Gingerbread Waffles with Apples and Caramel

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar, divided
2 teaspoons ground ginger, divided
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
2 large eggs, separated
2 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup butter, melted and divided
1 (28-ounce) jar fried apples
1 (12-ounce) jar caramel sauce, warmed
Garnishes: whipped cream, toasted chopped pecans, ground cinnamon

COMBINE first 3 ingredients, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ginger, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a large bowl. Stir together yolks, buttermilk, and 1/4 cup butter; add flour mixture, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened.

BEAT egg whites at high speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form; fold into batter.

BAKE in a preheated, oiled waffle iron until golden.

COOK apples and remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ginger, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until thoroughly heated. Serve waffles with apple mixture and warm caramel sauce; garnish, if desired.

Yield: 12 (4-inch) waffles.

AUTHOR: BJ