What are Belgian Liége Waffles?
What if I don't have a Belgian Waffle Iron?
What can I do with leftover Waffles?
How should I serve my Belgian Liége Waffles?
What are Belgian Liége Waffles?
Liége or Sugar waffles are sister to the more common Brussels waffle. The Brussels waffle usually served with syrup or other toppings is typically served for breakfast. The Liége waffle is made from a yeast-based dough similar to a bread dough. The special imported pearl sugar (shown in the window of the package) is the secret ingredient. The pearl sugar gives the waffles their unique caramel coating. Once the pearl sugar hits the waffle iron it melts and creates pockets of melted sugar and the caramelized coating. Named after the city in Belgium where invented and have been made for hundreds of years.
Preparation Tips
You are probably expecting this mix to make a batter. Nope. You will be making a bread dough. That's what makes the Liége waffle so different. Once the dough is prepared it can be divided into 2-4 ounce patties and frozen. Uncooked dough may be frozen for up to 2 weeks. Then thaw and cook as normal. Try different sizes waffles. For snacking anytime of day a 2 ounce (about 1/4 cup) waffle is filling. Think of them like a cookie – take and eat. It's important not to take the waffles out of the iron with your hands. Use a tongs or forks to pickup waffle and place on cooling rack. The sugar is very hot and can cause burns.
I don’t have a Belgian waffle iron.
A traditional waffle iron works well too. Generally you would use about 2 ounces of dough instead of 3-4 ounces. If you have a round Belgian waffle iron we also recommend a smaller amount of dough, approximately 2 ounces in each section. Experiment with your iron and how much dough works well. We have even made very small, bite size waffles that are great snacks for kids.
Have leftover cooked waffles?
They freeze very well. Wrap in plastic or freezer wrap and pop in the freezer. To warm try the microwave (15-45 seconds – depending on your microwave) or toaster oven. The toaster also works well if you have a wide slice toaster. You may also warm them in your waffle iron for 30 seconds.
How should I serve them?
Trolley Waffles™ don’t require any syrup. The pearl sugar takes care of that! What can you try? Your imagination is the only limit. Some great tips for a truly unique dessert:
That wonderful smell!
When cooking these waffles be warned that the fabulous smell will linger for hours or days! People have been known to knock on doors to find out where the smell is coming from.
How long will they last?
Should you have any leftovers, they can remain on the counter for 2-3 days. Do not wrap tightly or they may get soggy. They may be eaten at room temperature or warmed (see notes above).
Why Liége Waffles?
Our family had two exchange students from Brussels, Belgium. They are truly part of our family. After visiting them in Belgium they wanted to share their wonderful culture and food with us. Of course that meant a trip to their Grand Place (or downtown square) for a true Belgian waffle. We were immediately hooked! Such a unique food we wanted to share it with friends and family at home. Thus Grand Place Bakery was born. After months of research and taste testing (thanks kids!) we produced what we think is a pretty authentic Liége waffle.
Gift Ideas
Have a friend or family member who loves to cook and is always looking for something new or different to try? The Liége waffle is a truly unique dessert and snack. A great stocking stuffer. Combine with a waffle iron for a wedding or house warming gift. The Trolley Waffle™ Liége Gourmet Waffle Mix is easy to make and requires only common add-in ingredients.
Call Rick Napurski at (763)463-9335 or email us at Rick@GrandPlaceBakery.com
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