Debbie Timmermans and her family moved from Belgium to Boulder City just about eighteen months ago, and in that short period of time, they’ve started two successful businesses here in town. Debbie is the owner of Debbie’s Waffles and we spent some time with her recently to discuss her latest enterprise.
Debbie has always loved to bake. She says that is the way she shows others that she cares about them. It’s not unusual to find her in her kitchen, KitchenAid stand mixer humming in the background, making something fabulous for her family. Her skill at baking quickly developed into a cottage business that sells authentic Belgian waffles. I’m sure most of our readers are familiar with the American version of the Belgian waffle. It’s made from unleavened batter, similar to pancake batter. That is more correctly described as a “Brussels waffle” Debbie tells us. What she bakes up are Liège style Belgian waffles. Liège is another city in Belgium, located along the Meuse River where you will find mostly French and Dutch speaking persons and a lot of French influence in the food.
A Liège waffle is quite different in texture and taste than what most of us are used to. For one thing, it’s baked with yeast! That gives a rich, carmalized texture that holds up well when topped with fruit and whipped cream, or spreads like Nutella. She also uses specially imported Belgian pearl sugar, which is incorporated after the brioche dough has a chance to rise. Pearl sugar is exactly as it sounds; the pieces are larger bits of compacted sugar that don’t readily melt. The difference can be tasted in the waffles as tiny bits of sugar explode in your mouth with every bite. The waffles are crisp and sweet and oh so yummy! We can attest to this personally! It will truly transform your thinking about what constitutes a Belgian waffle! This is a special recipe from Debbie’s family.
Debbie’s business is a cottage business, meaning she makes her delicious waffles in her inspected and approved kitchen at home. Therefore, everything is fresh and every detail is attended to. The waffles measure about four and half inches in diameter and are typically packaged in groups of five waffles per package. This is the perfect amount for an afternoon snack with friends, perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea. This is how the waffles are typically consumed in Liège, although you could certainly eat them for breakfast too. They are somewhat reminiscent of a very special donut and are delicious plain.
Debbie worked for fourteen years as a nurse midwife for fourteen years, before moving to the United States and tells us she loved her job. She’s in the years’ long process of transferring her license from Europe to Nevada, but that is a lot of work and red tape. In the meantime, she’s delighted to bring her unique product to Nevada. She is the only business in Nevada that sells actual Liège style Belgian waffles. We are so lucky she and her family decided to set up shop here! Debbie hopes to eventually open a food truck where she can serve customers hot off the iron waffles with their choice of toppings at our local special events here in town.
Debbie is happy to take custom orders for events like weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, and the like. Your guests will be delighted to try something new and delicious. You can reach her to place orders by emailing HERE or calling her at 702-506-2957. A package of five waffles is only $10 and it will be the best money you’ve ever spent on waffles, trust us! You can taste the love in every bite.
You can find her business on Facebook HERE and Instagram HERE.
Supporting Debbie in her business is her husband, Wouter Vanvinckenroye, and their two sons, Emiel, 13, and Bram, 11. They are always available to try new recipes and eat up any leftovers! Her husband owns All Around Welding here in Boulder City and the family stays busy with both businesses and their regular family life. They’ve enjoyed getting to know their new home in the desert and like to frequent Lake Mead and the Colorado River in their off time.
You may have seen Debbie at the Boulder City Farmer’s Market, on the first and third Fridays of the month at BC Home Church (Assembly of God) at 1100 Buchanan Boulevard. The market is open from 10:00AM to 2:00PM. They currently offer indoor shopping for the comfort of shoppers in the heat of the day. We told you more about that HERE.
Please be sure to treat yourself to Debbie’s Waffles soon! It’s a delicious way to have a real taste of Belgium and try something new and yummy!
