Aunt Mary's Yeast Waffles

Light as air, but rich with deep, buttery flavors....

What a vacation thrill to wake up to a plate of my Aunt Mary's yeast waffles, loaded with fresh berries and topped with maple syrup and whipped cream. The toasty, sweet smell of the batter escaped in bursts of steam from the waffle maker, filling the air, making just sitting in the kitchen feel like an act of indulgence.

These waffles are curiously light, the yeast creating lovely nooks that fill with hidden syrup. Each bite yields a wondrous flavor and texture of buttery, lightly crisped dough followed by bursts of sweet maple. Balanced by the tartness of fresh berries, it was breakfast perfection on a plate. Since they feel like eating the most delicious air you'll ever breathe, my only warning is that you won't be able to eat just one.

If you're actually able to hold off (doubtful, but good luck), my Aunt Mary pointed out (as I questioned her every culinary move that morning) that since the waffles are more savory than sweet, they can be used as the base for dinner, as well. Perhaps topped with melted Swiss and ham, or a juicy cut of chicken. Just a couple of ideas... Regardless, you'll want to keep this recipe close. Although my Aunt Mary lives in California, we'll be connected coast to coast as long as this recipe is in my box... And since I plan for it to stay there, it looks like we'll be permanently connected, just like family should be.

Yeast Waffles:
Ingredients:
2 cups milk
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon white sugar
3 cups sifted unbleached all-purpose flour
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Directions
1.Warm the milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles, then remove from heat. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
2.In a large bowl, combine milk, yeast mixture, butter, salt, sugar and flour. Mix thoroughly with rotary or electric mixer until batter is smooth. Cover and let stand at room temperature overnight.
3.The next morning, stir beaten eggs and baking soda into the batter; beat well.
4.Spray preheated waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray. Pour mix onto hot waffle iron. Cook until golden brown.
Aunt Mary's recipe originates from Allrecipes(dot)com