Lemon Ginger Waffles

2-inch   piece fresh lemon peel, bitter white pith removed

¼           cup candied/crystallized ginger

1             cup unbleached, all-purpose flour

1             tablespoon yellow cornmeal

1             tablespoon granulated sugar

¼           teaspoon baking soda

¼           teaspoon kosher salt

               pinch ground ginger

1             cup buttermilk

1             large egg

¼           teaspoon pure vanilla extract

¼           cup vegetable oil

               nonstick cooking spray, for waffle plates

Nutritional information per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories 294 (47% from fat) / carb. 33g / pro. 7g / fat 15g / sat. fat 2g / chol. 49mg
sod. 304mg / calc. 85mg / fiber 1g

Put the lemon peel and ginger into the blender jar. Select Speed 5 and pulse to chop, about 2 to 3 times. Add the dry ingredients (flour through the ground ginger). Select Speed 3 and press Start. Blend until fully combined. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl; reserve.

Put the buttermilk, egg, vanilla and oil into the blender jar. Select Speed 2
and press Start. Blend until combined, about 20 seconds.

Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula to just combine.

Preheat a Cuisinart® Waffle Maker to desired setting. Lightly coat the plates with nonstick cooking spray and pour the recommended amount of batter in the middle of the waffle grid(s). Gently spread to ½ inch from the edge of the waffle plate. Close lid of waffle maker and cook for recommended time. Repeat with remaining batter. For best results, serve immediately.