Maple Bacon Waffles

3½       cups unbleached, all-purpose flour

3          tablespoons yellow cornmeal

1          teaspoon baking soda

¾         teaspoon kosher salt

8 to 10  slices cooked bacon, crumbled (about ¾ cup once crumbled)

3¼       cups buttermilk

1⁄3          cup pure maple syrup

3          large eggs, lightly beaten

1          teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2⁄3         cup bacon grease and/or grapeseed or    vegetable oil (the two can be mixed to                                           reach 2⁄3 cup)

Nutritional information per waffle:

Calories 235 (44% from fat) • carb. 26g • pro. 6g • fat 12g

• sat. fat 2g • chol. 40mg • sod. 262mg

• calc. 73mg • fiber 0g

1.  Combine the flour, cornmeal, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl; whisk to blend. Stir in the bacon to coat. Add the buttermilk, syrup, eggs, vanilla and the grease/oil. Whisk until well blended and smooth. Let batter rest 5 minutes.

2.  Preheat the Cuisinart^® Breakfast Central^™ to desired setting (a tone will sound when preheated).

3.  Pour 1½ heaping cups of batter onto the center of the lower grid of the preheated waffle maker; spread evenly using a heatproof spatula. Close cover of waffle maker. When tone sounds, waffles are ready. Open cover and carefully remove baked waffles. Repeat with remaining batter. For best results, serve immediately.