Intended Use: Preparing everyone's favorite syrup-soaked breakfast.
Bright Idea: Make grilled cheeses.

Since your kids discovered Eggos, your waffle iron hasn't seen much action. But Bob Blumer, author of Surreal Gourmet Bites (Chronicle, $17, www.amazon.com), has found the appliance's higher calling: as the perfect grilled-cheese machine. "The dimples double the amount of surface, so the sandwich has a much more satisfying crunch," he says. The iron also divides it into 4 sections — great for toddlers or snacking adults.

Grilled Cheese

1 teaspoon butter (optional)
2 slices multigrain bread
2 slices cheese
1 slice tomato (optional)

Butter the bread on 1 side (or coat the iron with vegetable cooking spray). Place 1 slice in the center of the iron, buttered-side down. Top with the cheese and tomato, if using, and cover with the remaining slice of bread, buttered-side up. Close the lid firmly and cook until golden, 2 to 4 minutes.

Other Uses

To make a calzone, roll out 2 rounds of pizza dough. Place 1 on the hot iron, top it with whatever you like, then add the second round of dough. Close the lid firmly and cook until the dough is golden, 2 to 4 minutes. Serve with a bowl of pasta sauce for dipping.