Belgian Waffles

Before starting this Belgian Waffles recipe, make sure you have organised all the necessary ingredients.

In a mixing bowl, tip the flour and shape it into a fountain.

Crumble the fresh yeast in the hole...

... and pour the lukewarm milk.

Combine with a spoon to dilute the yeast.

Add the eggs and vanilla sugar.

Combine with a spatula, gradually incorporating the flour.

When half of the flour is incorporated, add the salt. The salt should not come into direct contact with the yeast. The yeast would lose its rising properties.

The dough should be thick and homogeneous.

Cover with cling film...

... and let the dough rise in a warm room for about 30 minutes.

Knock the dough back with your hand.

Transfer the dough into the stand mixer bowl.

Add the pearl sugar...

... and combine with the dough hook. It is essential that you use sugar crystals.
The sugar should not melt in the dough, but it will caramelize on the surface while cooking.

Add the softened butter.

Combine until homogeneous.

Turn the waffle maker on and grease the plates with a brush.

Place a generous tablespoon of dough on each plate.

Close the waffle maker and cook for about 3 minutes. Stream might be coming out while cooking, this is completely normal. Make sure you grease the plates and you follow the cooking time mentioned above to ensure an easy release of the waffles.

Open the machine and remove the waffles, using the tip of a knife.
Drizzle some icing sugar over the waffles before serving. Enjoy!