Fluffy Buttermilk Waffles

1. Preheat oven to 200°F. Place a wire rack in a large rimmed pan; set aside. Separate eggs, placing yolks in a medium bowl and whites in a small mixing bowl; set aside.
2. In a large bowl stir together flour, sugar, malted milk powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Make a well in the center; set aside.
3. Whisk buttermilk and vanilla into egg yolks until well combined; set aside.
4. Beat egg whites with an electric mixer on medium-high until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight).
5. Add egg yolk mixture to flour mixture; stir just until moistened (batter will be lumpy). Fold in beaten egg whites.
6. Spray grids of a Belgian waffle or regular maker with cooking spray; wipe off any excess. Preheat waffle maker to medium-high heat. Pour batter into waffle maker until almost full. Close lid and bake according to manufacturer’s directions until golden. (Do not open lid until done.) When done, use a fork to lift waffles off of grids. Transfer to wire rack in rimmed pan and keep warm in oven. Repeat with remaining batter, spraying grids with cooking spray between batches. Serve waffles with desired waffle toppings.

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Strawberry-Balsamic a la Mode

1. In a medium bowl combine aged balsamic vinegar and packed brown sugar. Add sliced fresh strawberries; toss until coated. Let stand at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours. Top each waffle with some of the strawberry mixture and a small scoop of vanilla-bean frozen yogurt. Drizzle with balsamic-berry juices and, if desired, garnish with mint. Makes 1 cup strawberry topping.

Blueberries with Lemon-Curd Mascarpone

1. In a small mixing bowl beat mascarpone cheese with an electric mixer on medium until softened. Add heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar. Continue beating until well combined. Fold in lemon curd. Top each waffle with a spoonful of the lemon-mascarpone topping and fresh blueberries. Makes 1¼ cups topping.

Peanut Butter-Banana

1. Spread each waffle with creamy peanut butter and top with banana slices. Drizzle with warmed chocolate ice cream topping and sprinkle chopped peanuts.

Spiced Cranberry Chutney and Citrus

1. Spread each waffle with cranberry chutney or preserves and top with sliced mandarins and raspberries. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and add a spoonful of crème fraîche.

Fried Egg with Prosciutto

1. Top each waffle with a sunny-side-up fried egg and thin slices of fried prosciutto. Garnish with fresh dill, if desired.

Grilled Pineapple and Caramel

1. Spray a cold grill pan with nonstick spray; heat over medium-high heat. Add fresh pineapple slices and cook on both sides until slightly charred. Halve the pineapple slices and toss with warmed caramel ice-cream topping. Top each waffle with caramel-coated pineapple and coconut chips.

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