CRISPY WAFFLES WITH SALTED CARAMEL COULIS

Steps:

• make salted caramel coulis
• Combine the sugar and water in a heavy medium saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat and boil without stirring until the syrup is a deep amber color, occasionally brushing down the sides with a wet pastry brush and swirling the pan, about 10 minutes.
• Add the cream (mixture will bubble vigorously) and stir over low heat until any caramel bits dissolve. Remove from the heat. Stir in the butter and salt. Transfer the caramel to a small pitcher or bowl. Cool.
• make waffles
• Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl to blend. Whisk the milk, eggs, and melted butter in a medium bowl to blend. Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients in the large bowl and whisk until batter is smooth.
• Heat a waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions (medium-high heat). Brush the grids lightly with peanut oil. Pour enough batter onto each waffle grid to cover generously (heaping 1/2 cup batter for an 4 1/2 by 3 1/2-inch grid); spread evenly with an offset spatula. Close the waffle iron and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp on both sides, 5 to 6 minutes.
• Cut each waffle in half, forming either rectangles or triangles. Divide the waffles among 4 plates. Dust with confectioners' sugar and drizzle with the coulis. Serve waffles, passing remaining salted caramel coulis separately.
• Special equipment: Waffle iron