Waffles + Eggnog Butter

I am starting to go into freak-out mode. One of my favorite drinks to make during the holiday season is eggnog. A couple of weeks ago I had to miss my normal Monday girls' night, and I was appalled to hear that the girls had eggnog out of a container. Dr. Ash had never had eggnog before and I think she might be scared for life. Why am I freaking out? Well, I have the most amazing eggnog's recipe that calls for separating egg yolks from egg whites, a blender or mixer...I cannot find it anywhere!!! I'm thinking that I will probably just wing it and come up with my own little concoction from memory. So, since I haven't perfected it yet to share it, I will share another one of my eggnog flavored holiday treats. Eggnog butter adds such a simple holiday twist to your normal waffles. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Belgian Waffles with Eggnog Butter and Orange Syrup

Belgian Waffles

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tbsp. sugar

1 tsp. salt

1 (1/4 oz.) envelope active dry yeast

1 3/4 cups milk

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup butter, softened

3 large eggs

Stir together first 4 ingredients in a large bowl, set aside.

Combine milk, water and butter in a 4-cup glass measuring cup; microwave on high for a minute and a half.

Add milk mixture to dry ingredients alternately with eggs, beating at medium speed with an electric mixer just until dry ingredients are blended. Cover and chill batter 8 hours.

Pour batter, 1 cup at a time, into a preheated, oiled waffle iron; cook until golden. Yields 16 (4") waffles.

Eggnog Butter

1 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar

1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 tsp. rum extract

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Beat butter at high speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well. Stir in nutmeg and extracts. Cover and chill. Yields 1 1/4 cups.

Orange Syrup

1 cup pure maple syrup

1/2 cup orange marmalade

Combine syrup and marmalade in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until mixture comes to a simmer and marmalade melts, about 5 minutes. Yields 1 1/2 cups.