Using a Cast Iron
Many people these days are longing to make waffles the way their grandmother did, using a cast iron waffle maker on the stovetop. They make delicious crispy waffles on your own stove, but are just as easy to use on your grill or around the campfire. Made from durable cast iron your new waffle maker will last a lifetime.
Many people these days are trying to avoid appliances that contain Teflon coated surfaces, and have had to go without waffles as most electric makers have the non stick coating. A well seasoned cast iron maker will provide you a wonderful non stick surface without exposing you to potentially harmful chemicals. You can season your maker by covering each side with vegetable oil or Crisco and baking in an oven pre-heated to 350 degrees for about an hour. Cover it again with oil using a pastry brush or paper towel, making sure that all the little crevices are coated. Flip over and cook for another hour. Let it sit overnight and it should be good to use come morning.
While your first waffle may not come out, do not get discouraged as your following ones should be perfect. It is a good idea to lightly coat the waffle iron with vegetable oil or butter between each waffle for perfect waffles which are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. When cooking your waffles on the stovetop be sure to preheat the cast iron maker and flip it halfway between cooking. You will need to experiment with how long it takes to cook each side at your home, but a good rule of thumb is that ones that are preheated to around 300 degrees should take approximately two and a half minutes per side.