Good Night Waffles

1. 1/2 cup lukewarm (105F) water
2. 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
3. 21/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 yeast packet)
4. 2 cups whole milk, warmed (about 105F)
5. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
6. 1 teaspoon salt
7. 2 cups all-purpose flour
8. 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
9. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
10. 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

The night before, or at least 8 hours before baking, combine the warm water, granulated sugar and yeast. Let stand 10 minutes, until foamy. Stir in the warm milk, melted butter and salt. Beat in the flour until smooth; (this may be done using a hand mixer on low speed).

Wrap bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let stand overnight (or for 8 hours) on the countertop – do not refrigerate.

When ready to bake, preheat your Waring Pro Belgium Waffle Maker on setting # 4 or preferred setting; (green indicator light will be illuminated when preheated)

While the waffle maker is heating, stir the eggs, vanilla extract and baking soda into the batter. Use measuring scoop to measure out batter. Pour onto waffle grids. Use a heat-proof spatula to spread the batter evenly over the grids. Close cover and rotate 180 deg to the right. Bake in the hot waffle maker until beeper sounds. Rotate 180 deg to the left. Remove waffle and repeat with remaining batter. Waffles may be kept warm in a slow (200F) oven. Place waffles arranged on a cookie sheet on a rack in the oven. Serve with sliced fresh fruit, jam, powder sugar, a warm fruit syrup, yogurt, or whipped cream.