For the waffles:

• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 vanilla bean (optional, if not using, add an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract)
• 1/3 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Sweetened Strawberries:

• 1 cup plump strawberries, hulled and patted dry
• 2 tsp granulated sugar
• speck of salt

Vanilla Rum Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup cold heavy cream
• 1–2 tbsp sugar
• 1 to 2 tsp rum
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• speck of salt

Other toppings:

• 3 to 4 slices bacon, crisped and chopped
• Maple Syrup (optional)
• Butter