Ravage Thoughts

Description:
Belgian waffles were created for the 1964 World's Fair in NY. They have a crispy outside and are soft and moist on the inside. Try these waffles with your favorite syrup or a topping such as sliced fresh strawberries and freshly whipped cream, Bananas, Ice cream, blueberries, cherries, pecans... or all of the above.


Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups water
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
3 cups sifted flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs, separated (for 3 yolks and 1 egg white)
1/3 cup sugar
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups whole milk


Directions:
Directions
Heat half of the water to lukewarm, 105°-110°F. Dissolve the yeast in the water with a pinch of sugar; let stand for 5-10 minutes, until the mixture begins to foam
Put the flour and salt into the large bowl; stir to blend and reserve. Add the egg yolks, one of the egg whites, and remaining sugar to the yeast mixture; stir to blend. Add the remaining water, milk, melted butter, oil, and vanilla; stir until the mixture is smooth. Stir the liquid mixture into the flour mixture and beat until the mixture is smooth.
Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form when removing the mixer. Fold the egg whites gently into the Belgian waffle batter. Let the batter stand for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
For best results, do not open the waffle maker during cooking of the Belgian waffle recipe. Doing so will offset the timing mechanism.
Measure out enough batter for your waffle maker and pour into the preheated waffle maker. Use a heat-proof spatula to spread the batter evenly over the grids. Close lid and bake the Belgian waffle in the waffle maker until it indicates the waffle is done; in professional waffle makers, this is usually indicated by a light, a tone sounding, or both.
Remove waffle and repeat until all batter is used. Waffles may be kept warm in an oven at low-heat (200°F). Place Belgian waffles on a cookie sheet on a rack in the warm oven. Serve with whipped cream, fruit, jam, powdered sugar, or a warm fruit syrup.