Scandinavian Sweetheart Waffles

Step 1
Place egg yolks into a large mixing bowl with white sugar; beat until light and frothy. Mix in vanilla sugar and water until evenly combined; stir in 1/2 of the melted butter, 1/2 of the buttermilk, and 1/2 of the flour. When mixture is smooth, mix in remaining butter, buttermilk, flour, cardamom, and salt; beat again until smooth.

Step 2
In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer until they form stiff peaks; gently fold egg whites into batter, incorporating as much volume as possible.

Step 3
Preheat a waffle iron according to the manufacturer's directions.

Step 4
Spoon about 1/3 cup of batter into the preheated waffle iron, close the lid, and cook until the waffle is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove waffle to a plate. If using a heart-shaped iron, break the waffle into individual hearts to serve. Repeat with remaining batter.