~ Strawberry Topping for Waffles ~

Strawberry Topping :

Ingredients:

1 pound fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions:

Slice strawberries in 1/4-inch slices and place in mixing bowl.

In a saucepan combine sugar, orange juice and orange zest; bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir with a wooden spoon to dissolve sugar.

Once syrup is at a rolling boil, remove from heat and pour over sliced strawberries. Let sit while cooking waffles. Serve over waffles.

Waffle Recipe :

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, separated
2 tablespoons sugar
2 cups whole milk
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions:

Heat a waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions.

Sift flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

In a second bowl, use a wooden spoon to beat together egg yolks and sugar until sugar is dissolved and eggs have turned a pale yellow.

Add milk, melted butter and vanilla to eggs and whisk to combine.

Add flour mixture to egg-milk mixture and whisk just until blended . Do not over mix.

In a third bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form, about 1 minute.

Using a rubber spatula, gently fold egg whites into waffle batter. Don't over mix!

Coat waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray if required and pour enough batter in the iron to just cover waffle grid.

Close and cook as per manufacturer's instructions until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. (Do not open waffle iron for at least 1 minute). To check if the waffles are done, open the waffle iron carefully and watch out for steam.

Repeat cooking with remaining batter. When each waffle is done, remove using either tongs or a fork. Don't forget to turn off waffle iron when all waffles are done.

Serve immediately with 1/4 cup of the Berry Topping spooned over each waffle.