Liège Belgian Waffles

I was visiting Los Angeles and stumbled upon Blue Bottle Coffee in the Arts District. Not only do they have amazing coffee, the cafe served up made-to-order waffles. Pretty sure I had my fair share of waffles during that trip and encourage anyone to go grab one. These waffles are made with a thick batter and traditionally have uneven edges.  Pearl sugar caramelizes as the waffle cooks making these dense, sweet, and delicious.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup milk (lukewarm)
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 3 ½ cups flour
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar
• 2 sticks unsalted butter melted
• 2 eggs
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 bag pearl sugar

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Mix all other ingredients in a medium mixing bowl then add yeast and milk mixture. Let rise until dough doubles in size, then add sugar. Divide into small rounded balls (1½  inches to 2 inches), then cook on a Belgian waffle maker on medium until golden and crisp.

Notes:

• Bread flour seems to work the best, however all purpose will also work.
• It’s easiest to mix the ingredients with your hands (like bread dough).
• For the best waffles, cover and allow to rise overnight in the fridge. Bring dough to room temperature before adding sugar.