Belgian waffles became popular during the 1964 World’s Fair in New York, where they were served topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, as they are here.
Strawberry Topping:
4 cups sliced strawberries
½ cup fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon sugar
Belgian Waffles:
1 cup cake flour
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1½ teaspoons baking powder
¾ teaspoon baking soda
1½ cups sour cream
3 large eggs, separated, at room temperature
3 tablespoons butter, melted
Seeds of I vanilla bean or I teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Cream Topping:
1 cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Prepare the strawberry topping: In a medium-size nonreactive bowl, combine the strawberries, orange juice, and sugar. Let stand at room temperature until ready to use.
Prepare the waffles: Preheat the oven to 200°F. Preheat a Belgian waffle iron. In a medium-size bowl, sift together both flours, the sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
In another medium-size bowl, whisk together the sour cream, egg yolks, butter, and vanilla bean seeds. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring with a few quick strokes to form a lumpy batter.
In another medium-size bowl, using an electric mixer set at high, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Using a rubber spatula, gently and thoroughly fold the egg whites into the batter.
Lightly grease or spray the grids of the waffle iron. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, or spoon about ⅓ cup batter (amount varies with size of iron) onto the hot iron and spread it almost to the corners of the grids. Close the lid and bake for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown, their edges look dry, and they do not stick to the grids. Transfer the baked waffles to the oven, placing them directly on the rack so they will stay crisp. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Prepare the cream topping: In a medium-size bowl, using an electric mixer set at medium-high, beat the cream with the vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Transfer the waffles to warmed serving plates and top each serving with the strawberries and whipped cream. Makes 8 to 10 waffles.