How to Make Belgian Waffles - Cooking Tips

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Belgian waffles are a traditional food created in Belgium, which began as square-shaped breakfast cake with deeply indented or pressed pockets evenly distributed over the surface of the waffle. Over time, there have been numerous versions of this waffle in both the shape and ingredients so that the Belgian waffle is often made differently in various regions throughout the world.

The typical batter prepared for Belgian waffles contains yeast, so unlike commonly used waffle mixtures that allow faster preparation, Belgian waffle batter requires time to rise before it can be used. The yeast adds lightness to the waffle that is difficult to duplicate with substituted ingredients, such as baking powder and baking soda. Substitutions are commonly used to speed up the process for making the Belgian waffle.

The recipe below is just one of many that can be found for Belgian waffles.

Belgian Waffles
Ingredients:
	1/2 c. water 2 tsp. sugar 1 pkg. dry active yeast 2 1/2 c. flour 1/4 c. sugar 2 c. milk, lukewarm 1/2 c. butter, melted	1 tsp. vanilla 1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 1/8 tsp. salt 2 egg whites 2 egg yolks

Mixing the Waffle Batter

Heat water to 110°F and pour into mixing bowl. Add the sugar and yeast to the warmed water, stir and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Note: A large measuring bowl with a spout works well and makes it easy to pour the batter when baking the waffles
After the yeast mixture has stood for 5 minutes, add the flour and sugar. Warm the milk to lukewarm and add.
Add the melted butter, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt and egg yolks.
Mix ingredients using an electric mixer until batter is smooth.
When finished mixing, cover the bowl and allow the batter to rest in a warm area for approximately half an hour. The batter will rise during this time.
While the batter is resting, beat the egg whites until they form a stiff peak. After the batter has rested, add the beaten egg whites to the risen batter.
Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.

Baking the Waffles

		Heat the waffle iron to a medium heat. After the iron is properly heated, pour the batter into the iron. Pour until the batter just about reaches the edge. Stop pouring and close the lid.
		Bake the waffle until golden brown, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
		These light and crispy waffles can be served with traditional waffle toppings but are also delicious topped with fruit and whipped cream or ice cream.