Birthday Cake

These
waffles make my house smell like fall and that makes me happy.  I love that the smell seems too linger all
day.  My favorite way to eat these waffles are with caramelized apples and
apple cider syrup.  Sadly, I am the only one in my family that likes (loves)
them this way (they are totally missing out)!  The rest of my little family pours maple or brown sugar
buttermilk syrup on top.  (Preston likes chocolate chips stirred into the
batter before they are cooked.)  Whichever way you like them, they are
delicious and the perfect way to start a cool fall morning.

Pumpkin
Waffles

1
1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1
1/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/3
cup packed brown sugar

2
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1
teaspoon baking soda

1/2
teaspoon salt

2
teaspoons ground cinnamon

1
teaspoon ground ginger

1/2
teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2
teaspoon ground allspice

1/4
teaspoon ground cloves

4
large eggs, room temperature

1
cup whole milk, room temperature

1
cup buttermilk, room temperature

1
cup pumpkin puree

6
tablespoons melted coconut oil or butter

Caramelized
apples (recipe follows)

Apple
cider syrup (recipe follows)

Preheat
oven to 250 degrees F and preheat waffle iron.

Sift
together flours, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices.

Whisk
eggs in a large bowl until blended, then whisk in milk, buttermilk, pumpkin,
and coconut oil until smooth.  Whisk in dry ingredients just until smooth.

Spray
waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray and pour batter into waffle
iron.  Cook according to manufacturer's instructions.  Transfer
waffles to rack in oven to keep warm and crisp.  Serve with caramelized
apples and apple cider syrup.

Recipe
adapted from Epicurious

Caramelized
Apples

2
tablespoons butter

2
tablespoons pure maple syrup

2
apples, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes or thinly sliced

Pinch
of salt

Squeeze
of fresh lemon juice (optional)

Melt
butter in a medium sized skillet over medium heat.  Add maple syrup,
apples and a pinch of salt to the pan.  Sauté the apples, stirring
frequently, until they are just tender.  Remove from heat and add a squeeze
of fresh lemon juice for brightness, if desired.  Serve over waffles (or
oatmeal or ice cream)

*If
I thinly slice the apples, I don't always peel them.

Apple
Cider Syrup

1/2
cup granulated sugar

1/2
cup brown sugar

2
tablespoons cornstarch

1
teaspoon ground cinnamon

2
cups apple cider or natural apple juice

2
tablespoons lemon juice

1/2
teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons butter

In
a saucepan combine sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, apple cider and lemon
juice.  Bring mixture to a boil.  Remove from heat and add butter and
salt.  Serve warm.