Ina is QUEEN

Sorry Bey, I'm pledging allegiance to Ina from here on out. 

I took my new waffle iron on her maiden voyage today and decided that the only waffle fit for such a blessed event is a Barefoot recipe. Homegirl knows what's up. The best part about these waffles is that the batter is super easy to put together and is hard at work while you're asleep! 

(And trust me, you won't wake up to a scary giant batter-y yeast monster that's taken over your kitchen. A legitimate fear of mine. Debunked.)

Look at that. I made that junk. In all of it's perfect Belgian-ness. This recipe is everything.

Ina's Overnight Belgian Waffles

(makes 6-7 waffles)

You Will Need:

1/2 cup warm water (110-115 degrees)

1 package active dry yeast

2 teaspoons sugar

2 cups lukewarm whole milk (90-100 degrees)

1 stick unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for waffle iron

2 Tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 eggs

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

The night before, combine the water, yeast, and sugar in a very large bowl (the batter will expand overnight). Allow it to stand for about 5 minutes, until the yeast dissolves and the mixture has started to foam, which tell you the yeast is alive. Stir in the milk, butter, honey, vanilla, and salt. Add the flour and whisk until the batter is smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow it to sit overnight at a cool room temperature.

The next morning, heat a Belgian waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions and brush the top and bottom with melted butter. Beat the eggs together with the baking soda and whisk them into the batter until combined. Pour just enough of the batter onto the hot waffle iron to cover the grids (1/4 -1/2 cup each, depending on your waffle maker), close, and cook for 5-6 minutes on medium heat, until the waffles are golden brown. 

Repeat the process until all the batter has been used. Serve the waffles hot and topped with anything and everything!

I made a few plain, a chocolate chip, and a few banana walnut. All super crispy on the outside and pillowy on the inside! And the batter is not too sweet and a nice hint of salt, which makes it amazing with syrup or with something savory!

I did it all. :) 

I topped my banana and walnut waffle with more bananas, powdered sugar, bacon, and syrup. 

You guys had some awesome waffle ideas and I can't wait to whip up some of those combinations! (Everyone except for Yerin. You're the worst.)

Don't despair if you haven't entered yet! The deadline to comment is tonight at midnight for a chance at your very own one of these waffle makers! Comment HERE.

And for those of you who won't enter because you've got one (or two!) waffle makers already hidden in the deep dark corners of your kitchen - this recipe is definitely worth busting it out for!

Have a great weekend!