If Cantave has demonstrated anything, it’s her ability to cover all bases. She does that with aplomb in her professional endeavor, combining her business background with her culinary prowess, adding her special brand of magic every step of the way. Even when she creates a meal, be it for the little men in her life or for a grown-up client, she creates a mood with linens, lighting, glassware and dishes. Plating is her jam, she says. “I don’t know how not to slice my banana and fan it out. Everybody doesn’t do that?”
In spite of her penchant for perpetual plating, she knows how to keep it real. Cooking for the younger set means a lot of pancakes, chicken nuggets, pasta and pizza. She tips her hand with March, explaining how she does that with love and how she manages to take those kid staples and transform them into an adult meal for herself.
She makes it look easy, but in fact, that isn’t always the case. “Sometimes there’s a lot of effort to make it look effortless,” she says. And yet, the satisfaction is second to none.
“I think there’s so much strength in doing things by yourself …. When you kind of get out there and do it for yourself … there is a core of strength required to do that.”
From the Kitchen of Chef Vanessa
Savory Ham and Cheddar Waffles
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 eggs, separated
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3/4 cup cold water, plus a bit more, if needed
- 1 cup grated extra sharp cheddar cheese or pecorino cheese
- 3/4 cup diced HORMEL® CURE 81® ham
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey, if desired
- 1 Calabrian chili pepper (in oil), if desired
Instructions
Heat waffle iron.
In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In medium bowl, whisk egg whites by hand or with a mixer until soft peaks form. Set aside.
In large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and milk. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg yolk-milk mixture until combined. Slowly add melted butter to the mixture and whisk until combined. Add cold water and whisk until combined. If batter is too thick, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it is not too thick or too thin.
With rubber spatula, gently fold cheese and ham into the batter. Gently fold beaten egg whites into batter until combined.
Prepare waffles according to manufacturer’s directions. Serve immediately.
*Bonus Tip: Finely chop one Calabrian chili and add to ¼ cup of honey or maple syrup for a deliciously spicy addition to this savory waffle!
Chef’s Note: Keep waffles warm by transferring to a lined baking tray in a 200°F oven.
