Gooey waffles for breakfast or dessert

By Metro Creative

Waffles can be enjoyed any time of the day. While traditionally breakfast fare, waffles can be a sweet or savory dessert as well.

When waffles are paired with the flavors of a traditional Banana Foster dessert, they can be a decadent breakfast or impressive evening treat. Enjoy this recipe for “Kentucky “Nanners Foster Waffles” from “Lord Honey Traditional Southern Recipes with a Country Bling Twist” (Pelican Publishing) by Chef Jason Smith.

Kentucky ‘Nanner Foster Waffles

Serves 4 to 6

Nonstick cooking spray

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup white sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1½ cups milk, any variety

1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled

2 teaspoons vanilla

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Topping:

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 bananas, sliced thick

3 teaspoons bourbon

Favorite vanilla ice cream

Preheat a waffle iron, and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat oven to 170 F.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and milk. Add the butter, vanilla, and cinnamon, and whisk.

Add the wet mixture to the dry, and whisk until there are no lumps.

Scoop 1/2 cup batter onto the waffle iron, close the lid, and let cook until golden brown and crispy. Repeat until all the batter is gone.

Put the waffles on a sheet pan and place in preheated oven.

To make the topping, melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stir to combine, and cook for about 1 minute.

Add the sliced bananas and cook for a few seconds. Add the bourbon (or apple juice, instead), and cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often with a light hand so the bananas do not break up.

Meanwhile, place 1 to 2 waffles on a plate and top with a scoop of ice cream. Once banana sauce has thickened, spoon over ice cream and waffles. Repeat with remaining waffles.