Belgian Waffles Defined

• Despite their name, Belgian waffles are an American invention. These tasty waffles are fluffier and crisper than traditional waffles, in part because of the addition of beaten egg whites folded into the batter. Belgian waffles are cooked on a Belgian waffle maker, which has deeper pockets and higher sides than other waffle irons. The deep pockets hold syrups and sauces especially well for a satisfying breakfast.

Pumpkin Waffles

• You can -- and should -- add pumpkin to Belgian waffles, not only during the fall, but at any time of the year. Add about 1 cup pumpkin puree for every 2 cups of flour to a typical Belgian waffle recipe. Whisk the pumpkin with other wet ingredients, such as egg yolks, milk or buttermilk, before you fold it into the dry ingredients. You may need to reduce the amount of milk you use so the batter isn't too wet. It should have a consistency between pancake batter and muffin batter. Be sure to use canned pureed pumpkin, rather than canned pumpkin pie filling, which contains milk and spices.

Spice It Up

• The addition of pumpkin to a waffle recipe completely changes its character, so add some complementary spices and seasonings. Use a bit more sugar than you normally would to offset the vegetable taste of the pumpkin. Add the spices you use when making pumpkin pie or pumpkin bread, such as ginger, nutmeg, cardamom or cloves. You can also add a few chopped pecans or apples for added texture and flavor.

Over the Top

• Pumpkin Belgian waffles are a special treat and they deserve a special topping. Heat maple syrup with a spoonful of pumpkin puree, cinnamon or orange juice, or top the waffles with whipped cream flavored with maple syrup or nutmeg. Make homemade apple syrup by combining apple cider with a little cornstarch. Heat it to a boil to thicken it.