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.
Prep Time::20 mins
Cook Time::20 mins
Total Time::40 mins
Servings::5
Yield::5 waffles
Ingredients
2 eggs, separated
¼ cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
¼ cup water
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup buttermilk
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
1 pinch salt
Directions
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.
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.
Preheat a waffle iron according to the manufacturer's directions.
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.
Cook's Note:
Almost all Scandinavian specialty shops carry both vanilla sugar and nonstick heart-shaped waffle irons. If vanilla sugar is not available, vanilla extract may be substituted.