Galentine's Day and Fun Mother's Day Brunch Waffle: Shatter Crisp

Instructions:

1. Combine the 2 cups strawberries, 1 cup raspberries, and 1 cup blueberries in a bowl. Toss with 2 tbsp maple syrup and 1 tsp lemon zest. Let this sit at room temperature while you make the batter; the syrup will draw out the juices, creating a velvety natural sauce.
2. In your largest bowl, whisk together 2 cups all purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp fine sea salt. Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds to ensure the cornstarch is evenly distributed through the flour.
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups room temperature buttermilk, 2/3 cup melted butter, 2 egg yolks, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste. Ensure the butter isn't hot enough to cook the yolks.
4. Using your electric mixer, beat the 2 egg whites in a clean bowl until stiff peaks form. They should hold their shape when you lift the beaters. This is the secret to the airy center of the and Fun Mother's Day Brunch Waffle Bar Idea with Fresh Berries.
5. Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir with a spatula until just combined. Gently fold in the whipped egg whites using a cut and turn motion. Stop as soon as no large white streaks remain; lumps are perfectly fine.
6. Pour roughly 1/2 to 3/4 cup of batter into your preheated iron. Close the lid and cook for 4-5 minutes until the steam stops billowing. The lack of steam is your signal that the moisture has evaporated, leaving a crispy shell.
7. Immediately move the hot waffle to a wire cooling rack. Never stack them! Stacking traps steam, which turns your crispy masterpiece into a soggy mess within seconds.
8. Serve warm with a generous ladle of the macerated berries and perhaps a dollop of whipped cream for the full Brunch Waffle Bar Idea with Fresh Berries experience.