Waffles

It is a weekend treat, and what can be better than a whiff of anything freshly baked?

Breakfast or brunch can be fun with servings of yummy waffles freshly prepared. The aromas in your kitchen will surely be enough to tempt the firmest of healthy eaters!

Add melted butter and golden syrup if you are from the Continent, which is also a firm favourite in my home. If you live in North America, you should use maple or pancake syrup. For people Down Under, it's fresh fruit and cream or even a good blob of ice-cream. The choice is clearly yours to try.

I hear that New Zealanders are lovers of chocolate spread on their waffles. There is also a popular version made with apple puree in the batter itself. I'm sure it's worth a shot.

 

Waffles were created centuries ago, and as in every other type of ancient recipe, they have been changed and transformed regionally. The variations are endless.

 

Rectangle, heart-shaped, or round, large and small; clearly, it is just a preference.

 

The Germans and Nordics make thinner, heart-shaped ones. They are softer and chewier.

 

The Dutch like to eat small round ones called Stroopwafels. These are generally filled with a caramelised cinnamon syrup between the two small discs of crisp waffles sold in packages ready to eat.

 

The thick yet light and crisp waffles, rectangular in shape, are what I am going to share with you. This recipe is a Belgian waffle; popular in France and Western Belgium. 

 

And last but not least, I must share that the word "waffle/wafel/wafele"  itself originates from the Dutch language. It does all seem a tad like my rambling is all Double Dutch this morning!

My Belgian Waffle

  

In a food processor or a tall liquidiser blend 

3 eggs

57 g/ 2 oz soft salted butter

2 1/2 cups whole milk

2 cups sifted all purpose flour

4 tsp baking powder

pinch of salt

85g/3 oz sugar

Use the pulse button. Do not overbeat it. The result should be a smooth batter.

Pour into a large jug and set aside for 30 minutes or up to 2 days. The flour will release its gluten and the batter will thicken as the hours tick by. You may need to thin it a tad after 24 hours.

 

Lightly oil your waffle iron.  Heat it until the indicator confirms it is hot. Pour enough to cover the bottom blades, but any excess will leak from the sides. Anything short of enough will leave the waffles thin and with lots of holes! Use a measure to keep them perfect each time.

 

Serve immediately with your choice of melted butter, golden syrup, maple syrup, fresh fruits, ice cream, chocolate spreads, jams, and fresh cream.

 

 

Tip

Keep to the order in which the ingredients are, especially if you are using the liquidiser.

The liquid at the bottom will ensure the batter mixes evenly.

 

Use an 250 g/ 8-oz measuring cup.

 

Do not use skim milk. 2% is the lowest you should use.

 

 

This is an old family recipe. It brings back happy memories of ''waffle parties'' as teenagers. Our late Aunt Hilla, who relished the idea of feeding us mischievous, fun-filled youngsters many a Sunday, I hope you can all enjoy it with your family and friends as often as we did.

 

Trivia

The thickness of the waffle depends on the iron you buy to make them. Only the "deep" waffle maker will turn out the Belgian-style crisp waffles.