Buckwheat-Bacon Waffles

Buckwheat and whole wheat flours give these waffles a nutty flavor, while bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch. Look for buckwheat flour in well-stocked supermarkets.

• 8 slices bacon
• 3 oz. (6 Tbs.) unsalted butter
• 2 cups whole or low-fat milk
• 5-1/4 oz. (1-1/4 cups) buckwheat flour
• 3-1/2 oz. (3/4 cup) whole wheat or white all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 tsp. instant (rapid-rise) yeast
• 1/2 tsp. table salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 Tbs. pure maple syrup; more for serving
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

The night before

Cook the bacon in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. When cool enough to handle, crumble into small bits and refrigerate.

Transfer 2 Tbs. of the bacon fat to a 2- to 3-quart saucepan, add the butter, and heat over low heat until the butter is melted. Add the milk and heat until just warmed through (105°F to 115°F), 2 to 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together the flours, yeast, and salt in a large bowl (the batter will double in volume, so be sure to use a bowl that holds at least 3 quarts). Slowly whisk in the warm milk mixture and continue whisking until the batter is smooth.

Whisk the eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla in a small bowl and then whisk into the batter until incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for 10 to 24 hours.

In the morning

Heat a waffle iron. Gently fold the bacon bits into the batter (the batter will deflate to about 4 cups). Following the manufacturer’s instructions, ladle the batter into the waffle iron, spreading evenly with the back of the ladle, and cook until crisp and lightly browned. Serve with syrup.

Buckwheat-Bacon Waffles

Buckwheat and whole wheat flours give these waffles a nutty flavor, while bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch. Look for buckwheat flour in well-stocked supermarkets.

• 8 slices bacon
• 3 oz. (6 Tbs.) unsalted butter
• 2 cups whole or low-fat milk
• 5-1/4 oz. (1-1/4 cups) buckwheat flour
• 3-1/2 oz. (3/4 cup) whole wheat or white all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 tsp. instant (rapid-rise) yeast
• 1/2 tsp. table salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 Tbs. pure maple syrup; more for serving
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

The night before

Cook the bacon in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. When cool enough to handle, crumble into small bits and refrigerate.

Transfer 2 Tbs. of the bacon fat to a 2- to 3-quart saucepan, add the butter, and heat over low heat until the butter is melted. Add the milk and heat until just warmed through (105°F to 115°F), 2 to 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together the flours, yeast, and salt in a large bowl (the batter will double in volume, so be sure to use a bowl that holds at least 3 quarts). Slowly whisk in the warm milk mixture and continue whisking until the batter is smooth.

Whisk the eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla in a small bowl and then whisk into the batter until incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for 10 to 24 hours.

In the morning

Heat a waffle iron. Gently fold the bacon bits into the batter (the batter will deflate to about 4 cups). Following the manufacturer’s instructions, ladle the batter into the waffle iron, spreading evenly with the back of the ladle, and cook until crisp and lightly browned. Serve with syrup.

Buckwheat-Bacon Waffles

Buckwheat and whole wheat flours give these waffles a nutty flavor, while bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch. Look for buckwheat flour in well-stocked supermarkets.

• 8 slices bacon
• 3 oz. (6 Tbs.) unsalted butter
• 2 cups whole or low-fat milk
• 5-1/4 oz. (1-1/4 cups) buckwheat flour
• 3-1/2 oz. (3/4 cup) whole wheat or white all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 tsp. instant (rapid-rise) yeast
• 1/2 tsp. table salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 Tbs. pure maple syrup; more for serving
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

The night before

Cook the bacon in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. When cool enough to handle, crumble into small bits and refrigerate.

Transfer 2 Tbs. of the bacon fat to a 2- to 3-quart saucepan, add the butter, and heat over low heat until the butter is melted. Add the milk and heat until just warmed through (105°F to 115°F), 2 to 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together the flours, yeast, and salt in a large bowl (the batter will double in volume, so be sure to use a bowl that holds at least 3 quarts). Slowly whisk in the warm milk mixture and continue whisking until the batter is smooth.

Whisk the eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla in a small bowl and then whisk into the batter until incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for 10 to 24 hours.

In the morning

Heat a waffle iron. Gently fold the bacon bits into the batter (the batter will deflate to about 4 cups). Following the manufacturer’s instructions, ladle the batter into the waffle iron, spreading evenly with the back of the ladle, and cook until crisp and lightly browned. Serve with syrup.

