Is there a better way to start the day than with a warm, fresh-from-the-maker waffle slathered in butter and maple syrup? Probably not, unless it’s a waffle slathered in whipped cream and berries! However you like to have them, most of us can agree that waffles are an A+ breakfast (or snack, or dessert) item, especially as the weather gets cooler, and the fluffier they are, the better they are. After all, who wants a flat, hard waffle? If you want to have THE fluffiest one ever, than you’re going to love this tip coming to us from Lifehacker’s Skillet blog, which recommends a secret ingredient: seltzer water!

Yes, seltzer water— and the real stuff, too, not just sparkling water. Skillet explains why and how this secret ingredient works:

Using the power of carbonation, seltzer (or club soda) is combined with powdered buttermilk to replace some of the liquid buttermilk you would find in a traditional waffle recipe. The bubbles help inflate the batter for the fluffiest waffle of your dreams, while oil helps keep the outside crisp by repelling “whatever interior moisture managed to rise to the surface.”

Makes sense to us! You too? Then let’s get waffle-making . . .

Make Your Batter Out Of:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 3/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup dried buttermilk powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 1/4 cups unflavored seltzer water (do not use sparkling water; real seltzer or real club soda only)

The idea and the recipe originally come from Cooks Illustrated, but their site requires you join before viewing the recipe. Luckily, we did some digging and found a FREE copy for you over on Epicurious, so be sure to head over there for your nice printable recipe. Have you ever heard this tip before? Are you going to try it? What are some of your own tricks for getting fluffy homemade waffles?