BELGIAN WAFFLES FOOD NETWORK RECIPES

Steps:

• The night before, combine the water, yeast and sugar in a very large bowl (the batter will expand enormously). Allow it to stand for about 5 minutes, until the yeast dissolves and the mixture has started to foam, which tells you the yeast is active. Stir in the milk, butter, honey, vanilla and salt. Add the flour and whisk until the batter is smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow it to sit overnight at a cool room temperature.
• The next morning, heat a Belgian waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions and brush the top and bottom with melted butter. Beat the eggs together with the baking soda and whisk them into the batter until combined. Pour just enough of the batter onto the hot waffle iron to cover the grids (? to 1/2 cup each, depending on your waffle maker), close and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on medium heat, until the waffles are golden brown.
• Cut them apart with a small knife, if necessary, and remove them with a fork. Repeat the process until all of the batter has been used. Serve the waffles hot with sliced bananas, toasted coconut, maple syrup and creme fraiche and let everyone help themselves.
• Make-Ahead Plan
• Prepare the batter the night before. Cook the waffles up to 1 hour ahead and let sit on sheet pans at room temperature. Reheat for 10 minutes in a 350 degrees F oven, turning once.

Steps:

• Preheat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions. In 1 medium bowl sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a second bowl use the wooden spoon to beat together the egg yolks and sugar until sugar is completely dissolved and eggs have turned a pale yellow. Add the vanilla extract, melted butter, and milk to the eggs and whisk to combine. Combine the egg-milk mixture with the flour mixture and whisk just until blended. Do not over mix. In third bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form, about 1 minute. Using the rubber spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the waffle batter. Do not overmix! Coat the waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray and pour enough batter in iron to just cover waffle grid. Close and cook as per manufacturer's instructions until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Serve immediately.