Chocolate Waffles with Whipped Cream and Strawberries, this is a breakfast for kings and queens. Delectable cocoa flavor paired with a crispy exterior and melt in your mouth fluffy interior. The best part of a waffle are those square pockets that hold the luscious topping that we chose of strawberries and whipped cream. Canada Day weekend is upon us, why not splurge a bit and have an amazing brunch!

Song of the day: "Royals" by Lorde.

The Essence of Brunch............

Chocolate Waffles with Whipped Cream and Strawberries, when I think of these wonderful exquisite aromatic, cocoa-flavored breakfast rounds, I always think of special times on the weekend, gathering family and friends to feast on a plethora of dishes in between breakfast and lunch, a thing we call brunch. These waffles scream decadence and texture and with the toppings of whipped cream, fresh B.C. strawberries and that hint of maple syrup, we have a feast worth diving into!

Taking Waffles to the Next Level..................

Chocolate waffles on their own are a real treat. Add in the decadence of deep rich cocoa and we have a dish that went from extraordinary to exquisitely out of this world. I have to say Nicoletta and I have stayed in some pretty amazing bed and breakfasts during many of our travels. Firstly Chez Françoi,s a cute place in Montreal where we feasted every morning on the most amazing breakfast dishes. Secondly, there was Villa Mary, high atop a mountain overlooking the seaside bay of Positano, Italy, consequently treating guests like royalty is a norm there. The breakfasts were homemade, delicious and substantial, as a result, we had lunch that we enjoyed on the beaches of this Italian paradise. I can go on and on, there were quite a few!

A B&B to Remember..............

One particular trip found us in Victoria, B.C. Canada where we found a B&B that took our breath away. It was called Fairholme Manor Inn. We arrived late that night, however when the taxi pulled up to the gates of this place I thought, "I think we are in the wrong place". Although yes, it was the right place. A beautiful Manor, majestic with a Victorian flair that was spectacular and elegant. Our room was very large with 10 ft ceilings and a bed that you could get lost in. The shower and Jacuzzi tub were big enough for 6-8 people. It was magnificent!

Just when you think you are in heaven.................

Nicoletta and I were blown away that night lighting a fire and sitting in that huge bed enjoying a pizza. We thought to ourselves this is life, but it gets better. The next morning we were up early and proceeded to the breakfast area. An elaborately decorated dining room that took you back in time to royalty and poise. The breakfasts were amazing and luscious and so beautifully presented. We both felt that this was heaven and a lot more.

Inspired by Fairholm...............

Today's Chocolate Waffles with Whipped Cream and Strawberries, is inspired by the trip to Victoria and our stay at Fairholme Manor. We had the pleasure of buying a cookbook which was written by Sylvia Main, one of the owners of this historic place. There are many recipes that we have been inspired to make that have been delicious. These chocolate waffles are no exception. I would highly recommend this book to anyone because it is fantastic. If you are ever planning a trip to Victoria in British Columbia Canada, try a stay at Fairholme Manor Inn, because it will blow you away!

Now for Today's Dish..............

Ingredients needed:

all-purpose flour
Cocoa
Eggs
Baking powder
Cane sugar
pinch of salt

For the toppings:

Fresh strawberries
whipped cream
maple syrup
icing sugar (optional)

The Art of waffle batter..........

Similar to pancakes, waffles are no exception to the rule. First mix the dry. Secondly, blend the wet ingredients. Thirdly, mix the wet into the dry folding the mixture gently until it forms this semi-smooth consistency. Fourthly, this batter goes into a pre-heated waffle iron and lastly, time to feast on these elegant waffles. Take a look at those beautiful crispy edges and if you could only smell the aroma of that deep rich chocolate.

Every Day Can be Special Day.................

I feel fortunate and am grateful for Nicoletta and my life. We take every opportunity to live life to its fullest and breakfast time for us is no exception to the rule. We have breakfast together every morning and as you can see in the pictures, we make them as elegant as we can. After all, these little gestures are important to the soul and help in maintaining a happy life!

Staring the day with a Smile...................

When I wake up and I smell coffee brewing, I am always reminded of mornings at home growing up. Sundays I would wake up to the sounds of Italian radio, my dad whistling and my mom singing. The aromas from the kitchen were spectacular and plenty was the feeling of happiness. Today is no different as the table is set, the aroma of a very good coffee is brewing in the maker, waffles are in the iron, and Nicoletta and I are exchanging songs vocally with plenty of laughs and smiles. This is a good way to start the day, would you not agree?

Brunch is Served.........

Without delay, I am with fork and knife in hand ready to dive into this Chocolate Waffles with Whipped Cream and Strawberries. First things first, a glance up at Nicoletta and a wide smile. Similar to a kid in a candy store I cut in and that crispy sound has my mouth already watering. Oh, those crispy edges are so tasty and buttery with rich cocoa accents. The interior of this waffle melts in your mouth oh so light and flavorful good. The toppings are icing on the cake as the freshness of the whipped cream and that sweet strawberry mingles oh so well with the waffle. Let's not forget the maple syrup. We always buy good quality real syrup and its amber sultry sweetness is a perfect dance partner to the rich cocoa note of the waffle.

Final Thoughts..........................

In conclusion, sitting at this table all dressed up reminds me that life is good, and we are truly all special. Taking that time with that special someone whether wife, partner, family member, is priceless and these memories last with us forever.

This weekend is Canada Day, a celebration of a great Country that unifies culture and breaks down walls of difference and change. Want to take yourself out of the norm of breakfast? Plan a beautiful brunch with one of the dishes being this Chocolate Waffles with Whipped Cream and Strawberries. They are elegant, sophisticated, and oh so scrumptious. Definitely, a breakfast that will leave you feeling Royally................!

Happy Canada Day!

Enjoy!

Song of the day: "Royals" by Lorde