Not just for breakfast, these hearty cheddar waffles with a savory herb-infused maple syrup are great for dinner.

Cheddar Waffles with Savory Syrup

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large egg yolks
1/2 cup melted butter
1 1/2 cups whole, low-fat or skim milk
1 cup ( 4-ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3 large egg whites

 

Savory Syrup:

1 cup maple syrup
1 whole bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon ground thyme

1. Preheat a Belgian or standard waffle iron. Preheat oven to 200ºF to keep waffles warm before serving.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt into a mixing bowl.
3. In another bowl, combine egg yolks, melted cooled butter and milk. Stir liquid and dry ingredients together and add cheese.
4. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff and fold into batter until barely blended.
5. Spoon batter into waffle iron covering about two-thirds of the grid surface. Cook according to manufacturer's instructions. Place waffles into heated oven uncovered until ready to serve.
6. For Savory Syrup: Place above ingredients in a heavy saucepan, stir and heat until boiling. Lower heat and simmer about five minutes. Remove bay leaf and pour syrup over waffles.

Makes 6 servings.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of the American Dairy Association.