Sweet September

Can you believe it's September already?  While the Summer season is clearly winding down, it's still a little toasty on some days in my neck of the woods. 

If you're in the same boat and looking for ways to cool off, I have just the treat that will do the trick. 

     

Today's tastiness is a little about ice cream, a bit about fruit and a whole lot about waffles-but not necessarily the kind of waffles you eat for breakfast.

I'm talking waffle cones here.  Did you know you can make your own?  I discovered this marvelous home-based ability earlier this year and I've been whipping up waffle cones ever since.   

I'm a bit of a gadget gal anyway so I'm always game and on the lookout for new fun tools and appliances for crafting and kitchen projects.  This waffle cone maker is my latest, greatest toy.

     

Recipes to make gourmet waffle cones, elegant wafer cones and chocolate waffle cones come with the waffle maker. 

To make the waffle just drop a few tablespoons of batter onto the hot iron.  It only takes a few seconds to cook.  Lift the iron top, remove the flat waffle and place onto a paper towel. 

The waffle is really hot at this point, so use the paper towel to help fold one end of the waffle over a special cone-shaper.  Roll the waffle and hold in place for the few seconds it takes to cool down and harden. 

At first, it may be difficult to avoid having a small opening in the bottom of the cone, but with a bit of cone-rolling practice you can get the bottom portion air tight.

I think that any opening in the bottom of the cone just means your tasters will have to eat their ice cream that much faster. 

Tip: if the cone opening is a concern, you can always drop a miniature marshmallow in the bottom to create a seal and keep the ice cream from dripping through.

This is such an easy creation.  The waffle cone maker does all the work and there's also very little cleanup. 

I think these cones look pretty good and they taste great as well, with a sweet wafer, cookie taste and the right amount of crisp.

         

There is something about the taste of homemade, with its use of natural ingredients that almost makes me want to turn my back on store-bought. 

These waffle cones also stack up quite nicely for easy storage.

      

Another fun thing about these waffles is that when they're warm, they can be molded into just about any shape. 

If you want a dessert that's less casual and bit more "grownup" try molding the waffle using the inside (or upside-down outside) of a small bowl. 

      

You can also use a pastry brush to apply a coat of chocolate Magic Shell to the sides of the cones or bowls.  

If you do this, you must freeze the waffle cones/bowls first, because the Magic Shell only activates when it's applied to a cold surface.  After applying the chocolate keep the cones/bowls frozen until right before filling and serving.

It's important to do all molding while the waffle is still warm.  Once the waffle cools down it hardens and can't be shaped without breaking into multiple pieces.

However, if your waffle breaks apart up during forming, don't fret.  Just save the broken pieces in another bowl as waffle bits.  Young tasters in your house will love these too.

     

Another way to enjoy these waffles is to cut them and use them as toppers.

While the waffle is still warm, use a large knife to slice it into four equal pieces.  This creates adorable little waffle triangles.

 

These triangles are perfect on top of servings of creamy lemon and pistachio pudding.  

The triangles can also adorn a dessert tray or tea party platter.  You could also simply stack them and serve them as mini wafers for a light and easy after dinner treat.

   

Looking for a sweet-tasting house warming gift?   Imagine several of these cones, delicately wrapped in pretty tissue and presented in a nice bakery box. 

Include a container of homemade ice-cream and your gift recipient will be blown away by your efforts.

      

For another beautiful and refreshing dessert, consider filling the cones with fresh, assorted fruit.  Drop them into a few tumblers for upright support and easier serving. 

For more of a wow factor, offer them in an old fashioned drink caddy.  I think this has really nice presentation value.  

     

What do you think your guests would say if they saw this coming their way?  

My parents were visiting me the day I snapped these fruit-filled pictures and Mom and Dad really enjoyed eating my photo shoot props.

     

By the way, you can decide decide how light or dark you want the waffle cones or bowls as well. These shades in the photo below represent what you can achieve from the first 3 of 7 temperature settings on the cone maker. 

The smaller the setting, the lighter the cone color. 

 

Of course friends and family will devour this dessert regardless of the color of the waffle, as long as the cone is filled to the brim with something delicious.

Just ask Cameron and Jordy about that.  Oh, wait-their mouths are full right now.

 

As you can see there are loads of great ways to put these waffle cones to good use.  They're not only fun to make but even more fun to eat.

Yes, I definitely think this is one dessert that's guaranteed to ensure a Sweet September.   

Comments

I never realised that waffle-making was so easy. My diet will be having words with you!

[Dena Rooney-Berg]

Are you kidding me?? You really ought to have your own magazine for all your creativity. These are amazing. I want to make the ones with the magic shell!Yum.... off to find a waffle cone maker!

[Condo Makati]

You really know how to make September so sweet for the children. Looking at the kids licking their ice cream, eating the crisp ice cream cones oh! It looks so mouth watering.

This blog is full of creative and delicious party deserts. Hmmm yum! This cone is perfect for an ice cream.

