Pumpkin Waffles with Apple-Cranberry Relish

Pumpkin waffles are terrific for fall and winter brunches. These are served with an apple-cranberry relish that features maple syrup and chopped pecans. Granny Smith or Braeburn apples work great!

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 1222 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 eggs
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup orange juice
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup canola oil
• 1 ½ cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 ½ cups low-fat buttermilk
• 3 large Granny Smith apples
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest (Optional)
• ¾ cup maple syrup, divided
• ½ cup butter, for serving

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions.

Step 2

To make the Apple-Cranberry Relish: Peel, core, and chop the apples into 1/4-inch pieces. Combine the chopped apples, 3 tablespoons butter, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, vanilla, orange juice, and 1/2 cup maple syrup in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Add the cranberries and cook 5-10 minutes until apples are tender and cranberries have softened.

Step 3

Remove apples and cranberries using a slotted spoon and set aside in a bowl. Simmer the apple syrup mixture until thick, about 8 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1/4 cup maple syrup. Add the pecans and orange zest (if desired) to the apple-cranberry mixture.

Step 4

Mix the eggs, buttermilk, canola oil, and pumpkin puree in a bowl, beating well. Combine the pastry flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Stir the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture and mix until thoroughly combined. The batter should be pourable; add a tablespoon more buttermilk if necessary.

Step 5

Cook waffles according to manufacturer's instructions. Serve hot, topped with butter and apple-cranberry relish, with spiced apple syrup on the side.