Space-Age Out-Of-This-World Moon Waffles

A Baking with Babish recipe inspired by The Simpsons.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

IN A small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.

Step 2

Swirl and shake the pan continuously until the milk fats begin to brown. You should see some little brown particles in the butter.

Step 3

Measure out 1/4 cup of the brown butter and set aside for the batter.

Step 4

Pour the rest of the brown butter into a ramekin and reserve for serving. (The butter will solidify as it cools.)

Step 5

IN A large saucepan, bring ½ cup water and the sugar to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 6

Stir gently, making sure the sugar doesn't stick to the sides of the pan. Bring the mixture to 350°F.

Step 7

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat the cream to almost boiling.

Step 8

Very carefully pour the cream into the sugar mixture, ¼ cup at a time-the caramel will bubble up and double in size.

Step 9

Whisk over low heat and add the vanilla, if desired.

Step 10

Remove from the heat, transfer to a heatproof bowl, and set aside to cool and thicken.

Step 11

IN A medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 12

In another medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, buttermilk, and the reserved ¼ cup brown butter until well combined.

Step 13

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk gently to combine.

Step 14

IN A separate medium bowl, using a handheld mixer, whip the egg whites on medium-high speed until they hold stiff peaks.

Step 15

Carefully fold the egg whites into the batter until fully incorporated; do not overmix.

Step 16

HEAT AN 8-inch round waffle iron and generously spray with cooking spray.

Step 17

Pour about ¾ cup of the batter into the waffle iron and spread it evenly.

Step 18

Cook according to the manufacturer's instructions until golden brown.

Step 19

SLICE THE waffle into quarters and arrange it guests (or just yourself).

Step 20

Hit it with a dollop of the reserved brown butter, a drizzle of the caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of smoked sea salt and serve.