Scandinavian Sweetheart Waffles

Heart-shaped waffles are a traditional treat throughout Scandinavia, made crisp in Sweden and soft-textured in Norway. Topped with jam or berries and whipped cream, or wafer-thin slices of gjeitost (Norwegian brown goat cheese), they're a favorite with coffee or as a snack. This recipe is my adaptation of Norwegian-style waffles served by my friends Megan and Sverre in Trondheim, Norway.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Calories: 288 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup water
• 1 pinch salt
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
• 2 eggs, separated
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat a waffle iron according to the manufacturer's directions.

Step 2

Place egg yolks into a large mixing bowl with white sugar; beat until light and frothy. Mix in vanilla sugar and water until evenly combined; stir in 1/2 of the melted butter, 1/2 of the buttermilk, and 1/2 of the flour. When mixture is smooth, mix in remaining butter, buttermilk, flour, cardamom, and salt; beat again until smooth.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer until they form stiff peaks; gently fold egg whites into batter, incorporating as much volume as possible.

Step 4

Spoon about 1/3 cup of batter into the preheated waffle iron, close the lid, and cook until the waffle is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove waffle to a plate. If using a heart-shaped iron, break the waffle into individual hearts to serve. Repeat with remaining batter.