Three new ways to use a waffle iron

Waffles

We love waffles, and whether they’re served alongside crispy fried chicken or topped with chocolate-hazelnut butter, they never fail to disappoint. But if you’re anything like me, your waffle maker ends up in the back of the cupboard, and often, completely forgotten about.

But not anymore! It’s time get it out, heat it up and make more than just a classic breakfast staple!

Click ahead for three fun new recipes.

The easiest birthday cake ever

Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup milk
2 tbsp coloured sprinkles

Instructions 
1. Preheat waffle iron. Lightly spray with oil.
2. Stir flour with baking powder and salt in a small bowl. Beat butter with granulated sugar in a medium bowl, with an electric mixer on medium, until fluffy. Add egg, beating well and scraping down sides if needed. Beat in vanilla. Reduce speed and beat one-third of flour mixture, then add half the milk. Repeat, ending with flour mixture. Fold in sprinkles.
3. Spoon mixture into waffle iron and cook according to manufacturer’s directions. Cool completely on a rack, about 10 min.

Assemble cake by layering waffles with whipped cream.

Eggs and potato hash

Ingredients
2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, grated
1 shallot, grated
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg yolk
2 eggs

Instructions 
1. Preheat waffleiron. Lightly spray with oil.
2. Stir potato with shallot, salt and egg yolk in a medium bowl until combined. Season with fresh pepper.
3. Spoon mixture into waffle iron and cook until golden brown, 5 to 7 min.
4. Crack eggs into waffle iron and cook until firm, 1 min.

Grilled cheese waffle

Ingredients
2 pieces of bread
cheese
caramelized onions

Instructions
1. Preheat waffle iron. Lightly brush with melted butter. Press slices of bread stuffed with cheese and caramelized onions in waffle iron until golden, 2 min.