Vanilla Bean Belgian Waffles with Whipped Cream and Strawberries

I bought Randal a waffle maker for Christmas last year, and this was one of the first waffles I tried making. I obviously need more practice because they are not pretty waffles, but they did taste good!

1 1/2 cups whole milk

1 vanilla bean

2 pints strawberries, stemmed, cored and sliced

7 tbsp sugar

3 large eggs, separated

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

 

In a small pan heat the milk over medium heat until bubbles form around the edges. Remove from heat, split the vanilla bean in half and scrape the vanilla into the milk, add the pod and let stand for 1 hour.

 

In a medium bowl mix together the sliced strawberries and 4 tablespoons of the sugar, leave for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

 

Preheat a Belgian waffle maker.

 

In the bowl of an electric mixer, whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar and whisk until stiff peaks.

 

Remove the vanilla pod from the milk, and place the milk into a medium bowl, slowly whisk in the egg yolks and butter.

 

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder and salt, pour in the milk mixture and gently fold in the egg whites.

 

Ladle the batter into the waffle maker, 3/4 cup per waffle. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.  Top with the strawberries and whipped cream.