Liège Waffles

Makes 8 waffles

3      tablespoons granulated sugar
2¼   teaspoons active, dry yeast
⅓     cup of warm milk (preferably full fat),105°F – 110°F
4      cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
1      teaspoon kosher salt
6      large eggs, room temperature
1½   teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1      pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter,melted and cooled slightly, plus more for brushing
2     cups Belgian pearl sugar

Nutritional information per serving (½ waffle)
Calories 340 (50% from fat) • carb. 49g• pro. 6g • fat 24g • sat. fat 15g • chol. 130mg• sod. 99mg • calc. 168mg • fiber 1g

1. In a small bowl, whisk the granulated sugar
and yeast into the warm water and milk, and
let stand until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Put the flour and salt together in a large
mixing bowl; whisk to combine (alternatively
this entire process can be prepared using
a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.
Follow the same guidelines that follow).
Make a well in the center of the bowl and add
the yeast mixture. Using a hand mixer fitted
with the beaters, mix on medium until shaggy,
about 1 minute. Add the eggs one at a time,
mixing for 20 seconds between each.
3. Combine the vanilla extract with the melted
butter. While the mixer is running on low,
gradually add the melted butter mixture
until smooth (the batter will be thick
and very sticky).
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow
to rise in a warm place until doubled in size,
about 1 hour to 2 hours (batter can be
prepared to this point and then refrigerated
overnight. Bring to room temperature before
continuing with step 5).
5. After the batter has rested, stir in the pearl
sugar. Cover again and let rest for 15 minutes
before cooking.
6. Gently stir the batter to deflate. Preheat the
waffle maker to a medium-high setting.
7. Scoop a cup of batter onto the center
of the bottom waffle plate and spread to
about 1-inch from the edge of the plate.
Close the waffle maker and turn clockwise
to flip. Open the second waffle plate and
add a cup of batter onto the center of that
plate, close and turn clockwise to flip.
When the waffles are ready, carefully open
the waffle maker and remove baked waffle.
Then turn and open the second waffle plate
to remove the second waffle. Repeat with
remaining batter.
8. For best results, serve immediately.