-
1
Preheat a waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions.
-
2
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl and set aside.
-
3
In a second bowl, use a whisk to beat together the egg yolks and sugar until sugar has dissolved and eggs have turned a pale yellow.
-
4
Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract and whisk to combine.
-
5
Add the flour mixture to the egg-milk mixture and whisk just until blended.
-
6
Do not overmix.
-
7
In a third bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form, about 1 minute.
-
8
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the waffle batter.
-
9
Don't overmix!
-
10
Coat the waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray, if required, and pour enough batter in the iron to just cover waffle grid.
-
11
Close and cook as per manufacturer's instructions until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.
-
12
In checking for doneness, open the waffle iron carefully and watch out for steam.
-
13
Do not open the waffle iron, though, for at least 1 minute.
-
14
Repeat cooking with remaining batter.
-
15
When each waffle is done, remove using either tongs or a fork.
-
16
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
-
17
Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and lightly toast in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes.
-
18
Remove from the oven and let cool, then coarsely chop.
-
19
Combine the butter, pecans, shallots and salt in a medium bowl and mix well with a rubber spatula.
-
20
Spoon the butter mixture into the center of a sheet of plastic wrap or waxed paper, forming a log about 1-inch in diameter.
-
21
Fold the wrap over the butter and gently push in and under to form a smooth cylinder.
-
22
Twist the ends to seal.
-
23
Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
-
24
(Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month.)
-
25
Slice and serve on top of the waffles with the candied bacon.
-
26
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a broiler pan with aluminum foil, and position broiler rack on top of pan.
-
27
Lightly coat the rack with the vegetable oil.
-
28
Combine the brown sugar and black pepper in a shallow dish, stirring to mix well.
-
29
Press 1 side of each slice of bacon firmly into the spiced sugar to coat well.
-
30
Arrange the slices of bacon on top of the broiler rack in a single layer, sugared side up.
-
31
If there is any sugar remaining in the dish, sprinkle it evenly on top of the bacon slices.
-
32
Bake until the bacon is crisp and the sugar is bubbly, 15 to 20 minutes.
-
33
Transfer to paper towels to drain briefly, then to a plate or serving dish to cool.
-
34
(Can be made several hours ahead) Serve warm or at room temperature.
