Pumpkin waffles with apples and walnuts in maple syrup

Ingredients:

Waffles

• 1 tbsp. confectionery flour
• 1/4 cup wheat germ
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp fine salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup melted shortening
• 1 egg category CO
• 1 egg white, CO category

Filling

• 2 firm apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2-3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 tbsp. natural maple syrup
• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
• Additional equipment: waffle iron for standard-sized waffles (10x10 cm)

Preparation:

1. Prepare the waffle batter: In a large bowl, combine flour, wheat germ, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spices and salt.
   
   In a large measuring cup, whisk together the milk, pumpkin, melted butter, melted shortening, egg, and egg white. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the liquid ingredients. Mix until a batter with small lumps forms.
2. Prepare the filling: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the apples and cook until lightly browned but still crisp, about 4 minutes. Add the maple syrup and walnuts and stir well.
3. Preheat waffle iron to medium heat.
   
   Pour about 1 cup of batter into the waffle iron and spread it around. Close and cook until richly golden brown and crispy, about 7 minutes. (Try not to lift the waffle iron too quickly. While the waffle is cooking, steam will be escaping from the waffle iron. When there is no more steam, the waffle is ready.)
   
   Make waffles with the remaining batter. Serve hot with apples.