Pumpkin Oat Waffles

I like to think that every season has its flavor.  The indisputable flavor leader for fall is pumpkin.  And for good reason.  Pumpkin goes with everything!  Most of the pumpkin goodness you’ll find in stores and restaurants is loaded with calories and sugar.  If you’re looking for festive flavors without the guilt, try this one on for size!

Pumpkin Oat Waffles

Ingredients:
1 1/2 large bananas (or 2 small ones)
1/2 c pure pumpkin (not pie filling)
1/4 c almond milk
1/2 Tbsp vanilla
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1/2 Tbsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp allspice
1/8 tsp ginger
3 c rolled oats

Directions:
Preheat waffle iron.  Mash together bananas and pumpkin in mixing bowl.  Stir in almond milk and vanilla.  Add spices and oats and stir thoroughly.  Spoon batter into pre-heated waffle iron, close lid and run for normal cycle.  When cycle is complete, lift lid to check for doneness.  All irons vary and your preference for texture will vary as well.  On mine I like to heat about 2 minutes longer than the standard cycle so they’re a bit firmer and have a little crunch on the outside when you cut into it.

Toppings suggestions:
blueberries and raspberries
chopped mango
chopped pineapple
applesauce
diced apples and cinnamon, sauteed on the stovetop for 10 minutes while waffles are cooking
apple butter
pumpkin butter
I made too large a batch the first time I was experimenting with this recipe.  So, I mixed in some raisins, scooped some balls of dough onto a nonstick pad, and dehydrated for a couple hours.  I ended up with some amazing pumpkin raisin cookies for my daughter.  They came out fabulous!   A perfect, easy to pack healthy treat.  Tastes like a cookie but packs a nutritious punch!