Pumpkin Waffles

Beer and waffles.  This was a treat to look forward to whenever a co-worker in Honolulu had a new batch of his home brew ready to try.  In the spirit of those gatherings, and to compliment Ross' Pumpkin Spice Ale, may I present...

Pumpkin waffles.

Smitten Kitchen is another food blogger I love to follow, though I do not often use her recipes.  That may change in the near future.  These waffles a little more time consuming to make if you are used to the Bisquick variety, but trust me, these are well worth it.  Once the batter is made, making the waffles is a breeze.  I did purchase a waffle iron for the sole purpose of this recipe, by the by.  Be sure to take the time to condition your iron BEFORE your first waffle attempt is poured onto the hot griddle surface.

adapted from the amazing recipe at Smitten Kitchen

Yields a lot of waffles

The Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
2 1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
4 large eggs, separated
2 cups buttermilk, well shaken
1 cup pumpkin puree, canned or homemade
6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Vegetable oil or cooking spray for brushing waffle iron

The Process:
Preheat oven to 250°F and preheat waffle iron.

Sift together flour, brown sugar, baking powder and soda, salt, and spices. Whisk egg yolks in a large bowl with buttermilk, pumpkin, and butter until smooth. Whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

In a mixing bowl with a whisk attachment, or by hand with a strong wrist action, whisk the egg whites until they hold soft peaks.  Fold the whites gently into the waffle batter, until just combined.

Brush or spray the waffle iron lightly with oil and spoon batter (amount varies depending on waffle iron) into waffle iron, spreading quickly. Cook according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Transfer waffles to rack in oven to keep warm and crisp. Make more waffles in same manner.

The Review:
An amazing aroma overtook the entire house while I made these.  All breakfast and baked goods and pumpkin pie spiced....

If you like a good homemade Belgian waffle, dig in.  Just a little bit of butter goes a long way to supplement these spice laden grids.  Wiped cream, syrup, powdered sugar could all be used to dress these up, but I found them divine on their own.  Light and fluffy in the center.  Crisp on the edges. Full of wonderful fall flavor. And what a pairing with Ross' ale! 

Beer and Waffles live on!