Buckwheat-Bacon Waffles

Buckwheat and whole wheat flours give these waffles a nutty flavor, while bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch. Look for buckwheat flour in well-stocked supermarkets.

• 8 slices bacon
• 3 oz. (6 Tbs.) unsalted butter
• 2 cups whole or low-fat milk
• 5-1/4 oz. (1-1/4 cups) buckwheat flour
• 3-1/2 oz. (3/4 cup) whole wheat or white all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 tsp. instant (rapid-rise) yeast
• 1/2 tsp. table salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 Tbs. pure maple syrup; more for serving
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

The night before

Cook the bacon in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. When cool enough to handle, crumble into small bits and refrigerate.

Transfer 2 Tbs. of the bacon fat to a 2- to 3-quart saucepan, add the butter, and heat over low heat until the butter is melted. Add the milk and heat until just warmed through (105°F to 115°F), 2 to 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together the flours, yeast, and salt in a large bowl (the batter will double in volume, so be sure to use a bowl that holds at least 3 quarts). Slowly whisk in the warm milk mixture and continue whisking until the batter is smooth.

Whisk the eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla in a small bowl and then whisk into the batter until incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for 10 to 24 hours.

In the morning

Heat a waffle iron. Gently fold the bacon bits into the batter (the batter will deflate to about 4 cups). Following the manufacturer’s instructions, ladle the batter into the waffle iron, spreading evenly with the back of the ladle, and cook until crisp and lightly browned. Serve with syrup.

Buckwheat-Bacon Waffles

Buckwheat and whole wheat flours give these waffles a nutty flavor, while bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch. Look for buckwheat flour in well-stocked supermarkets.

• 8 slices bacon
• 3 oz. (6 Tbs.) unsalted butter
• 2 cups whole or low-fat milk
• 5-1/4 oz. (1-1/4 cups) buckwheat flour
• 3-1/2 oz. (3/4 cup) whole wheat or white all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 tsp. instant (rapid-rise) yeast
• 1/2 tsp. table salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 Tbs. pure maple syrup; more for serving
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

The night before

Cook the bacon in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. When cool enough to handle, crumble into small bits and refrigerate.

Transfer 2 Tbs. of the bacon fat to a 2- to 3-quart saucepan, add the butter, and heat over low heat until the butter is melted. Add the milk and heat until just warmed through (105°F to 115°F), 2 to 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together the flours, yeast, and salt in a large bowl (the batter will double in volume, so be sure to use a bowl that holds at least 3 quarts). Slowly whisk in the warm milk mixture and continue whisking until the batter is smooth.

Whisk the eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla in a small bowl and then whisk into the batter until incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for 10 to 24 hours.

In the morning

Heat a waffle iron. Gently fold the bacon bits into the batter (the batter will deflate to about 4 cups). Following the manufacturer’s instructions, ladle the batter into the waffle iron, spreading evenly with the back of the ladle, and cook until crisp and lightly browned. Serve with syrup.

Buckwheat-Bacon Waffles

Buckwheat and whole wheat flours give these waffles a nutty flavor, while bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch. Look for buckwheat flour in well-stocked supermarkets.

• 8 slices bacon
• 3 oz. (6 Tbs.) unsalted butter
• 2 cups whole or low-fat milk
• 5-1/4 oz. (1-1/4 cups) buckwheat flour
• 3-1/2 oz. (3/4 cup) whole wheat or white all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 tsp. instant (rapid-rise) yeast
• 1/2 tsp. table salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 Tbs. pure maple syrup; more for serving
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

The night before

Cook the bacon in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. When cool enough to handle, crumble into small bits and refrigerate.

Transfer 2 Tbs. of the bacon fat to a 2- to 3-quart saucepan, add the butter, and heat over low heat until the butter is melted. Add the milk and heat until just warmed through (105°F to 115°F), 2 to 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together the flours, yeast, and salt in a large bowl (the batter will double in volume, so be sure to use a bowl that holds at least 3 quarts). Slowly whisk in the warm milk mixture and continue whisking until the batter is smooth.

Whisk the eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla in a small bowl and then whisk into the batter until incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for 10 to 24 hours.

