Perhaps there is no such sweet tooth who would not like sweet, crunchy, with a slight vanilla note, waffles. We have known this delicacy since childhood, they were baked by our mothers and grandmothers, with cream and condensed milk - we ate waffles for both cheeks. But this sweetness was invented, we hasten to disappoint you, not at all in Russia, but in Europe, in the Middle Ages. Then the waffles were available except to kings and nobles and were considered an exquisite and expensive delicacy. Nowadays, on the contrary, the recipe for making waffles is known to every caring hostess.
There are many varieties of waffles, the shape, taste and method of preparation of which are different from each other, but they are united by one thing - their alluring crunch will not leave anyone indifferent. Almost every country has its own national recipe for making waffles and a little secret that makes this delicacy special. For example, in Austria, waffles are a symbol of Christmas. Therefore, on the eve of and during this holiday, the Austrians bake their famous Viennese waffles, the recipe of which is passed on from generation to generation. At almost every step at this time, you can buy and taste a sweet crispy waffle, sprinkled with honey or chocolate. The main feature of Viennese waffles is their large size and soft consistency. Also in Austria, it is customary to make wafer pies, soaking them with cream-chocolate filling.
It’s not at all difficult to make Viennese waffles, the recipe of which we will give below. The main thing is to feel and plunge into the atmosphere of Austrian national traditions, which we will try to do.
So, to prepare a portion of Viennese waffles, we will definitely need:
- flour, about 300 grams;
- 100 grams of sugar;
- 400 milliliters of warm milk;
- baking powder for dough, 1 teaspoon;
- melted butter, 50 grams;
- 3 eggs;
- powdered sugar;
- vanillin;
- salt, one pinch.
Mix flour with baking powder. Separate the whites from the yolks. Beat the yolks with milk, sugar, vanilla and melted butter thoroughly and add to the flour. Mix. Then, beat the whites in a very dense foam and add half to our dough, mix. Then add the remaining proteins and bring the dough to a homogeneous consistency, not too thick. Let the dough stand for a while, and at this time, thoroughly heat the waffle iron. Viennese waffles - a recipe that is perfect for both a romantic breakfast and a hearty children's meal, turn out to be unusually delicate and fragrant. Serve them with a ball of creamy ice cream, fresh berries, sprinkle with powdered sugar and pour over chocolate.
In Belgium, sweet waffles are prepared in a slightly different way, bringing their national characteristics to the traditional recipe. Wafers are baked in a special waffle iron with a recess and are thick, but incredibly soft and tender. For example, in Liege waffles, the recipe of which will delight all lovers of this delicacy, sugar crystals are specially added, which crunch on your teeth and give wafers an exquisite taste.
To prepare these wonderful Belgian waffles, we need specially prepared rich yeast dough. Mix a packet of slightly melted butter with flour and dry yeast. Beat 2 eggs with salt, a glass of sugar and vanilla. Mix everything, pour a glass of warm milk and add cinnamon. Let the dough stand for about half an hour.
Then add the sugar crystals and mix. Form small balls from the dough and bake in a waffle iron until golden. When serving, sprinkle with powdered sugar and grated almonds, pour over chocolate.
But in the capital of Belgium, in Brussels, the so-called Brussels waffles are baked, their consistency and preparation are very similar to the Viennese waffles, the recipe of which we have reviewed, and to our brothers from Liège.
Despite the variety of recipes and additives, waffles remain waffles - sweet, crunchy and insanely delicious. Try and discover recipes from other countries, experiment and be inspired by exquisite culinary creativity.