Recipe for Orange Pecan Waffles With Orange Maple Syrup

Orange Pecan Waffles With Orange Maple Syrup

Ingredients

For The Waffles:
.....1/2 cup pecans, toasted lightly and cooked
.....1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
.....2 tablespoons sugar
.....4 teaspoons double acting baking powder
.....1/2 teaspoon salt
.....2 teaspoons freshly grated orange rind
.....2 large eggs
.....1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter, melted and cooled
.....1 1/2 cups very fresh seltzer or club soda

For The Orange Maple Syrup:
.....1 cup maple syrup
.....1/4 cup fresh orange juice

.....1 pound breakfast sausage links, cooked according to package instructions, as an accompaniment
.....Decorative orange slices for garnish if desired

Preparation

Make the waffles: In a blender or food processor grind the pecans with the flour, the sugar, the baking powder, and the salt until they are very finely ground and transfer the mixture to a large bowl. The pecan mixture may be prepared up to this point 1 week in advance and kept tightly sealed in an airtight container or plastic bag and chilled. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the rind. In a small bowl whisk together the eggs and the butter, add the mixture to the pecan mixture with the seltzer, and stir the batter until it is just combined. Heat a well seasoned or non stick waffle iron until it is hot, brush it lightly with the oil, and pour the batter onto it, using about 1/2 cup of the batter for each 7 inch round waffle. Cook the waffles according to the manufacturer's instructions, transferring them as they are cooked to a baking sheet and keeping them warm, uncovered, in a preheated 250 degree oven.

Make the orange maple syrup while the waffles are cooking: In a small saucepan combine the maple syrup and the orange juice, heat the mixture over moderately low heat, stirring, until it is hot, and transfer it to a small pitcher.

Arrange the waffles, separated into sections, on a heated platter with the sausage links, garnish the platter with the orange slices, and serve the waffles with the syrup.

Yield: Makes about 6 waffles