In the morning

Heat a waffle iron. Gently fold the bacon bits into the batter (the batter will deflate to about 4 cups). Following the manufacturer’s instructions, ladle the batter into the waffle iron, spreading evenly with the back of the ladle, and cook until crisp and lightly browned. Serve with syrup.

Buckwheat-Bacon Waffles

Buckwheat and whole wheat flours give these waffles a nutty flavor, while bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch. Look for buckwheat flour in well-stocked supermarkets.

• 8 slices bacon
• 3 oz. (6 Tbs.) unsalted butter
• 2 cups whole or low-fat milk
• 5-1/4 oz. (1-1/4 cups) buckwheat flour
• 3-1/2 oz. (3/4 cup) whole wheat or white all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 tsp. instant (rapid-rise) yeast
• 1/2 tsp. table salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 Tbs. pure maple syrup; more for serving
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

The night before

Cook the bacon in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. When cool enough to handle, crumble into small bits and refrigerate.

Transfer 2 Tbs. of the bacon fat to a 2- to 3-quart saucepan, add the butter, and heat over low heat until the butter is melted. Add the milk and heat until just warmed through (105°F to 115°F), 2 to 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together the flours, yeast, and salt in a large bowl (the batter will double in volume, so be sure to use a bowl that holds at least 3 quarts). Slowly whisk in the warm milk mixture and continue whisking until the batter is smooth.

Whisk the eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla in a small bowl and then whisk into the batter until incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for 10 to 24 hours.

In the morning

Heat a waffle iron. Gently fold the bacon bits into the batter (the batter will deflate to about 4 cups). Following the manufacturer’s instructions, ladle the batter into the waffle iron, spreading evenly with the back of the ladle, and cook until crisp and lightly browned. Serve with syrup.

Buckwheat-Bacon Waffles

Buckwheat and whole wheat flours give these waffles a nutty flavor, while bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch. Look for buckwheat flour in well-stocked supermarkets.

• 8 slices bacon
• 3 oz. (6 Tbs.) unsalted butter
• 2 cups whole or low-fat milk
• 5-1/4 oz. (1-1/4 cups) buckwheat flour
• 3-1/2 oz. (3/4 cup) whole wheat or white all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 tsp. instant (rapid-rise) yeast
• 1/2 tsp. table salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 Tbs. pure maple syrup; more for serving
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

The night before

Cook the bacon in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. When cool enough to handle, crumble into small bits and refrigerate.

Transfer 2 Tbs. of the bacon fat to a 2- to 3-quart saucepan, add the butter, and heat over low heat until the butter is melted. Add the milk and heat until just warmed through (105°F to 115°F), 2 to 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together the flours, yeast, and salt in a large bowl (the batter will double in volume, so be sure to use a bowl that holds at least 3 quarts). Slowly whisk in the warm milk mixture and continue whisking until the batter is smooth.

Whisk the eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla in a small bowl and then whisk into the batter until incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for 10 to 24 hours.

In the morning

Heat a waffle iron. Gently fold the bacon bits into the batter (the batter will deflate to about 4 cups). Following the manufacturer’s instructions, ladle the batter into the waffle iron, spreading evenly with the back of the ladle, and cook until crisp and lightly browned. Serve with syrup.

Buckwheat-Bacon Waffles

Buckwheat and whole wheat flours give these waffles a nutty flavor, while bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch. Look for buckwheat flour in well-stocked supermarkets.

• 8 slices bacon
• 3 oz. (6 Tbs.) unsalted butter
• 2 cups whole or low-fat milk
• 5-1/4 oz. (1-1/4 cups) buckwheat flour
• 3-1/2 oz. (3/4 cup) whole wheat or white all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 tsp. instant (rapid-rise) yeast
• 1/2 tsp. table salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 Tbs. pure maple syrup; more for serving
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

The night before

Cook the bacon in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. When cool enough to handle, crumble into small bits and refrigerate.

Transfer 2 Tbs. of the bacon fat to a 2- to 3-quart saucepan, add the butter, and heat over low heat until the butter is melted. Add the milk and heat until just warmed through (105°F to 115°F), 2 to 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together the flours, yeast, and salt in a large bowl (the batter will double in volume, so be sure to use a bowl that holds at least 3 quarts). Slowly whisk in the warm milk mixture and continue whisking until the batter is smooth.

Whisk the eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla in a small bowl and then whisk into the batter until incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for 10 to 24 hours.

