It may not surprise you that one of my all time favorite actors is the Canadian comedian, Mike Myers. So to celebrate his birthday I crafted a Shrek inspired Birthday cake. Donkey's waffles, packed with caramelized onions, layered with bacon and onion jam and drizzled with maple syrup. A delightfully sweet and savory treat that will make love to the tastebuds of onion lovers. Sha-wing!

Oniony, Waffly, Layery Cake

Makes 8-10 mini waffles, 4-5 large waffles

1 med sweet onion

2 c GF flour of choice

3 tbsp sugar

1 tsp salt

2 tbsp baking powder

1/4 melted and cooled butter or olive oil

1 3/4 c milk of choice

2 eggs 

butter pats and maple syrup

1. Thinly slice onion then slowly saute over medium heat with a little olive oil for 25-30 minutes stirring occasionally. Cook until they become super soft, deep golden and very fragrant. You can't rush it, they will burn if it's too hot.

2. Meanwhile, prep the batter. Whisk together flour, sugar, salt and baking powder together. Make a well in the center and add in butter/oil, egg and milk. Mix until almost completely smooth. Let stand for 10 minutes. Heat and oil your waffle iron.

3. Once the onions have caramelized, stir them into your batter. Cook waffles following recommended instructions for your waffle maker. Meanwhile you can prep the onion jam (see recipe below).

4. To assemble, brush waffles with butter and layer with onion jam (about 1/4 c per layer for mini waffles). Drizzle stack with maple syrup and garnish with a pat of butter and some finishing salt.
   
   Optional: Pairs great with a light salad- arugula, chevre and lemon vinaigrette maybe?

Onion and Bacon Jam

Makes ~1 cup

3 slices bacon

1 med sweet onion diced

1/4 cup raw sugar

1/2 cup water

1. Cook the bacon over medium heat in the same pan you caramelize the onions in. Once the fat has mostly rendered, set the bacon aside and start to cook down the diced onion in the bacon fat until very soft and caramelized.

2. Dice bacon to match the size of onions and add back into the pan with sugar and water stirring well. Simmer over low heat, stirring frequently until there is no liquid left in the bottom of the pan and it sticks together. 

3. Spreads best while warm.
   
   Optional:A squeeze of lemon can help brighten the jam's flavor and an herb like thyme or rosemary will deepen the flavors. This recipe can also be made vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and saute onions a generous amount of olive oil. 

I hope you enjoy this super savory onion cake!

Cheers!

     Nurse Huckleberry