Eggnog Gluten-Free Vegan Waffles with Chocolate Chips

Waffle Batter

1. Prepare the coconut milk mixture: Place 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a large measuring cup. Add coconut milk until the mixture reaches 2 cups. Whisk and let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine the vinegar-milk mixture, almond flour, tapioca starch, 1 cup of applesauce (reserve the rest for sauce), coconut oil, baking powder, 2 teaspoons of nutmeg (reserve 1/2 teaspoon for sauce), cinnamon, and salt. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Reserve batter and add chocolate chips: Remove 1/2 cup of the batter and set it aside. Add the chocolate chips to the remaining batter and pulse until just mixed. Let the batter rest while you prepare the sauce.

Eggnog Sauce

1. Mix milk and eggnog: In a large, clear microwave-safe bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of coconut milk with the almond milk eggnog. Use a clear bowl so you can monitor boiling.
2. Reserve some liquid: Remove 1/2 cup of this mixture and set it aside.
3. Heat the eggnog mixture: Microwave the remaining mixture until it just starts to boil, about 7-8 minutes, depending on your microwave’s strength.
4. Combine reserved batter with milk mixture: While the eggnog mixture heats, whisk together the reserved batter and milk mixture. Then, add the sugar, remaining 1/2 cup of applesauce, and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg. Whisk until smooth.
5. Thicken the sauce: Once the eggnog mixture has started to boil, carefully pour in the batter mixture, whisking until combined. Microwave until it begins to boil again, then cook for 1 more minute. Stir after each interval. Repeat this process 4 more times, allowing it to boil and cook for 1 additional minute. This process helps thicken the sauce without overcooking.

Cooking the Waffles

1. Cook the waffles: While the sauce is cooking, begin cooking the waffles. Spray your waffle iron with coconut oil spray and heat it to the highest setting. Ladle in 1/2 cup of batter per waffle.
2. Crisp the waffles: Cook until steaming stops, then check for desired crispness. For extra crispy waffles, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
3. Keep waffles warm: If desired, keep the waffles warm in a low oven. This may reduce their crispiness slightly.
4. Serve: Drizzle the waffles with the eggnog sauce, sprinkle with additional chocolate chips, and devour!