Spiced yogurt waffles with toasted-pecan maple syrup

Yogurt gives waffles a rich texture and a slightly tangy flavor, which is complemented here by warm spices. Whipped egg whites folded into the batter ensure light, tender results.

Like Parmigiano-Reggiano, Grana Padano is a well-aged, semi-fat, hard cheese made from cow’s milk. To be labeled as Grana Padano, like Parmigiano-Reggiano, the cheese must be made in certain areas of northern Italy, following strict quality guidelines, and aged for a considerable amount of time (up to 18 months). Grana Padano tends to have a milder flavor and less grainy texture than Parmigiano Reggiano

SERVES: 8

INGREDIENTS:

• 9 oz. (2 cups) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 11/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp. ground cloves
• 11/2 cups plain full-fat or low-fat yogurt
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs, separated
• 3 Tbs. vegetable oil; more for the waffle iron
• 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. PREPARE: Heat the oven to 200°F and heat a waffle iron, preferably a Belgian-waffle iron.
2. MIX DRY INGREDIENTS: In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. MIX WET INGREDIENTS: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, milk, egg yolks, vegetable oil, and vanilla.
4. BEAT EGG WHITES: In a medium bowl, with a wire whisk or electric hand mixer, beat the egg whites to soft peaks.
5. MIX BATTER: With a spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the yogurt mixture until just combined (the batter should be a little lumpy). Fold the whipped egg whites into the batter until just incorporated.
6. COOK WAFFLES: Brush the waffle iron with a little vegetable oil. Working in batches, cook the batter in the waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions until crisp and golden. Set the waffles directly on the oven rack to keep warm. Do not stack them.
7. MAKE SYRUP: Meanwhile, in a 2-quart saucepan, warm the maple syrup over medium heat. Stir in the pecans and keep warm.
8. SERVE: Serve the waffles with the syrup.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 330 Calories
• 6g Protein
• 52g Carbs
• 11g Total Fat
• 2.5g Sat Fat
• 5g Mono Fat
• 3.5g Poly Fat
• 50mg Chol
• 280mg Sodium
• 2g Fiber