Apple Buttermilk Waffles with Apple Bourbon Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup bourbon
• 2 cups unsweetened apple sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cups pastry flour
• 1 cup cake flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
• Pinch nutmeg
• 4 eggs separated
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tarter
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1/2 cup whole milk yogurt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large hard apples (shredded on a box grater) such as Granny Smith, Cortland, Fuji, etc. (We used Fuji)
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Place all of the sauce ingredients in a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Remove from heat.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, mix both flours, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg and whisk to combine.

3. 3

   In two medium bowls separate eggs.

4. 4

   In the bowl with the whites, add cream of tarter and beat to soft peaks with a hand mixer. Set aside.

5. 5

   In the bowl with the yolks, add buttermilk, yogurt, butter and vanilla and whip.

6. 6

   Stir the shredded apples and stir.

7. 7

   Heat Belgium waffle maker and spray top and bottom with pan spray.

8. 8

   Stir the bowl with the apples into the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula. Do not over mix, just enough to combine.

9. 9

   Gently fold the egg whites into the mixture.

10. 10

    When the waffle iron is hot, add two cups of batter and close the lid.

11. 11

    Because the apples are wet and will steam when they cook, it is important to cook the mixture a few minutes longer than the timer on the waffle iron. Ours took a total of seven minutes per batch to cook, steam and then crisp up. (OK to lift for a peak at six minutes but be careful). Ours steamed for five minutes and once the steam stopped, I let them cook for two more minutes for a total of seven minutes.

12. 12

    Serve hot with the apple bourbon sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.