Apple Walnut Waffles

¼         cup packed light brown sugar

2          cups unbleached, all-purpose flour

1⁄3          cup whole wheat flour

1⁄3          cup wheat germ

4½       teaspoons baking powder

¾         teaspoon kosher salt

½         teaspoon ground cinnamon

2          cups reduced-fat milk

3          large eggs, lightly beaten

½         cup vegetable oil

¾         teaspoon pure vanilla extract

½         medium to large apple, peeled, cored and finely diced or shredded

½         cup chopped walnuts

Calories 449 (50% from fat) • carb. 45g • pro. 12g • fat 25g • sat. fat 3g • chol. 85mg • sod. 564mg • calc. 361mg • fiber 3g

1. Crumble the brown sugar into a large mixing bowl to remove any lumps. Add the flours, wheat germ, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Whisk to blend. Add the milk, eggs, oil, and vanilla; whisk until just combined. Stir in the apple and walnuts. Let batter rest 5 minutes before using.

2. Preheat the Cuisinart^® 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker to desired setting.

3. Pour 2 cups of batter onto the center of the lower grid of the preheated waffle maker; spread batter evenly using a heatproof spatula. Close lid of waffle maker. Ready light will go off. When light turns green again, waffles are ready. Open lid and carefully remove baked waffles. Repeat with remaining batter. For best results, serve immediately.