Authentic Liege Waffles

1In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (½ cup) and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar (⅓ cup), and salt (½ teaspoon).

3Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the frothy yeast mixture, eggs (3 large), melted butter, and vanilla extract (1 teaspoon).

4Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.

5Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.

6Once the dough has risen, gently fold in the Belgian pearl sugar (1 cup) until it is evenly distributed.

7Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions and lightly grease it with oil.

8Divide the dough into portions (about 8-10 pieces, depending on the size of your waffle iron).

9Place a portion of the dough in the preheated waffle iron and cook until the waffle is golden brown and the pearl sugar has caramelized, about 3-5 minutes.

10Carefully remove the waffle and let it cool on a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining dough portions.

11Serve the Liege waffles warm, plain, or topped with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or chocolate syrup.