{photo credit: FoodNetwork.com}

So, Cute Kid is a complete waffle addict. "Waffle" was even one of her first words. Shelooooooves waffles. So, in planning Cute Kid's Friday birthday, David and I have decided that waffles will definitely be on the menu.

Now, these can't be just any old waffles. It's her birthday! They have to be fantasticwaffles. I found this recipe on FoodNetwork.com and think it's the winning recipe. Perhaps you should try them too.

Pumpkin Waffles with Maple Walnut Apples

• 1 cup cake flour
• 1/4 cup wheat germ
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup melted shortening (transfat-free)
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg white

Topping:

• 2 to 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 crisp apples, peeled and sliced thinly
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts

Directions:

Special equipment: standard 4 x 4-inch waffle iron

For the waffles: Preheat a waffle iron to medium heat.

Whisk the flour, wheat germ, sugar, baking powder, spice and salt together in a large bowl.

Beat together the milk, pumpkin, melted butter, and melted shortening, egg and egg white, in a large measuring cup. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Whisk together to make a slightly lumpy batter.

For the topping: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the apples and let cook until slightly browned, but still crisp, about 4 minutes. Add the maple syrup and walnuts and toss to coat.

Pour and spread about 1 cup batter into the waffle iron. Cover and cook until crisp and a rich golden brown, about 7 minutes. (Try to resist the temptation to open the waffle iron too soon. Steam will puff out of the iron while the waffles cook, when this stops the waffle is cooked.) Repeat with the remaining batter. Serve hot with the apples.

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Let me know if you try them out! Ciao!