After a rich, savory brunch [1] have the young mother open up her gifts. While guests shower the lady of honor with baby toys, set up a small Belgian waffle bar. Place the batter in a pretty pitcher and plug in several waffle irons. Stack plates and arrange toppings — chocolate sauce, whipped cream, fresh berries, maple syrup, etc. — buffet style near the waffle irons. Once all the presents have been opened, invite everyone to Belgian waffles. For a more diverse spread, purchase dainty pastries from your favorite bakery. To see the waffle recipe I'll be using for Denise's baby shower [2], .
From Food and Wine [4]
Ingredients
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, separated
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Belgian Chocolate-Fudge Sauce (recipe below), for serving
Directions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the water.
- In a large bowl, stir the flour with the salt. Whisk in the yeast mixture, milk, butter, egg yolks, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Fold them into the batter and let stand for 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 225°F.
- Heat and grease a waffle iron. Pour 1 1/4 cups of the batter into the iron and cook until the waffles are golden, 6 minutes. Transfer the waffles to the oven. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Dust the waffles with confectioners’ sugar, drizzle with the Belgian Chocolate-Fudge Sauce and serve.
Makes 4 waffles.
Belgian Hot Fudge Sauce [5]
1 cup heavy cream
10 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- In a saucepan, bring the cream to a boil. Remove from the heat and add the chocolate.
- Let stand for 2 minutes, then stir until the chocolate is melted.
- Add the confectioners’ sugar and whisk until smooth.
Makes 2 cups.
Print recipe with images [5] | without images [5]