Breakfast
Apple Cinnamon Waffles (Gluten-Free)
By Katie Stewart · October 13, 2023 · 4 min read
Apple Cinnamon Waffles
I absolutely love Fall in Ontario. It’s totally the season that wraps you in a warm hug of cozy sweaters, pumpkin patches, and warming flavours. Today, let’s dig into a recipe that’s like the epitome of fall on a plate: Apple Cinnamon Waffles.
Why Apples Are Skin Superheroes
Our approach in The Clear Skin Solution often zeros in on gut and liver health, and guess what? Apples are basically a two-for-one deal in this context:
- Digestive Boosters: Rich in dietary fibre, they’re like the express train that ensures everything in your digestive tract moves smoothly.
- Good Gut Promoters: apples contain pectin, that’s like the ultimate wingman for good gut bacteria, helping them flourish.
- Liver’s Little Helpers: The flavonoids and malic acid in apples assist in liver detox, kind of like a good spring cleaning for your insides.
The Synergy of Seasonal Eating
There’s something magical about eating foods when they’re in season. It’s like the Earth knows exactly what nutrients we need at different times of the year. Apples hit their peak deliciousness in the fall, and there’s more to this timing than just good flavour.
- Nutrient Boost: Eating seasonally means you’re getting fruits and veggies at their nutritional best.
- Ayurvedic Alignment: Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine focused on balancing the body’s energies for optimal health. One of their practices is seasonal eating. Think of it as aligning your internal clock with nature’s cycles. When you eat foods like apples in the fall, you’re basically tuning into a natural rhythm that has existed for centuries.
- Immune Support: With apples being high in vitamin C, incorporating them into your fall diet is like adding an extra layer of armour to your immune system’s defence against seasonal bugs. Vitamin C is also required for collagen production in the skin.
So, munching on apples when they’re freshly picked gives you a taste explosion and aligns your body’s needs with what nature has to offer.
The Magic of Cinnamon
Ceylon and Cassia are two primary types of cinnamon, each with distinct characteristics. Ceylon cinnamon, often called “true cinnamon,” originates from Sri Lanka and is recognized for its lighter hue and nuanced, citrusy flavour profile. Cassia cinnamon, which is more prevalent in North America, exhibits a stronger, more robust flavour. From a health perspective, Ceylon cinnamon is considered superior due to its lower content of coumarin, a natural compound that can negatively affect the liver when consumed in large quantities. So, if you’d like to level up your cinnamon game, opt for Ceylon (it will say Ceylon on the label).
- Blood Sugar Balancer: It’s like the referee in a game, ensuring blood sugar levels play nicely. This helps keep your skin looking like a million bucks.
- Antioxidant Powerhouse: Cinnamon would be at the top if antioxidants had a VIP list. It ranks third on the list of most potent antioxidant spices and herbs – clove and sumac bran claim the top two spots, respectively. Antioxidants are key for fighting off the excess free radicals that promote acne.
More Apple Recipes for Clear Skin
If you enjoyed the Apple Cinnamon Waffles, you might also want to try some of our other apple-inspired, skin-friendly recipes.
Embracing the flavours of fall can be a delicious step along your path to clear skin. So, go ahead and give these recipes a try!
Ingredients
For the waffle batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1¼ cup plant milk of choice
For the topping:
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2 large apples diced
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/4 cup crushed raw almonds optional
Instructions
- Prepare the waffle batter: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together the eggs, oil, and vanilla extract in another bowl. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring until just combined.
- Cook the waffles: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions. Pour enough batter onto the hot waffle iron to cover the bottom plate, then close the lid. Cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp, then remove them from the iron and keep warm. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Make the apple cinnamon topping: While the waffles are cooking, melt the coconut oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped apples and cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened slightly. Remove from the heat.
- Serve: Place a waffle on each plate and top with a generous spoonful of the apple cinnamon topping and crushed almonds (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy!