Hazelnut Chocolate Sauce with Waffles

This delightful recipe combines the rich flavors of hazelnut and chocolate sauce with the crispy texture of waffles. A creation inspired by culinary genius Heston Blumenthal, it's a perfect treat for lazy weekend mornings or dessert indulgence. The smooth chocolate and hazelnut sauce effortlessly elevates the waffles, making each bite a decadent experience. The waffles feature a hint of spiced cookie flavor, adding an unexpected twist to this classic dish. Topped with the luscious sauce, these waffles are sure to impress your guests or loved ones. Perfect for those who appreciate the blend of sweet and nutty flavors, this recipe is both comforting and luxurious. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Furthermore, the recipe offers flexibility with various substitutions and pairings to suit different tastes. It's an exquisite dish that brings joy to the table and warmth to the heart.

Ingredients

For the Hazelnut and Chocolate Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 200g of peeled hazelnuts
• 3 teaspoons of icing sugar (containing cornflour for glazing)
• 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder
• 340g of milk chocolate
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

For the Waffles:

• 50g of finely crushed Speculoos or similar spicy cookies
• 30g of olive oil
• 250g of flour
• 2 eggs
• 20g of icing sugar
• 7g of baking powder
• 425g of milk
• 3 teaspoons of Speculoos powder

Preparation Time

90 minutes in total, including preparation and cooking.

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Hazelnut and Chocolate Sauce: Begin by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast them for about 10 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
2. Blend the Hazelnuts: Allow the hazelnuts to cool slightly before transferring them to a blender. Add the vegetable oil and process until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the milk chocolate over a pot of simmering water, stirring regularly to prevent burning.
4. Combine Ingredients: Once melted, add the cocoa powder, icing sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the chocolate. Stir thoroughly.
5. Mix the Sauce: Gradually combine the chocolate mixture with the blended hazelnuts until smooth and velvety. Set aside.
6. Prepare the Waffle Mix: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, crushed Speculoos cookies, baking powder, and Speculoos powder.
7. Beat the Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the olive oil and milk until well blended.
8. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
9. Add Icing Sugar: Fold in the icing sugar to add a slight sweetness to the batter.
10. Preheat the Waffle Iron: Set your waffle iron to the desired temperature according to the manufacturer's instructions.
11. Cook the Waffles: Pour the batter into the waffle iron and cook until golden brown and crisp.
12. Serve Warm: Place the waffles on a warm serving platter.
13. Drizzle with Sauce: Generously drizzle the hazelnut chocolate sauce over the waffles.
14. Garnish: Garnish with a sprinkle of icing sugar or cocoa powder, if desired.
15. Store the Extras: If there is any leftover sauce, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
16. Reheat: Gently reheat the sauce on the stove over low heat or in a microwave before serving next time.
17. Offer Additions: Feel free to serve with fresh fruit like strawberries or banana slices for added freshness.
18. Pair with Beverages: These waffles pair delightfully with a cup of rich coffee or a frothy cappuccino.
19. Additional Indulgence: For extra indulgence, serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
20. Enjoy: Finally, enjoy your delicious creation with friends and family!

Tips

• Substitutions: If Speculoos cookies are unavailable, any spiced biscuit will work.
• Texture: Adjust the waffle batter consistency by adding more or less milk.
• Nuts: For a crunchy texture, add chopped roasted hazelnuts on top.

Nutritions

• Calories: 450 per serving
• Protein: 8g
• Fats: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 50g

Variations

• Substitute almond or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Use dark chocolate for a less sweet sauce.
• Add cinnamon for a warmer flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of fresh strawberries or raspberries.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Drizzle with maple syrup for a traditional breakfast twist.

Best Places

1. Brunch & Bites - A cozy spot known for creative breakfast dishes. Location: Bourke Street, Melbourne, Australia.
2. Café du Monde - Renowned for its unique flavored waffles. Location: Decatur Street, New Orleans, USA.
3. Waffle House - A favorite spot offering a variety of waffle options. Location: Hanbury Street, London, UK.
4. Belgian Waffle House - Known for authentic Belgian waffles. Location: Rivoli Street, Paris, France.
5. Baker’s Waffle Shop - Popular for sweet and savory waffles. Location: Market Street, San Francisco, USA.
6. Vaffel Bistro - A Scandinavian-inspired café. Location: Karl Johans Gate, Oslo, Norway.
7. The Waffle Maker Cafe - Known for inventive waffle dishes. Location: Canal Street, Manchester, UK.
8. The Breakfast Club - A trendy spot offering delightful breakfast fare. Location: Dutch Heights, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
9. Fluffy’s Waffles - Offers a wide range of gourmet waffles. Location: Queen Street, Toronto, Canada.
10. Sweet Symphony Café - Known for dessert-focused waffles. Location: Orchard Road, Singapore.