Belgian-Style Waffles with salted caramel coulis

Crisp on the outside, tender on the inside; waffles make any meal, whether it be breakfast or dessert a tasty one. Especially when paired with a sweet salted caramel coulis and maybe a little scoop of ice cream, it can take your waffles from good to great!

Belgian-Style Waffles(makes around 6 waffles)

• 1 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs, separated

• 1 tablespoons sugar

• 1 cups whole milk

• 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Nonstick cooking spray

Salted caramel coulis

· 1/2 cup sugar

· 1/4 cup water

· 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

· 3 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon fleur de sel or coarse kosher salt

Directions for Salted Caramel Coulis

1. Combine sugar and 1/4 cup water in heavy medium saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves.
   
   
2. Increase heat and boil without stirring until syrup is deep amber color, occasionally brushing down sides with wet pastry brush and swirling pan, about 10 minutes.
   
   
3. Add heavy whipping cream (mixture will bubble vigorously). Stir over low heat until any caramel bits dissolve.
   
   
4. Remove from heat. Stir in unsalted butter and fleur de sel or coarse salt.
   
   
5. Transfer caramel to small pitcher or bowl. Cool. Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Stir over low heat just until warm enough to pour before using

Directions for Waffles

1. Preheat a waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl and set aside.
   
   
3. In a second bowl, use a whisk to beat together the egg yolks and sugar until sugar has dissolved and eggs have turned a pale yellow.
   
   
4. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract and whisk to combine. Add the flour mixture to the egg-milk mixture and whisk just until blended. Do not overmix.
5. In a third bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form, about 1 minute.
6. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the waffle batter. Don't overmix!
7. Coat the waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray, if required, and pour enough batter in the iron to just cover waffle grid.
8. Close and cook as per manufacturer's instructions until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. In checking for doneness, open the waffle iron carefully and watch out for steam. Do not open the waffle iron, though, for at least 1 minute. Repeat cooking with remaining batter. When each waffle is done, remove using either tongs or a fork.
9. Top with coulis, you can also add a scoop of ice cream or some fresh fruit.