Spa Liege Waffles

Spa-Francorchamps is all elevation change, forest, and sudden mood swings in the weather. Liege waffles feel right for that setting because they are rugged, caramelized, and a lot more interesting than a neat brunch waffle pretending to be the same thing.

Quick Look

• Race: Belgian Grand Prix
• Prep time: 20 minutes, plus 1 hour rise
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Serves: 8 waffles

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
• 3/4 cup warm milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup pearl sugar

Method

1. Mix the yeast, warm milk, and sugar in a bowl. Let it stand for 5 minutes.
2. Add the eggs, vanilla, flour, and salt. Mix into a shaggy dough.
3. Work in the softened butter until the dough becomes smooth and sticky.
4. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
5. Fold in the pearl sugar.
6. Divide into 8 portions and rest for 10 minutes.
7. Cook in a waffle iron until deep golden and caramelized, about 3 to 5 minutes each.

Drink Pairing

• Wine: Demi-sec sparkling wine.
• Local pairing: Strong coffee.

Notes

• Pearl sugar is the signature move here. Without it, you have a different waffle.
• Let the waffle iron do its full job before opening it.