Ham and Cheese Waffles

The recipe came from Bon Appetit - with a few changes from me. One by accident - the others by choice. I am not a baker, so was prepared to never ever attempt this again! But these are SO GOOD ! The waffles turn out light and fluffy - the salty ham, the sweet maple syrup - Heaven on a plate ! In my Belgian Waffle Maker I get 6 waffles.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 3⁄4 cups whole wheat flour
• 1  tablespoon Splenda sugar substitute
• 2  teaspoons baking powder
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1  teaspoon kosher salt
• 3  large  egg whites
• 3  large  egg yolks
• 1  cup butter, melted (2 sticks, I use Brummel and Brown Yogurt Butter Blend)
• 1  cup buttermilk (I use Cultured Buttermilk Blend powder )
• 3⁄4 cup water
• 1  tablespoon ham, cut into thin small strips
• 1  tablespoon cheddar cheese, shredded (I used Mexican Blend )
•  vegetable oil cooking spray
• 1  cup maple syrup (or about 1/4 cup per serving )

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F
2. Heat waffle iron until very hot.
3. Whisk 1 3/4 cups flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt in a large bowl.
4. Using an electric mixer, beat 3 large egg whites in a medium bowl until medium-soft peaks form.
5. Whisk 3 large egg yolks, 1 cup melted butter, 1 cup buttermilk, and 3/4 cup soda water in a medium bowl; gradually whisk into dry ingredients.
6. Fold in egg whites. Add ham and cheese to mixture.
7. Coat waffle iron with nonstick vegetable oil spray.
8. Pour batter onto iron, spreading it into corners - careful to not overflow.
9. Cook until golden brown and cooked through.
10. Transfer to a baking sheet; keep waffles warm in oven between batches. Serve with butter and warm maple syrup.
11. NOTE: Top each waffle with more ham and cheese to serve.