Pecan Waffles with Roasted Pecan and Banana Syrup

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/3 cup ground pecans
• 1/3 sugar
• 1 tablespoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 egg whites
• 1 cup pecan pieces
• 2 whole bananas, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 2 1/2 cups maple syrup

Directions

In a mixing bowl combine flour, pecans, sugar, baking powder and salt. In another bowl beat the egg yolks and vanilla slightly. Beat the milk and 1/2 cup melted butter into the egg mixture. Fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture. Stir until combined yet still slightly lumpy. In a small bowl beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold beaten egg whites into batter, leaving little fluffs of egg whites. Pour 1 cup batter onto grids of a preheated, lightly greased waffle iron. Close lid quickly: do not open during baking. Bake according to the manufacturer's directions for the waffle iron. In a saute pan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add the pecan pieces and saute until golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the banana slices and syrup and bring the liquid to a simmer.