my 9 year old!

This sweet birthday boy was my first home delivery. What an exciting, wonderful experience that was and continues to be. He is definitely one of a kind. He has a great enthusiasm for life.

He loves being with people and making new friends. He gladly shares his interests, his toys, and his smile.

Our day began with Dad's waffles. They are always a favorite with yogurt, butter syrup, and strawberry jam. I use to try and make them pick only one but it is so good with all of them together.

His interests at 9 are bike riding (which usually results in flat tires - thus the excitement over two good tires), Lego's, computer games, soccer, piano lessons, and rabbits. He is one of my best (healthiest) eaters so I was surprise when he wanted hot dogs for lunch and hamburgers for dinner with jello and whip cream for a cake. It made it all very easy for me.

Our Waffles

1 3/4 cup whole wheat flour

1 3/4 cup milk

1/3 cup oil (usually less)

1/4 teas. salt

1 teas baking powder

2 eggs, separated

Combine dry ingredients in large bowl. Add additional ingredients except egg whites. Whip egg whites until stiff and then combine with other ingredients. Bake on waffle iron. This is the way the recipe started. Our dad has figured out how to tailor it to the number of people he is feeding and does it by "feel". Which always turns out perfect.

Butter Syrup

Warm together:

1/2 c buttermilk

1/2 cup butter

1 cup sugar

Add:

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 teas. Vanilla

Use a larger pan because when you add the soda it foams up. It is absolutely delicious. I read on another blog that they actually cook it longer and it caramelizes a little. I tried it once but cooked it way too long and ended up with a hard tack candy. I'm trying to give up sugar so I don't think we will look for another sugar syrup to fall in love with.

If you come stay at our house and the man of the house is at home there is a very good chance you will have waffles some time in your stay. That ought to entice some company to come and visit us in the middle of nowhere!