Valentine's Day Brunch: Liege Waffles

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Confession: David and I are not really into Valentine's Day.

Other confession: We are really into hanging out and eating good food together without our kiddos around. We love our children (oh yes we do) but we loved each other first. Sometimes you need to take a minute to remember that, Valentine's Day or not.

Since Valentine's Day is on a Saturday this year, you know getting into a restaurant--even with a reservation--is going to be a nightmare. Finding a sitter that evening is not going to be easy either. So here's our plan: romantic brunch at home.

One of us will get these liege waffles started while the other drops the girls off somewhere (either a friend's house for a play date or grandma's because grandma is awesome). Then we'll have the whole house and a big batch of tasty waffles all to ourselves! I truly can't remember the last time I saw David by daylight without kids climbing all over one or both of us. I hear he's pretty cute, though.

Long overdue day date FTW.

Liege waffles are perfect for a date, too, because they're dense and decadent, customizable (his and hers toppings!), and they feel extra special because they take some time and effort to make. Waiting for yeast dough to rise? That's love.

And can we take a minute to talk about the various "butters" I keep buying to try out? Nutella is marvelous, of course, but I'm really digging this Simple Truth cookie butter. I've had the vanilla and the almond kind and both are phenomenal. It's the Kroger organic brand; I got mine at Fry's.

Wanna have a liege waffle brunch of your own? You'll need some Belgian Pearl Sugar, shown above, which is inexpensive but not usually available in grocery stores. I order it from Amazon in quantities I'm embarrassed to admit.

Scramble some eggs and fry up some bacon if you want to round out the sweetness with something savory. Or, you know, just go for the waffles. It's hard to go wrong when breakfast foods are involved.

Liege Waffles

Some notes before you start: 

Even though you'll only get half a dozen or so in one batch, you'll likely have leftovers. They're quite heavy. Don't worry, though; they freeze well. The recipe takes about an hour and a half from start to finish, so plan your date accordingly. I'm sure you can think of something to do while you wait! (Insert winky face here!)

The milk should be warm enough to soften the yeast but not so hot that it kills it. Think hot shower temperature: hot, but comfortable enough to keep your finger in. I microwaved mine for about 35 seconds which was about perfect.

Since all waffle irons are different, I can't really say exactly how hot or for how long you should cook your waffles. We set ours (which is an older version of this Waring Pro Belgian waffle maker) to medium and guesstimate how long to leave the batter in. Longer is better, as it allows the pearl sugar to melt and crystallize.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm milk
1/2 teaspoon salt 
3 cups flour
3 eggs
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, very soft
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup Belgian Pearl Sugar
your favorite waffle toppings

Directions:

Place milk in a small bowl and stir in yeast. Let sit until milk is frothy, about ten minutes.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine salt and 1 cup of flour. Add milk and mix on low. Add in one egg at a time, mixing thoroughly before adding the next. Add butter and vanilla. Add remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time, beating on medium low until all ingredients (except pearl sugar) are combined and the batter is smooth.

Cover with a clean dish towel and let rise in a warm place until double in size.

Heat up your waffle iron. Fold Belgian pearl sugar into the batter until fairly evenly dispersed. Spoon onto a hot waffle iron and cook until done. Remove carefully, as melted sugar is VERY hot. Serve with desired toppings.

Looking for some other ways to do Valentine's Day at home? Here are more great ideas from some of my favorite bloggers:

A Romantic Night in France by Camille from Friday We’re in Love 

Panang Curry and Chocolate Croissants by Kayla from Freckles in April 

South of the Border Valentine’s by Deidre from Deidre Emme 

Tortilla Soup and Cheddar and Chili Cornbread by Alex from Ave Styles 

A Comfort Food Valentine’s by Abbey from Along Abbey Road

Valentine’s Breakfast by Janssen from Everyday Reading 

A Manly Valentine’s Meal by Amberly from A Prioritized Marriage 

What about you? Any big plans for V-Day?