Please make these. Please!
It really is so important that is deserved some italics. I was at the farmer's market a couple of weeks ago buying some birthday gifts. (Hand lettered quotes, sinceyouwondered) I was with Brittany and she mentioned that the waffle stand there sells amazingly delicious waffles. She was explaining why they are better than regular waffles. It went something like this "They are a dough not a batter, and they have caramelized sugar on them". Say no more I have to buy one.
OH MY! I was trying to figure out ways to convince the waffle makers to take me in, and feed me waffles for the rest of my life. When the sugar coma wore off I came to my senses and realized I would just have to learn to make them at home. Liege waffles are incredible, and a totally different beast than the waffles we usually eat. Think a brioche/croissant with sugar caramelized all over while it cooks, and you are close.
I feel a new General Conference tradition in the making.
** This recipe does come with a warning. It makes your waffle iron a mess. It's worth it.
Liege waffles (original recipe)
2 tsp. yeast
1/3 C. warm water
2 Tb. sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
2 C. flour
3 eggs
1 C. melted butter
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 tsp. cinnamon (optional) I left this out.
1 C. Belgian pearl sugar, or sugar cubes crushed until pea size, or smaller
Mix the yeast, sugar, warm water, and salt in your Bosch (mixer) bowl, and let it develop for 15 minutes.
Add melted butter, vanilla, and cinnamon (if using) and mix. Add in flour, and mix to combine. Add eggs one at a time mixing well after each addition. When the last egg is mixed in, set it aside and allow it to rise until doubled. The dough will be very thick, and sticky. No worries.
When it has doubled you are ready for the fun part. Turn on your waffle iron, I cooked mine at 3 1/2 for our Waring Pro. Fold the sugar into the dough, and then allow it to rest for 10 minutes. When the rest is over and your iron is hot put 2-3 inch balls of dough into your iron.
Enjoy with powdered sugar, whipped cream, fresh fruit, Nutella, or eat them plain. Yum!
