Dark Chocolate Waffles with Strawberries

1/2 c. butter, melted
1/4 c. sugar
2 eggs, separated
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
3 oz. bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled
1-1/2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt (optional)
1/2 c. milk or 3/4 c. buttermilk
Powdered sugar
Fresh strawberries, sliced and sweetened

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar. Add the egg yolks, vanilla and cooled chocolate. Mix well.

In separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt, if using.

Add the flour mixture to the chocolate mixture alternately with the milk, blending well with each addition. (If using buttermilk, which is thicker than milk, use a little more if necessary, to thin almost to a pouring consistency.) With an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff. Fold them into the batter.

Place about 1/3 cup batter in a hot waffle iron, close the cover and bake until the steaming stops; these waffles are dark so don't judge doneness by the color. Serve sprinkled with powdered sugar and topped with strawberry slices.

Makes 5 to 6 waffles.

AUTHOR: Mai