In the morning

Heat a waffle iron. Gently fold the bacon bits into the batter (the batter will deflate to about 4 cups). Following the manufacturer’s instructions, ladle the batter into the waffle iron, spreading evenly with the back of the ladle, and cook until crisp and lightly browned. Serve with syrup.

Rustic Whole-Wheat Walnut Bread

A combination of coarse and fine whole-wheat flours gives this bread a more interesting texture. You can find the coarse kind at most health-food stores; Arrowhead Mills and King Arthur are two brands. You can also make the bread using the fine whole-wheat flour in place of the coarse (use the same weight). Make two smaller loaves rather than one big one if you’re a real fan of crusty bread.

• 1-3/4 tsp. active dry yeast
• 1-2/3 cups cool water
• 9 oz. (2 cups) unbleached bread flour
• 5 oz. (1 cup plus 2 Tbs.) fine whole-wheat flour
• 4 oz. (3/4 cup) coarse stone-ground whole-wheat flour
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

In the mixing bowl of a heavy-duty electric mixer, sprinkle the yeast over the water. Let it sit until the yeast dissolves and the water looks milky. Add the flours, salt, and walnuts. With the paddle attachment, mix on low speed until a rough dough forms. Change to the dough hook and knead on medium speed until the dough pulls away from the bowl to form a ball. You may need to add a small amount of flour or water to get the right consistency.

Turn the dough out into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Set in a warm spot (about 75°F) until doubled in bulk, 2-1/2 to 3 hours.

Line a basket or bowl with a kitchen towel or a piece of cotton fabric and sprinkle it lightly with flour. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface, knead it a few times, and shape it into a round. Put it in the basket, bottom up, and fold the ends of the towel over it. Cover with a large plastic bag (like a kitchen garbage bag). Set in a warm place and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 1-1/2 hours.

Set one oven rack in the lowest position; put a large, shallow metal pan on that rack. (For safety reasons, do not use a glass pan for this, as it may shatter.) Set the second rack just above that and position the baking stone on it. Heat the oven to 425°F for at least 45 minutes. Just before you put the bread in the oven, bring about 2 cups of water to a boil.

Lightly dust a baking peel or a flat baking sheet with flour. Remove the plastic bag and gently invert the dough onto the peel. (The dough may deflate somewhat.) Remove the basket and towel. With a single-edge razor blade or a sharp serrated knife, make a few slashes in the surface of the dough.

A few slashes with a razor blade allow the bread to rise evenly. Uncut bread will give you a haphazardly ripped crust.

With a quick jerk, slide the dough from the peel to the baking stone. Wearing long oven mitts and standing as far away from the oven as you can, immediately pour the boiling water into the metal pan in the bottom of the oven. Caution: This will cause an instant burst of steam. Close the oven door immediately and don’t open it for at least 10 minutes or the steam will escape.

Bake the bread until it is well browned and sounds hollow when thumped on the bottom, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely on a rack before serving.

Buckwheat-Bacon Waffles

Buckwheat and whole wheat flours give these waffles a nutty flavor, while bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch. Look for buckwheat flour in well-stocked supermarkets.

• 8 slices bacon
• 3 oz. (6 Tbs.) unsalted butter
• 2 cups whole or low-fat milk
• 5-1/4 oz. (1-1/4 cups) buckwheat flour
• 3-1/2 oz. (3/4 cup) whole wheat or white all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 tsp. instant (rapid-rise) yeast
• 1/2 tsp. table salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 Tbs. pure maple syrup; more for serving
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

The night before

Cook the bacon in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. When cool enough to handle, crumble into small bits and refrigerate.

Transfer 2 Tbs. of the bacon fat to a 2- to 3-quart saucepan, add the butter, and heat over low heat until the butter is melted. Add the milk and heat until just warmed through (105°F to 115°F), 2 to 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together the flours, yeast, and salt in a large bowl (the batter will double in volume, so be sure to use a bowl that holds at least 3 quarts). Slowly whisk in the warm milk mixture and continue whisking until the batter is smooth.

Whisk the eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla in a small bowl and then whisk into the batter until incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for 10 to 24 hours.

In the morning

Heat a waffle iron. Gently fold the bacon bits into the batter (the batter will deflate to about 4 cups). Following the manufacturer’s instructions, ladle the batter into the waffle iron, spreading evenly with the back of the ladle, and cook until crisp and lightly browned. Serve with syrup.