with a bit of butter to prevent sticking. Then, pour the batter into the mold. Be sure to fill the mold entirely, using about 3oz of batter for each waffle.

7. While the waffles are cooking, set up a toppings bar. This adds a fun and personalized touch to the waffle experience. Our favorites are butter, jam (raspberry preserves are a personal preference), organic maple syrup, raw honey, and almond butter.

8. When the waffles are cooked to your liking, open up the waffle iron and use wooden or plastic utensils to remove the waffles. Be mindful not to use metal utensils on non-stick surfaces.

9. Now for the best part - top your waffles sky high with your choice of toppings and enjoy!

Is butter a carb?

Pro Tips for Perfect Paleo Waffles

1. Be Patient: It may be tempting to check on your waffles constantly, but opening the iron too often can let out heat and interrupt the cooking process. Trust the timer and your initial heat setting.

2. Freshness Matters: For the best-tasting waffles, use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh eggs, high-quality butter, and fresh spices can make a big difference in the final result.

3. Mix Well, But Don't Overmix: It's important to whisk your batter thoroughly to avoid lumps, but be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in tough waffles. A few quick strokes until the ingredients are just combined is enough.

4. Master the Flip: If you're using a flip-style waffle maker, give it a flip as soon as you close it. This helps distribute the batter evenly for perfectly cooked waffles.

5. Get Creative With Toppings: Waffles are a fantastic canvas for a variety of toppings. Experiment with different types of fruit, nuts, and syrups to find your perfect combination. But remember, the goal is to complement the waffle, not overpower it.

6. Reheat Like a Pro: If you're making a big batch, keep cooked waffles warm and crisp in the oven at a low temperature until you're ready to serve.

7. Freeze for Later: These waffles freeze well. Just let them cool, then store them in freezer bags. Reheat in a toaster or oven when you're ready to eat.

Making a double batch and freezing the extras for later : )

Whether you're battling morning sickness, embarking on a healthier lifestyle, or simply looking for a delicious way to start your day, we believe these protein-packed paleo waffles might just be what you need. Paired with a rich, bold cup of Compass Coffee, it's more than just a meal - it's a morning ritual, a moment of comfort, and the perfect start to your day.

Stay tuned for more stories from our kitchen and our coffee journey. We are committed to not just serving Real Good Coffee, but also creating a community that enjoys it together. After all, life's best moments happen over great coffee and delicious food.