Babycakes Waffle Stick Maker: Deliciously crunchy on the outside & delicately soft on the inside.

Waffles are appealing to young and old. Making them more fun to eat is even more appealing!

I purchased this nifty gadget at a local thrift store.  It's the Deluxe Baby Cakes Waffle Stick Maker. It makes 10 adorable waffle sticks, for holding and dipping or for eating with a traditional plate and fork!

After thoroughly washing and cleaning it, even though it was "new in box" I decided to try it out. 

I watched a few YouTube videos and through other peoples trials and errors, I figured out how to get these to turn out just right. The trick is not to overfill the waffle wells.

I found that the Bisquick waffle recipe produced better tasting waffles than the Maple Grove Belgian Waffle Mix.

I absolutely LOVE this gadget. Each stick provides the crisp waffle crunch I love as compared to the traditional size waffles where you get more middle than crisp edges.
You can get a smaller version of this from Amazon, see the link below. For the price, it's worth a try!

Gadgets & ingredients

Prepare the batter.
Spray the waffle wells with Baker's Joy or Pam
Close lid and wait for the green light to light up.

From a mixing bowl with a pour spout, fill the wells part way.
You will see that I overfilled on my first attempt.

Close the lid, bake until the green light is on or until the steam stops coming out of the side.

Serve with warm butter and a warm bowl of maple syrup for
dipping these delicious waffle sticks!

The Deluxe Baby Cakes Waffle maker can be found in warehouse clubs. 
A smaller, less expensive version can be purchased on Amazon: 

                                                                   

Easy & Delicious For Christmas Gift Giving: Scandinavian Almond Cake using Kaiser Bakeware 12-Inch Half Round Loaf Pan

Easy to make, and has a "wow factor" when presented as a holiday or hostess gift.  The cake is moist, the almond flavor is outstanding! I posted this back in June 2012 and thought this would be a good time of year to revisit this delicious cake.

This would also be a great summer dessert served with some berries on the side.

I've given this recipe out to many friends and family along with the information on
where to get the cake pan. The recipe uses basic pantry staples. I hope you give this cake a try, I think you'll like it!

It's easy to prepare, and takes about 45 min. to bake.

Gadget:  12 inch Kaiser Half Cake Pan/Scandinavian Almond Cake Pan. (Link to item is below)

The Recipe:
http://www.food.com/recipe/scandinavian-almond-cake-347453 with almonds
http://www.food.com/recipe/Scandinavian-Almond-Cake-345913 without almonds
Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 1/4 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (be sure it's not expired!)
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/4-1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)
• powdered sugar

Directions:

1. 1
   Beat sugar, egg, extract, and milk together.
2. 2
   In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. 
3. 3
   Combine the two mixtures and add melted butter.
4. 4
   Mix well.
5. 5
   Grease loaf pan and sprinkle with sliced almonds. Pour in batter.
6. 6
   Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes. Edges must be golden brown. Cool in pan before removing. Cake will break if removed too soon!        
7. 7.
   
   
   

Sprinkle with powdered sugar. 





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Kaiser Scandinavian Cake Pan and Basic Ingredients

Pan showing the almond indents for decoration.
I prefer to bake mine without almonds

Smooth, shiney, light batter. Whipped & whisked with a fork.
Dry ingredients, mixed in with a fork.  Melted butter incorporated slowly.

Spray liberally with Baker's Joy, you'll thank me.

Add whole or sliced almonds if you decide to use them.

Put a dollop of batter to hold the almonds in place.
Then added the remainder of the batter.

This is about how it should look in the pan.

After 45 minutes, done! This one could have been
taken out in 35 to 40 min. Check yours as it bakes.

Glided easily out of the pan onto a cooling rack.

Getting ready to liberally dust with confectionery sugar.
Added sanding sugar to center indent.

Dusted and plated.

First cut reveals almond, and buttery edges.
Almond aroma is heavenly!

Coat with confectionary sugar and decorate with seasonal
colored sugar, jimmies or sprinkles.