Pistachio Waffle with Cellar Salt

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When I first got my hands on Cellar Salt, the handcrafted, pure flake Gulf of Mexico sea salt offered by Chef Jeremy Conner and Alexis Young of Lafayette, I knew I wanted to pair these white crystals with something sugary. My new waffle iron provided the perfect opportunity.

With a pistachio-studded waffle as my canvas, I smoothed on a generous layer of chocolate ganache with a hint of orange zest and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Then came the Cellar Salt.

Exacting chefs have long understood that salt, judiciously applied, acts to intensify other flavors. Visually and texturally, Cellar Salt’s large, pyramidal crystals left me reaching for that last smidge of waffle to wipe the plate clean.

Cellar Salt Co. is sold at Lafayette’s weekly farmers market at the Horse Farm as well as online or by phone. (337) 349-4278 or facebook.com/Cellarsaltco. $9/jar plus shipping.

Pistachio Waffle 
with chocolate-orange ganache & sea salt

Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients:
For the waffle:
3/4 cup shelled pistachios
1 cup whole-wheat flour
kosher salt
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted (plus more for greasing)
2 tbsp. honey
2 eggs, lightly beaten

For the chocolate-orange ganache:
2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tsp. orange zest
6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 tbsp. butter

For garnish:
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
generous pinch of Cellar Salt
chopped pistachios (optional)

Method:

For the waffle:
  1. Preheat wafflemaker. In a food processor, grind pistachios until fine. Mix in a larger bowl with whole-wheat flour and a pinch of kosher salt.
  2. Whisk coconut oil, honey, and eggs into pistachio mixture. Use additional coconut oil for greasing waffle maker. Pour in waffle batter and cook according to package directions. When done cooking, reserve and keep warm.

For the ganache:

  1. Combine heavy whipping cream and orange zest in a small sauce pan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until melted. Add butter and stir until thoroughly melted as well.
  2. Pour over waffles. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt, plus chopped pistachios (if using). Serve warm.