Pecan Waffles With Roasted Pecan and Banana Syrup

This was one of Emeril Lagasse's recipes, but he has since changed it. I love this version! I make it every year for Christmas, and my family looks forward to it. It is pretty easy to make, and I use my Belgium waffle maker, with the crisp option. It is so bad for you, but it is worth the splurge once in a while.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 4-6
• Yields: 4-6 waffles

Ingredients

• 2  cups all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 cup  ground lightly toasted pecans
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 4  eggs, separated
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1⁄2 cup  melted butter, plus
• 1⁄2 cup  cold butter, cut into pieces
• 2 1⁄2 cups milk
•  vegetable oil or   nonstick cooking spray, for coating the waffle iron
• 1  cup pecan pieces
• 1⁄2 cup  cane syrup or 1⁄2 cup corn syrup
• 4  medium bananas, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices

Directions

1. Preheat the waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions and preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
2. Combine the flour, pecans, baking powder and salt in a medium mixing bowl and whisk to combine. In another bowl, combine the egg yolks and sugar and whisk until pale yellow. Add the vanilla extract, 1/2 cup melted butter, and milk, and whisk to blend. Combine the egg and milk mixture with the flour mixture and whisk until just combined. Do not over mix.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, about 1 minute. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the waffle batter. Do not over mix.
4. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the waffle iron with some of the vegetable oil Or use the spray. Pour enough batter into the iron to just barely cover the waffle grid (or follow the manufacturers directions). Close the waffle iron and cook according to manufacturer's instructions, or until golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while you prepare the remaining waffles.
5. In a saute pan, add the remaining 1/2 cup of butter and the pecan pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pecan pieces are light golden and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the banana slices and cook until light golden and soft, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the syrup and bring to a simmer. Serve with the warm waffles.