Welcome

Reaching the final of Masterchef 2007 was a rollercoaster of emotion, with huge highs and lows, but I loved every minute and learnt a huge amount. I owe a great deal to John and Gregg who had faith in my ability when I did not believe in myself. Since competing on the programme my life has changed considerably. I now write cookery columns for two magazines, give cookery demonstrations and am just working on my 13th cook book - unlucky number for some but not for me!!! I love all forms of country cooking, using seasonal and locally sourced produce. This blog is to enable me to share with you a few of my recipes and baking ideas. Enjoy Hannah xxxx

Friday 11 May 2007



Rain, Rain go away, come again another day or so the nursery rhyme goes...and that's exactly how I feel today. Clearly summer hasn't arrived (as I had convinced myself it had) as it has rained here for three days solid. I know the garden needs it but the lane to our house is now flooded and there is no alternative but to wear wellington boots to work - not an ideal start to the day!

In this sort of weather there is nothing for it but to eat comfort food and for me that is waffles and maple syrup (with bacon if you are feeling in need of an extra lift).

Vanilla waffles with maple syrup

8oz self raising flour

3 level tbsp caster sugar (or vanilla sugar if you have it)

3 eggs separated

400ml milk

100grams butter, melted

1 tsp vanilla essence (or if you are feeling very indulgent, seeds from a vanilla pod)

Lots and lots of maple syrup and whipped cream!

In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, milk, egg yolks, vanilla and melted butter and whisk until there are no lumps. Whisk the egg whites until they form soft peak and then gently fold into the batter mixture. Cook on a waffle iron brushed with a little melted butter (or a frying pan for American style pancakes if you don't have a waffle iron) until golden brown and serve with maple syrup and whipped cream....or ice cream, bacon, chocolate sauce, clotted cream and strawberries - I know I don't need to tell you that the possibilities are endless! See, I feel better already just thinking about it!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello Hannah!
Waffles, syrup and thin crispy bacon is probably my favourite breakfast in the land. If you get a moment could you recommend a good place to pick up a waffle iron?

Thanks so much

Cherry Menlove

David Hall said...

Ben if you are reading this, do you recommend some syrup on the bacon? :o)

Hannah said...

Cherry
I have a Petra waffle maker which makes the heart shaped waffles - it is just about on its last legs and I have been trying to find a replacement but they don't seem to make them any more. I have found a heart shaped waffle iron on ebay for £14.99 which I have just ordered - not sure whether it will be any good though but will let you know if it is! John Lewis have waffle irons and amazon has them too!

Anonymous said...

Yummy another gorgeous recipe. And Hannah quite right, with this weather there is nothing for it but to eat comfort food!!

Love, Erica

Anonymous said...

Nothing better in the mornings to wake up to than nice toasty waffles slathered in butter and Maple Syrup! I have a heart shaped waffle iron as well. I would love to get a new one. My friend Nic got a nice one from Lakeland. Maple Syrup and bacon just can't be beat. One thing we like to do in Canada though is to gently poach/fry eggs in Maple Syrup. They are to die for!

Rita said...

Thank you so much for this recipe Hannah. I so love your website - so peaceful and pretty!