Welcome to In the Kitchen, where WholeFoods Magazine shares recipes and tips for delicious eats and treats featuring natural brands. As WholeFoods resident baker and all-around foodie, I enjoy experimenting with new products and whipping up delicious meals and desserts to share with loved ones. This month, I am showcasing Missy J’s Carob Snacks + Treats (now owned by Azure Standard). Founder Jodi Feinhor-Dennis created the brand after being diagnosed with MS. Wanting a healthy alternative to satisfy her sweet tooth, she created Missy J’s to share “the most chocolate-like carob on the planet.” 

Before learning of Missy J's products, I mostly knew carob as the “chocolate-like” coating that glazed many of my dogs' treats from the local bakery, and I have carob powder to make homemade puppy snacks. Using it for my own consumption however, was a new one.

On the weekends, I love having an indulgent Sunday breakfast, like crepes or waffles. I was curious to see how carob chip waffles would differ from chocolate chip waffles, though I admit I was a little skeptical on how sweet it would taste. The recipe swaps coconut sugar for white sugar. I wasn’t sure how much sweetness it would provide.

Once I combined the dry and wet ingredients, I was pleased by  how similar the batter appeared to the boxed waffles I usually whip up. 

Confession time: I’ve always been known to eat the raw batter straight out of the bowl. While my waffle iron was warming up, I mixed the batter and added the carob chips. It was slightly sweet, and the texture was good. 

When I took the first waffle off the heat, I knew these were going to be good. They weren’t flat, and they had a great golden color.

After letting them cool for five minutes, I added some berries on top and dug in. They were so delicious and buttery, even though I forgot to add the melted butter to the mix!

If I hadn’t mixed up the batter myself, I wouldn’t have known these weren’t made with chocolate chips. My puppy was eyeing the waffles. Since they’re made with carobs, I was able to share a nibble with her, and she definitely approved!

Whether you’re hosting a Sunday brunch or just want a decadent yet delicious waffle for breakfast, this recipe is five stars! Download the recipe here!