Belgian Buttermilk Waffles

Waffles - yet another dish introduce to me during my stay in USA, always a big breakfast treat during some of the visits to International House of Pancakes (IHOP). A dish which I wonder if it is meant to be a breakfast meal as in the USA or a dessert as it is served down under. I guess it really doesn't matter as long as it is nice and crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Some of my vegan friends are asking for egg substitute. I read somewhere that you can use apple sauce. However not sure how that can create the fluffiness. Unfortunately this is one of those dishes that you do need a special device - the waffle maker - and a good one at that. Last year we bought one from Target and it simply didn't work out. Recently we got a good one from Cuisinart and it made all the difference. So if you are keen on waffles do make this investment and you will not be disappointed. You can realize the return in under 10 visits to a waffle shop. Waffles as any other dish comes in various shapes and forms. This is the so called "Belgian Buttermilk" version which is brown and crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. 

Ingredients

1. All purpose flour (Maida) - 1 and 3/4 cups
2. Corn Starch - 1/4 cup
3. Eggs - 3 (At room temperature with yolks and white separated)
4. Butter - 125 gms (melted and cooled down to room temperature)
5. Buttermilk - 2 cups
6. Vanilla essence - 2 teaspoons
7. Salt - 1 teaspoon
8. Sugar - 2 teaspoons
9. Baking powder - 2 teaspoons

The Method

1. Firstly get the eggs to room temperature. If you are running short of time soak the eggs in warm water for a few minutes.
2. Separate the egg yolk and whites in separate dishes. Make sure you leave the whites in a deep bowl.
   
3. Whip the white slowly initially and on high speed for a few minutes. Add the sugar and continue whipping until stiff "peaks" are formed.
4. Mix the liquid ingredients - butter, buttermilk, egg yolk, vanilla essence and blend well until all mixed up.
5. Sift the dry ingredients - flour, corn starch, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Blend it well but not too hard.
6. Add the egg white and mix it in slowly until everything is blended well. 
7. Heat the waffle maker until it is ready and pour the batter.
8. For the machine that I used I cup of batter is exactly what was required.
9. Waffle should be ready in about 3-5 minutes.

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Happy Cooking !!

C