Belgium Liège Waffles, also known as Gaufres de Liège, are a specialty from Liège in Eastern Belgium. Renowned for their dense, chewy texture and caramelized sugar coating, these waffles differ significantly from other types due to the use of pearl sugar, which creates their signature crunchy exterior. Originating in the 18th century, they were invented by the chef of the Prince-Bishop of Liège. The dough is made with yeast, providing a light interior, while the sugar creates a caramelized finish during cooking. Liège Waffles are enjoyed warm and often topped with whipped cream, fruit, or chocolate. Their rich texture and sweet flavor make them a popular treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

To make Belgium Liège Waffles, you will need the following

ingredients:

1- 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour

2- 1 package of instant yeast

3- 3/4 cup of warm milk

4- 2 eggs

5- 1/2 cup of melted butter

6- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar

7- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

8- 1/2 teaspoon of salt

9- 1 cup of pearl sugar

Instructions:

1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and instant yeast.

2- In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, eggs, melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.

3- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a sticky dough forms.

4- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

5- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

6- After 1 hour, gently fold in the pearl sugar, being careful not to overmix the dough.

7- Divide the dough into small balls, roughly the size of a golf ball.

8- Heat up your waffle iron and grease it with non-stick spray or butter.

9- Place the dough balls onto the waffle iron and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

10- Serve the waffles warm, either on their own or topped with whipped cream, fruit, or chocolate.

Notes:

1- Make sure to use pearl sugar in this recipe, as it is essential for achieving the classic Liège waffle texture.

2- The dough for these waffles is quite sticky, so it's important to knead it for long enough to develop the gluten.

3- Be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the pearl sugar, as this can cause the sugar to dissolve and the waffles to lose their signature texture.

Nutrition Value:

Here are the nutritional values for each of the ingredients listed:

1. All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups)

• Calories: 1020 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 216 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Fat: 3 g
• Fiber: 9 g

benefits:

• Energy Source: Provides carbohydrates, which are a primary energy source for the body.
• B Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin, which are essential for metabolism.

2. Instant yeast (1 package, about 7 grams or 2 1/4 teaspoons)

• Calories: 21 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 0.3 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g

benefits:

• Protein: Provides some protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
• B Vitamins: Rich in B vitamins, particularly B1, B2, B3, and B6, which help in energy production and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
• Probiotics: Can support gut health by introducing beneficial bacteria.

3. Warm milk (3/4 cup)

• Calories: 113 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Fat: 4.5 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:

• Calcium: High in calcium, which is crucial for strong bones and teeth.
• Protein: Provides high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Vitamins: Rich in vitamins D and B12, which support bone health and red blood cell formation.

4. Eggs (2 large)

• Calories: 144 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1.2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:

• Protein: High-quality protein source, important for muscle repair and growth.
• Vitamins: Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and B12, which support vision, immune function, and red blood cell production.
• Choline: Important for brain health and cell membrane integrity.

5. Melted butter (1/2 cup)

• Calories: 814 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Protein: 0.9 g
• Fat: 92 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:

• Fat: Provides essential fatty acids and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
• Vitamins: Contains vitamins A and D, which support vision and bone health.

6. Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)

• Calories: 194 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:

• Energy Source: Provides quick energy as it is easily converted to glucose in the body.
• Mood Enhancement: Can temporarily improve mood by increasing the release of serotonin.

7. Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)

• Calories: 12 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0.5 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:

• Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants that help protect against cell damage.
• Aromatherapy: The scent of vanilla has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.

8. Salt (1/2 teaspoon)

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:

• Electrolyte Balance: Essential for maintaining fluid balance and proper muscle function.
• Iodine (if iodized): Important for thyroid function and hormone production.

9. Pearl sugar (1 cup)

• Calories: 774 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 200 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:

• Energy Source: Like granulated sugar, it provides quick energy.
• Texture and Flavor: Adds a unique texture and sweet flavor to baked goods.

Total Nutritional Values

• Calories: 3092 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 482.7 g
• Protein: 50.9 g
• Fat: 109.8 g
• Fiber: 10.5 g

These values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients used.

Enjoy your homemade Belgium Liège Waffles!