RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Kentucky 'Nanners Foster Waffles

Waffles can be enjoyed at any time of the day. While traditionally breakfast fare, they can also be a sweet or savory dessert.

When waffles are paired with the flavors of a traditional Banana Foster dessert, they can be a decadent breakfast or an impressive evening treat. Enjoy this Kentucky 'Nanners Foster Waffles recipe from Lord Honey Traditional Southern Recipes with a Country Bling Twist (Pelican Publishing) by Chef Jason Smith. This recipe serves 4 to 6.

INGREDIENTS

Nonstick cooking spray

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup white sugar

1 Tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 1/2 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

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

Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. 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 it cook until golden brown and crispy. Repeat until all the batter is gone.

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

Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat to make the topping. 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 for 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 the banana sauce has thickened, spoon over ice cream and waffles. Repeat with remaining waffles.