By Rodney Bowers

1 L whole milk, at room temperature
375 mL sparkling water, at room temperature
1 1/2 tbsp yeast
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup brown butter, melted
2 tsp vanilla or your choice of flavoured rum
3 eggs, separated
1/3 cup sugar
pinch salt

1. Whisk together sugar and milk.
2. Float yeast onto milk and let stand for 10-15 min someplace warm (not hot).
3. In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolks, rum and brown butter; once yeast has frothed, add egg mixture to milk and yeast. Add sparkling water.
4. Beat egg whites to stiff peaks and set aside in the fridge.
5. Sift together flour and salt; incorporate with liquid until batter just comes together; let stand for 10 minutes.
6. Gently fold in egg whites and let stand 15-20 minutes before cooking.
7. Grease waffle iron; cook waffles according to appliance instructions. Serve with lots of syrup, butter and your choice of toppings or alongside fried chicken—southern style!