food hits and misses

Christmas breakfast might be my favourite meal of the festive season. It's more relaxed than lunch or dinner, and the only time of the day when I'm actually hungry. At our house, it's time for catching up with friends before we set off to see the family. Presents have been exchanged and there's wrapping paper and toys everywhere. What could be better than ignoring the mess and heading outside for a delicious breakfast?

This year, the menu was bircher muesli with berry compote, waffles with grilled peaches and ricotta and rosti with smoked salmon and creme fraiche, served with a guava punch. Light and delicious, and no spoiled appetites for the main event.

Festive waffles with grilled peaches

2 cups flour
1 tspn ground cinnamon
1 tspn ground cloves
2 cups milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
4 peaches
1 tbspn vanillin sugar
200g ricotta
1 tspn vanilla essence

Method

Sift together the flour and spices. Add the milk and eggs and stir well to combine. Lightly grease a waffle iron, and cook waffle until golden brown. Keep warm in the oven until ready to serve. Meanwhile, cut the peaches in halves and remove the stones. Sprinkle with vanillin sugar. Place under hot grill and cook until sugar caramelizes. Remove from heat. Beat ricotta and vanilla essence together until smooth. Place half a peach on top of each waffle and top with vanilla ricotta. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon if desired.