Being from the Upper Midwest, we’ve learned to embrace Winter for all of it’s shortened daylight & frozen glory. However, even the hardiest of us starts to dream of something a little warmer and bright by mid-March. Let’s face it, most of America, especially our east-coast friends and even some lucky southern folks, have definitely earned their snow boot and cold weather bragging rights this year.
That’s why we think it’s time to bust out a treat that offers a glimpse into something that will take us away from it all, even if just for one hot minute ! This unique mix of nuts, sweet grains and tropical fruit is a winning combo that can be put into a category all its own. It’s called a Tropical Waffle Bake, but we’ve deemed it as a basic “Winter Tang” food, and we’re thrilled to introduce you to it during these last remaining weeks before Spring officially starts. Here’s the break down of how to rock it out in our northern-most state, the Minnesota cast iron state shaped skillet :
You will start by ripping up 2 of your favorite kinds of waffles into 1- to 2-inch pieces and lay them into the bottom of your skillet, one waffle deep.
Next, drain the can of pineapple and use the juice to gently mix in with your bananas and mango slices in a small bowl. Set that pineapple aside for a little later down in the recipe!
With a slotted spoon, scoop up the juice coated bananas and mangoes, and spread them evenly over the waffle layer. You can either discard or drink up any remaining juice in the bowl~ Yummers! :}
Now, it’s time to use those drained pineapple bits. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar with a wire whisk until it’s all blended together.
Go ahead and pour the egg and pineapple mixture over the waffle and fruit layer. This will make up the middle “filling” to the dish, a sweet and tangy delight !
Lastly, in a medium bowl, mix up the granola, macadamia nuts, flour, remaining 3 tablespoons of brown sugar and the butter until it feels crumbly. Sprinkle this grainy goodness evenly, all across the top of your filling layer. Voila ! You’re ready to let ‘er bake up into a moist and sweet dessert or breakfast snack with the perfect amount of crunch on top.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool about 10 minutes before you drizzle the top with any heated spreadable fruit of your choice.
Share with 3 or 4 of your favorite people, (or eat it all yourself!), and enjoy basking in a mini tropical paradise. It’s feeling warmer already!
