Zazi Waffles with Caramelized Pecans

Source: Zazi, San Francisco, California - San Francisco Chronicle - August 15, 2001

1/2 cup warm water (about 110 degrees F)
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
2 cups milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon hazelnut extract
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
2 eggs
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

The Pecans
Oil for pan
2 cups pecan halves
1 tablespoon water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Maple syrup

Combine the water and yeast in a large bowl. Set aside for about 5 minutes, until the yeast dissolves and the mixture is foamy.

Add the milk, flour, butter, vanilla extract, salt, hazelnut extract and sugar to the yeast mixture. Stir to blend. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let stand overnight at room temperature.

Heat your waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions. Just before cooking the waffles, whisk the eggs and the baking soda into the yeast mixture.

To prepare the pecans: Oil a large baking sheet. Combine the pecans, water and sugar in a large saut