Wondering what to make for Valentine's Day breakfast? Chocolate waffles, of course! It'll win you all sorts of awards and duh, how better to show someone your undying love and devotion than serving them chocolate for breakfast?!!

Now on the off chance that you're thinking that chocolate waffles may be too "much" for the morning meal (as if there were ever a time when chocolate would not be appropriate!) no worries here, because though there is cocoa powder in the batter and these definitely have a chocolate-y flavor, they are not too sweet and very light (thanks to the beaten egg whites that get added to the batter) thus making them ideal for a.m. consumptiuon!! Plus, they have the added benefit of coming together easily and quickly with ingredients you most likely have on hand, so that you, the maker of these cuties, will not feel overly taxed and cranky on a day that is supposed to be filled with love and kind feelings towards those around you!! The waffles are amazing with just a dusting of powdered sugar and sliced strawberries but I would not say no to the one we topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream because "we had to see if they would be good with ice cream as well!!" even though it was well before noon!! It's all for research purposes, of course!

Anyone who loves chocolate will take one look (and bite) and transfer that chocolate love to you!! Can't wait for Valentine's Day!!

Chocolate Waffles

Makes 4 large waffles

Prep Time:  15 minutes, plus cooking time

Ingredients

• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 1/2 cups milk (I used whole milk but you could probably use 2% as well)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/4 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup good-quality, unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large egg whites
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• Fresh strawberries, confectioners' sugar, ice cream, yogurt, fresh whipped cream for serving (optional)

The Recipe

1.  In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, milk, baking powder, flour, cocoa and melted butter until almost smooth--don't over mix.

2.  In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer (if possible fitted with the whisk attachment) to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Then add the brown sugar and beat again until stiff. Fold the whites into the chocolate batter using a rubber spatula.

3.  Heat a waffle iron and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Ladle or pour 3/4 cup of batter onto the iron and cook according to manufacturer's directions.

4.  Serve waffles with a dusting of powdered sugar and sliced berries or go more decadent and use whipped cream or ice cream.

Enjoy!

Note:  Recipe adapted from Gale Gand's Brunch!