The ultimate Belgian waffle recipe

So some exciting news, we are going to Brussels and Bruges at the end of this month and cannot wait. Even though I have been to Brussels a few times pre-baby I've never had the time to check out Bruges and it's a city i've had on my wish list so it's great to tick it off. This has lead me to a lot of dreaming about Belgian chocolate, beer and of course waffles and thought I would share some european foodie inspiration with you.

Belgian waffles are one of those foods that can work beautifully in all sorts of ways. You could have a waffle for breakfast as the Americans do, as a snack or as a decadent dessert. You'll need a few things to make the perfect waffle. Firstly, you'll need a waffle iron, a cream charger and plenty of ingredients for toppings.

Using fresh free-range eggs is ideal (image)

The waffle mixture

Here's the basic recipe for a waffle that you'd cook in a waffle iron.

Ingredients

2 cups plain flour
¾ cup sugar
3 and ½ teaspoons baking powder
2 eggs, yolks and white separated
1 and ½ cups milk
1 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

Get toddlers involved, my little man loves to bake

Method

1. In a bowl combine the dry ingredients.
2. In another bowl mix egg yolks, milk, melted butter and vanilla extract. Combine this with the dry ingredients.
3. Whisk egg whites until they form stiff peaks then fold into the batter.

4. Cook in your waffle iron until golden brown (exact time will vary depending on the waffle iron you're using).

Toppings

Dust with icing sugar and serve with strawberries and whipped cream.
If you fancy something chocolatey spread your waffle with Nutella then top with fresh berries. 

Go all out with toffee ice cream, chocolate chips and salted caramel sauce. 

If you fancy something more simple go for a sliced banana and some maple, golden or agave syrup. 

Cherries cooked in brandy – this works well with almond flavoured waffles

Experiment

This waffle recipe is the ultimate one because it gives you so much opportunity to experiment. Not only is the world your oyster when it comes to toppings you can change so much about the basic waffle recipe too.

You may have to adjust the quantities of the other ingredients but why not add flavoured protein powder, oats, mashed bananas, melted chocolate, coconut oil or grated lemon rind to your batter before cooking. 

Can't wait to be walking done streets like these again

True Belgian waffles used to be made with yeast and sometimes even sparking water. This produces a slightly crispier waffle. A lot of tourists ask for these for breakfast but most natives will eat them as a snack or for dessert.

If you've ever been to Belgium, Brussels especially, you'll see stands selling Belgian waffles all over the place. If you love this kind of on-the-go food then Brussels is definitely the place for you – check out the food and drink guide to the city from the Guardian.

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