[Gwyneth]

I love this idea of making waffle cones. The ones with the fruit look so yummy!! Thank you so much for producing such a beautiful blog! I warmly invite you to visit me at any time at my blog!
Hugs, Gwyn

[berta]

I almost bought one of these at Target the other day, now I wish I had!!! yummy!

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1246581200]

Yummy! I will have to cheat a bit and run out to my local yogurt shop and get a waffle cone.

[Cheri]

What a beautiful post, and just the right thing to do for my daughter's 4th Birthday party!

[Kerryanne English]

I always enjoy a visit to your blog Lisa. You put so much time and effort into your posts. Great waffle ideas!!

[tea time and roses]

Hello Dear Lisa!

What a beautiful and yummy post! I bet you can guess just what I am having for dessert tonight!:o) You and your family enjoy a lovely weekend!

Smiles...

Beverly

[Adla]

Lisa dear, How are you?
what a treat for my sweet sweet tooth,Love how you presented the fruit cocktail. Yummm thank you, as always everything you create is such an inspiration :) Now I have to add waffle cone maker to my needs for the kitchen list :)

[Melina]

I love this post! I looked at it too late at night though and my watering mouth will not be satisified by the contents of my fridge. First thing tomorrow I will have to go to the market to pick up goodies. Have a wonderful Monday!

[Sherri]

What a great idea. Have to try this for my bookclub! Love the carrier too!

[Laura Ingalls Gunn]

How pretty the cones are! I was thinking if you placed a stack of 6 in a cellophane bag and tied a ribbon at the top that they would make a lovely hostess gift
Well done!

[Lorena]

Wow!!! What a yummy inspiring post!!! Forgive me if this is a dumb question, but could you provide us with the recipe for the batter? I may order the waffle maker, but don't know how to make the mix :)
Thanks so much!

[Amber]

Oh yes, I'm getting one of those next summer. :) When I worked in high school at an ice shop we made them the exact same way and they always had a tiny hole in the bottom...even when the owners who were pros made them. We always dropped in a chocolate malted milk ball! Thanks for all these waffle cone ideas, lots of great dessert options!

[Judith Norman]

Great photos, Lisa!

[nance]

Well, better add waffle cone maker in my wish list! lol Great ideas, Lisa...i particularly love the ones shaped as bowls, i can fill it with a lot of yummies!

[jessi nagy]

hey there sweets,
yum yum yumminess.
i love the cones with the fresh berries.
delish
oxoxo,
jessi

[DeAndrea]

WOW! I believe I need a waffle cone maker. The fresh fruit looks stunning in the cones.

[Deb Wisker]

Seeing those photos makes me want to head back to Martha's Vineyard! We were there last week and ate icecream cones almost every day! LOL!

[Francine]

Great! Now I want a waffle cone maker! LOL Your photos are stunning! I am drooling over here :)

[melissa @ the inspired room]

WOW. speechless. Beautiful, tasty and genius.

[Staci]

Lisa, these look absolutely delicious! I may have to try these!

[Kelly]

Those look so YUMMY, Lisa! The photos are wonderful too. Thanks for sharing this. I've never really thought about making my own waffle cones, but now...
I've been wanting a Panini maker (I noticed your recipe book for panini sandwiches too) and now I want a waffle maker too :)

Take care. Haven't been doing much blog surfing this summer, it's nice to catch up with everyone.

Love,

Kelly

[Stephanie]

Love the waffle cones filled with fruit. I don't like ice cream...weird, I know. But I used to love eating the cone. You're kids must be thrilled to have such a creative mom.

[Thimbleanna]

You're brilliant Lisa! I LOVE waffle cones. I'm thinking this might need to go on the Christmas list. Those little bowls would be wonderful for dessert for my book group too -- Thanks for posting!

[Terriaw]

I didn't know they made waffle cone irons - very cool. And I never considered making waffle cones but it sure makes sense. We make waffles all the time. This is such a great idea. Looks like these lucky kids are thoroughly enjoying the treats!

[Allie]

How I wish I could climb through my monitor and take a bite - this looks wonderfully yummy! The pictures are awesome.

[karen cox]

What a gorgeous blog, and this post is wonderful. I never thought of using a bowl to mold a waffle bowl. I stumbled upon your blog and I am so glad.

Karen

[Sandy]

Another great idea would be to put just a small amount of batter in the center and while the waffle is still warm tuck in a piece of paper before folding and have homemade fortune cookies. Great for children's parties and even grown-up parties for that matter.

[Suzie Hampton]

Thanks for the great idea Lisa. Now I am going to have to buy one of these waffle cone makers.

[Allie]

I love this idea! I never thought about making my own waffle cones! I love the ones you shaped like bowls. Thanks for the inspiration!

[Jackie]

Oh Lisa,...you got me hungry again here! :-) I LOVE this! I'll have to get me one of those rollers... or a waffle maker for that matter *g*. Love the photo with the six waffles and fruit in the carrier. BEAUTIFUL!!!

[Jodi]

My mouth is watering. Everything looks so yummy. What a wonderfully fantastic post.

[adrienne]

GIRL!!!! You are wrong for this lol. You know I love all things in the kitchen! I want one now lol. Great post and love all the pics!