Toasty Plum Pecan Waffles with Fresh Plums and Maple Syrup

1st Prize – Breakfast Category

Recipe created by Alexandra Jersyk Ricciuti, Dorchester, Massachusetts

Make It Special Chef Recipe Contest

Chef Quote: "I enjoy working with plums because of their versatility and their ability to pair with a wide variety of foods. This recipe brings out the diverse tastes of plums by using them both cooked and fresh." – Alexandra Ricciuti

(NC)—Made with juicy California plums, this recipe is a wonderful twist on a traditional waffle for breakfast or brunch. In the finished waffle, the diced plums become intense and jammy in flavor. Topped with fresh plums, toasted pecans and sweet maple syrup, these waffles are so easy to make and so delicious to eat.

Nutrition information per serving – PROTEIN: 9 grams; FAT: 19 grams; CARBOHYDRATE: 62 grams; FIBER: 2 grams; SODIUM: 55 milligrams; CHOLESTEROL: 185 milligrams; CALORIES: 363 calories.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped 1-1/2 cups flour 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons brown sugar 1-1/2 cups milk 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1 cup fresh California plums, any variety, diced (about 1/2-inch dice) Additional fresh California plums for slicing

Method:

Preheat waffle iron. Spread pecan pieces on a sheet pan in a single layer and toast in a 325º F oven just until they are lightly browned and aromatic. Spread on parchment or wax paper to cool.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and brown sugar, just to combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs and vanilla. Pour half of the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk; repeat with remaining half. Do not overmix. Stir in melted butter, then fold in diced plums and 1/2 cup toasted pecans. Spoon batter onto preheated waffle iron and cook until golden. Serve with maple syrup and garnish with fresh sliced plums and remaining toasted pecan pieces.

Makes 6 waffles.

For more recipes and information on California peaches, plums and nectarines, please visit www.eatcaliforniafruit.com.

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