Waffles with baked figs and macadamia nut praline

Method

1. Set the oven to 140C/gas 3.

2. To make the waffles, sieve the dry ingredients together in a bowl, and then use a balloon whisk to gradually mix in the eggs and milk.
2. Whisk in the water, followed by the melted butter.

3. Heat the waffle machine and brush it with vegetable oil or butter. Spoon in three tablespoons of the mixture, close the lid and cook until it is golden brown on both sides. Use this first waffle to gauge the amount your particular machine needs. It could need more than three tablespoons to cover the cooking surface completely. Adapt the quantity used and continue until all the mix has been used. Keep the cooked waffles warm in the oven.

4. For the praline, place the sugar and water in a pan and boil until golden. Remove from the heat and add the nuts.

5. Pour the mixture onto a greased baking sheet and set aside until the mixture is cold and brittle. Break up into small pieces using a rolling pin.

6. To make the syrup, place the wine, sugar and maple syrup in a pan and reduce to a syrup consistency. Test the sweetness and adjust if necessary.

7. Make an incision in the figs with a sharp knife. Do not cut all the way through.

8. Place one teaspoon of mascarpone into the incision. Bake in the oven for five minutes or so, until soft.

9. Place a warm waffle in the centre of each of four plates. Arrange the figs on the waffle, drizzle with the syrup and sprinkle a generous amount of praline on top. Serve immediately.