Coconut Flour Waffles with Caramelized Banana and Toasted Pecans

I’m kind of struggling with this “season change” thing. As in, I don’t believe it’s ever going to happen. You know I’m a summer girl through and through but just like I refuse to turn the heat on until it gets really cold, I typically refuse to run the AC beyond mid-September. Things have changed. I’ve run the AC almost every night this week so I can sleep comfortably.

All complaints aside, this breakfast feels like the perfect transition from light summer breakfasts to heavier winter ones. And it uses one of my newest loves, coconut flour. I picked up a bag on sale at Whole Foods last week and as it turns out, it can be used to make a delightful waffle.

Coconut Flour Waffle with Caramelized Banana and Toasted Pecans

serves 1 or 2 for a lighter meal

Ingredients:

• 1/4 c coconut flour
• 4 eggs (I used 4 ‘eggs’ worth of Ener-g Egg Replacer)
• 1/3 unsweetened almond milk
• 1 T cinnamon
• 1/4 t nutmeg
• 1/4 t baking soda
• 2 packets Stevia (or you can use sugar… this is optional)
• 1/2 t coconut extract (optional)
• 1 very ripe banana
• 1 t coconut oil
• 1/8 c whole pecans
• 1 T shredded unsweetened coconut (optional – for topping)

In a bowl, blend all ingredients up to coconut extract.  I used a hand-mixer to ensure thorough mixing but I’m sure it can be done my hand with a whisk.

Preheat waffle iron.

Drop about 1/2 of the batter mixture in the center of the waffle maker and close lid. This batter is thicker than traditional waffle batter so don’t be alarmed that it won’t spread in the waffle maker like you’d expect.

Waffle is done when it can easily separate from the waffle iron. Mine took about 4 minutes in a Belgian waffle iron.

In another small pan, heat the coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add the banana (I just chunked mine up) and stir gently until they begin to caramelize. Add pecans and allow them to toast a bit and warm with the bananas.

Serve the banana-pecan mixture on top the waffles and garnish with shredded coconut if desired.

Don’t forget to serve your waffles alongside a big glass of Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee. When you’re done, push your plate aside, wipe the sweat from your brow and put on your bathing suit to go finish the chores.