If you're past hump day...you can start thinking about the weekend and what you can make happen for BRUNCH!!! Might I suggest waffles with all.the.toppings? Make (or buy) some good waffles, or better yet, Swapples, serve up sweet and savory toppings and invite all your friends for a true brunch party!!
I did just that last weekend, hosting a brunch for 6 girlfriends with the theme of Swapples! What are Swapples, you ask? If you're following my food-stagram you've probably seen them pop up a few times. They are the most delicious, wholesome pre-made waffles that I've found / ever had (not being dramatic) :). They're paleo - which I love because that means no dairy, yay! and contain no grains - also yay because that means more veggies and plant power, and come in sweet and savory options. I'll heat them up any time of day, add a little protein, extra veggies and toppings and call it a meal. Kinda like a pizza bagel meal but way healthier. (P.S. D.C. friends - if you're local you can find these at Mom's, Yes Organic and a few other places.)
Okay, so how do we take said waffles and turn them into epic mounds of deliciousness, as shown below? Follow along.
1 - Make a list of savory ingredients + toppings.
Eggs, bacon and sausage were the first things that came to mind for me! You could also do a vegan option (like coconut bacon). We poached, fried and scrambled a few eggs for everyone. I also had sliced avocado, pepperoni, a tomato salad and sauteed spinach. Kale would be great, as would any other leafy green! I totally forgot about my pickled onions but that would be a great savory waffle topping.
2 - Make a list of sweet toppings.
I included: dairy free whipped cream (here!), cooked apples (chopped apples cooked with a splash of water and cinnamon!), wild blueberry jam, toasted walnuts, homemade granola, whipped hazelnut honey, regular honey, banana slices and honey. Like I said, all the stops. See where the sweet and savory toppings can overlap. In my case this was bacon and mint 🙂
3 - Make ahead a couple of unique toppings.
I made the cooked apples the day before, and the tomato salad earlier that morning. Onion jam or tomato jam would also be excellent additions. I also found a vegan nut based savory topping that you could totally DIY with nuts // nutritional yeast // spices.
4 - Add fancy garnishes.
I put out fresh basil // mint //oregano // olive oil // salt // pepper //Earth Balance // maple syrup // Trader Joe's everything seasoning // cinnamon // sesame seeds. A fun one I threw in the mix was some peanut butter pretzel M&Ms we had a small bag of because #noflavorleftbehind. Other ideas I had were candied nuts, berries, fruit slices....really just endless possibilities.
5 - Have a bunch of small and medium serving utensils ready!
My favorite are cute little spoons and mini tongs.
6 - Set out all the toppings together and waffle!!
Also, because weekend, consider adding mimosas (with Grapefruit juice! Orange juice! Passion fruit juice!) Or even better...spiked coffee?
Here is the topping bar in action. Note the hand reaching in for the bacon...so perfect.
A vegan swapple!
Are you inspired yet? Okay fine, one more. Double plate, that's wassup.
Go forth and brunch, my friends. Bon appetit!
