Waffles- Light and Crispy

So you have a waffle maker and you want a recipe that will turn out right, that's quick and easy. Not something too heavy where you feel like you can't move after you eat, but something light, yet filling. I've got just that. I'm big on a crispy waffle that doesn't take me forever to put together.
The key to the crunch is cornstarch. the key to light and fluffy is beating your egg whites until they're stiff. Yes, almost like you're making a meringue.
Ingredients:

1/2 Cup Cornstarch
1 1/2 Cup White-Whole Wheat Flour (King Arthur is my favorite flour)
2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1 Tablespoon Sugar
2 Eggs, Separated
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/3 Cup Vegetable Oil (or applesauce for a healthier substitute)
Buttermilk and/or Milk- 1 3/4 Cups total (there are 3 options for this shown below)
      Option 1:                                         Option 2:                                          Option 3:      
1 3/4 Cups 2% Milk         1 Cup 2% Milk and 3/4 Cup Buttermilk        1 3/4 Cups Buttermilk




Buttermilk adds a lot of flavor to the waffle, but sometimes all you have around is milk and you don't want to go to the store. That's where Option 1 is perfect, and it tastes great with just milk.
Option 2 is perfect for added flavor but without quite as many calories as option 3.
Try them all out and see which one is best for you. Option 2 is my personal favorite. All are faintly different though, so it's really hard to choose.

Heat your waffle iron to desired setting and brush melted butter on each side or spray non-stick spray on each side.
Mix together the first 4 dry ingredients (Cornstarch, Flour, Baking Powder, and Salt) in a separate bowl.
In another bowl mix together the milk(s), vegetable oil (or applesauce), vanilla, and the 2 egg yolks.
Now the egg whites-- Take the 2 egg whites and the sugar and beat until it forms a stiff peak (process shown in the first picture on the left).
Poor the milk mixture with the flour/cornstarch mixture. Stir to combine. Then fold in the egg whites (as shown in the picture to the right). There will be lumps, it will not be completely smooth.



Pour batter on heated waffle maker. Cook for about 4 minutes (varies depending on the waffle maker). Then serve with some Maple Syrup :).

***You can also make this waffle recipe with a teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 cup of pecan pieces.