Chai spiced waffles with a citrus berry compote

Chai spiced waffles with a citrus berry compote by Hallie Sharpless

Ingredients:

Waffle batter 

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (may use spelt or whole wheat sifted)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp masala chai spice dust
• 2 tsp. Brown sugar (or coconut sugar) 
• 2 eggs yolks divided from whites
• 2 TBSP butter, melted
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla

Compote

• 2 tbsp masala chai concentrate
• 3 tbsp raspberry jam
• 2 tbsp maple syrup, honey, or agave (can omit and sweeten to taste)
• 1 blood orange, peeled, and supremed  (other citrus may be subbed too!) 
• 2 clementines, peeled and sliced  

Directions:

Make compote while waffle iron heats

1. In a medium saucepan, combine all the prepared ingredients over medium- high heat.
2. Bring to a low boil then reduce heat to medium so it can simmer for 10 minutes till thickened. 
3. Once desired consistency, remove from heat and cover until ready to serve. 
4. Can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. 

Waffles

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Heat the waffle maker to the medium-high setting.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer or with a hand-held electric mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Set aside while you prepare the rest of the batter. 
3. In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, spice and sugar.
4. In a medium bowl,  beat the egg yolks with a whisk until smooth. Whisk in the milk, vanilla, and melted butter.
5. Combine the milk mixture with the dry ingredients. Stir until mostly smooth.
6. Carefully but thoroughly fold the egg whites into the batter with a spatula till fully incorporated. Be gentle as to not knock all of the air out of the whites while folding. 
7. Cook waffles according to waffle maker instructions.

Place cooked waffles directly on the oven racks in the pre-heated oven until ready to serve. 

Top with yogurt or whipped cream, and serve with a spoonful of the citrus chai and berry compote!