Belgian Waffle Birthdays

Happy Birthday to my sweet friend, Rachael!! Last year, I was NOT involved in the wedding of the century, and thus had time to plan all sorts of wedding extravagance... Rachael, myself, and 3 of our friends took a girls trip to Payson, played in the "snow" (read: puddles - AZ weather had already kicked into high gear), went bowling, visited the oldest state schoolhouse (a thrill for the two of us who are teachers), drove to a few little hick towns, an Indian burial site, and ate at HB's place, "It's all good food," says their sign, and it's no lie. Here's a snapshot of all of us from last year:

This year, we are having a small celebration, a house party really. However, Rachael received a waffle maker for her birthday from her mom, and we are going to try it out for dessert! Nothing like a sushi/waffle party combo to spell birthday, huh? ;) I'm thinking of it as a sort of "favorite things" party. =) Here is the recipe I'll be trying tonight, courtesy of Emeril Lagasse.

Gourmet Belgian Waffles:

• 2 cups cake flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups milk
• non-stick cooking spray

Step 1. Preheat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 2. In 1 medium bowl sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside Step 3. In a second bowl use the wooden spoon to beat together the egg yolks and sugar until sugar is completely dissolved and eggs have turned a pale yellow. Step 4. Add the vanilla extract, melted butter, and milk to the eggs and whisk to combine
Step 5. Combine the egg-milk mixture with the flour mixture and whisk just until blended. Do not over mix.
Step 6. In third bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form, about 1 minute. Step 7. Using the rubber spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the waffle batter. Do not overmix! Step 8. Coat the waffle iron with non-stick cooking-spray and pour enough batter in iron to just cover waffle grid. Close and cook as per manufacturer's instructions until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Serve immediately.

We are topping ours with powdered sugar, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and sliced strawberries - Hopefully, our waffle look this good when we're finished!



Yum! I'll let you know how it turns out... until then, happy waffle-ing!