Cornmeal Waffles with Chili con Queso

These crunchy (and filling) waffles are made with cornmeal. They are served with a super-simple and slightly spicy chili con queso dip. Either ladle the dip on top or separate the waffles into sections and dunk.

Makes: 6 to 8 servings

1 3/4 cups buttermilk

2 large eggs

5 tablespoons, melted

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup yellow cornmeal

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon table salt

For chili con queso:

1 package cream cheese

1/2 cup chipotle salsa

1 8-ounce can diced, fire-roasted tomatoes

1 cup cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

Dash of cayenne pepper

Salt, to taste

Candied jalapeño peppers, for garnish, to taste

1. Make waffle batter: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs and melted butter or oil.

2. In a separate bowl, blend together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add to bowl with wet ingredients and stir just to combine.

3. Let batter sit for 10 minutes to allow cornmeal to soften.

4. While batter is resting, make queso. In medium saucepan, combine cream cheese, salsa, tomatoes, shredded cheddar, chili powder, cumin and a dash of cayenne pepper.

5. Stir to combine and cook over low heat until cheese melts, stirring constantly. When cheese is melted, add salt to taste and keep warm while you make the waffles.

6. Ladle enough batter onto a hot waffle iron to cover nearly to the sides, spreading with a rubber spatula. (My waffle iron took about 1 cup.) Cook until steam stops seeping from the iron.

7. Serve waffles with a

lot or a little queso on top. If desired, sprinkle with chopped cilantro and candied jalapeño peppers.

— Recipe adapted from kingarthurbaking.com

Breakfast Waffles with Cinnamon Apples

Apples paired with cinnamon create the perfect topping for a sweet fall waffle dish. Whipped cream is optional.

Makes: 6 to 8 servings; about 2 cups

2 tart apples

2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus a pinch more for garnish

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 cup maple syrup

Whipped cream, for garnish, optional

1 buttermilk waffle recipe

1. Wash, peel and dice apples.

2. Place diced apples on the stove top in a sauce pan on a medium heat. Add water, butter, cinnamon and nutmeg. Bring to a low simmer for 3 minutes, stirring often.

3. Add maple syrup and stir. Remove from heat.

4. Serve on top of waffles with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

— Recipe by Gretchen McKay