Apple Pecan Waffles with Cinnamon Vanilla Syrup

The basic waffle recipe is from Alton Brown. (my food hero!) However, I have tweaked it just a bit, and added my own ingredients to "gourmet" it up. Seriously, it doesn't get any more delicious than this on a Saturday morning!

Apple Pecan Waffles
Basic Waffle Recipe (Alton Brown)

1 C. all-purpose flour
1/C. whole-wheat flour, (I used reg. flour- makes the waffles a bit lighter and fluffier, but less healthy)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3 Tbsp. sugar
3 whole eggs, beaten
2 Tbsp.unsalted butter, melted
2 C.buttermilk, room temperature
Vegetable spray, for waffle iron (I brush Crisco on the iron instead. Makes it a little more crispy.)

Erin's Add-ins:

1 C. chopped pecans
1 C. chopped dried apples
2 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. cinnamon

Directions
Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer's directions.


In a medium bowl whisk together the flours, soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another bowl beat together eggs and melted butter, and then add the buttermilk. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until combined. *add pecans and apples, cinnamon and vanilla* Allow to rest for 5 minutes.


Ladle the recommended amount of waffle batter onto the iron according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Close iron top and cook until the waffle is golden on both sides and is easily removed from iron. Serve immediately or keep warm in a 200 degree F oven until ready to serve.
*Serve with Cinnamon Vanilla Syrup, and sprinkle chopped pecans and a few chopped apple pieces on top when serving.


Cinnamon Vanilla Syrup (by Erin Taylor)

in a saucepan, combine:
2 C. granulated sugar
1/2 C. corn syrup, light
1/2 C. (1 stick) butter
2 C. water
1 tsp. cinnamon
pinch of salt

bring to boil using a candy thermometer to the Syrup stage (or until it thickens- about 4 minutes). Remove from heat and add 1 tsp. vanilla.

Stir in 2 Tbsp. heavy cream just before serving (optional)

Keep left over syrup in refridgerator.