Spiced Waffles with Sauteed Pears

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 4 firm-ripe pears (about 2 lb.), peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch wedges
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Preparation

1. 1. In a pan over low heat, melt 4 Tbsp. butter. In a bowl, mix flour, 2 Tbsp. brown sugar, baking powder, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, allspice, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and salt. In a smaller bowl, whisk milk and egg. Add milk mixture and 3 Tbsp. melted butter to flour mixture; stir until well blended.
2. 2. Preheat oven to 200ºF. Warm a 6-inch nonstick waffle iron; brush with 1 Tbsp. melted butter. Spoon in 1/2 cup batter; spread evenly. Cook until golden brown and firm, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer waffles to a plate and keep warm in oven. Cook remaining waffles.
3. 3. Melt remaining 1 Tbsp. butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add pears and sprinkle with lemon juice, remaining 2 Tbsp. brown sugar and 1/4 tsp. cinnamon. Cook, stirring gently, until juices are caramelized and pears are tender, 3 to 4 minutes.
4. 4. Transfer waffles to 4 serving plates and top with pears. Serve immediately.