Countess of Chocolate Waffles With Whipped Cream Recipe

Directions:

1. WHIPPING CREAM: Using an electric beater, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Beat in the cocoa powder, sugar (and liqueur if using.).
2. Cover and refrigerate until needed. Best to prepare the whipping cream just before serving the waffles.
3. WAFFLES: Preheat waffle iron. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and the salt.
4. Over low heat in a small saucepan, combine the chocolate, brewed coffee, butter and instant coffee powder. Stir ingredients until melted and blended. Be careful not to burn the mixture! Remove pan from heat and cool slightly.
5. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, milk and cooled chocolate mixture. Set aside.
6. In a medium sized bowl beat the egg whites until stiff and glossy peaks form. Gradually add the egg yolk/milk mixture to the dry ingredients and mix **just** until blended. DO NOT overmix. Gently fold in the egg whites.
7. Pour approximately 1 cup of the waffle batter into the preheated waffle iron. (Less batter if you have a small waffle iron.) Close lid and cook until waffle is crisp, about 4 minutes total.
8. Remove the cooked waffles to a warming tray and continue with remaining batter until all waffles are baked.
9. Serve immediately, topped with a dollop of the whipping cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a garnish of 1 or 2 mint leaves.