Chocolate Waffles

Want an elegant yet easy dessert for company? These can be made ahead then reheated in the oven or toaster.

1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces
3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
1 - 3/4 cups pancake mix
2 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1 - 1/3 cups water

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sift together the pancake mix, walnuts, chocolate chips, cocoa and sugar. Add water and oil. Hand mix until large lumps disappear. Do not over beat. Let batter rest for at least 5 minutes.

Pour desired amount of batter into pre-heated, well greased (or non-stick) waffle iron. Bake according to your machine's directions -- usually until an indicator light goes off or the steam stops rising.

Top with ice cream and garnish with chopped nuts and a mint sprig or, perhaps a luscious, ripe strawberry.