Crispy Waffles with Salted Caramel Coulis

Ingredients

• For salted caramel coulis:
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 water
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon fleur de sel or kosher salt
• For waffles:
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, slightly cooled
• Peanut oil, slightly cooled
• Confectioner's sugar, for serving

Directions

1. For the coulis, put the sugar and water into a heavy medium saucepan. Set it over medium-low heat and stir until the sugar has melted into the liquid. Turn up the heat and let the syrup boil, without stirring, until it reaches a dark amber shade, using a damp pastry brush on the pan sides now and then and gently tilting the pan to move the syrup around, about 10 minutes. Pour in the cream, knowing it will foam up dramatically, then stir over low heat until any firm caramel pieces melt back in. Take the pan off the heat, then mix in the butter and salt. Pour the caramel into a small pitcher or bowl and let it cool.
2. For the waffles, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl with a whisk. In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour the wet mixture into the large bowl with the dry ingredients, then whisk until the batter is smooth.
3. Warm the waffle iron as directed by the manufacturer, using medium-high heat. Lightly coat the grids with peanut oil. Add enough batter to each section to cover it well, using a generous 1/2 cup for a grid that measures 4 1/2 by 3 1/2-inch, then nudge it evenly across the surface with an offset spatula. Close the iron and cook until each waffle is crisp and browned on both sides, 5 to 6 minutes.
4. Slice each waffle in half into rectangles or triangles. Arrange the waffles on 4 plates, sprinkle them with confectioners' sugar, and spoon the coulis over the top. Serve with the remaining salted caramel coulis alongside.