Recipe: Cheddar and Bacon Cornmeal Waffles Benedict with Cheddar Sauce

CHEDDAR AND BACON CORNMEAL WAFFLES BENEDICT
"Savory waffles, bacon, cheese and eggs are an eggs Benedict-inspired breakfast that's sure to delight any lucky diner."



FOR THE CHEDDAR SAUCE:
4 tsp butter
4 tsp all-purpose flour
3/4 cup milk
2/3 cup shredded old Cheddar cheese
1/4 tsp paprika
Pinch each salt and cayenne pepper

FOR THE CORNMEAL WAFFLES:
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cornmeal
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp granulated sugar
1/4 tsp each salt and ground black pepper
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
2 tbsp plus 2 tsp vegetable oil, divided use
1/4 cup minced fresh chives or green onions
1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper

FOR SERVING:
8 slices bacon, cooked
4 poached eggs
2 tbsp minced fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)

TO MAKE THE CHEDDAR SAUCE:
In small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; add 4 teaspoons flour, stirring until bubbly, about 2 minutes. Whisk in milk; cook, whisking, until thickened, about 2 minutes. Whisk in cheese, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, salt and pinch cayenne pepper until melted and smooth. Cover and keep warm over low heat or pan of hot water.

TO MAKE THE WAFFLES:
In large bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, 1/4 teaspoon each salt and black pepper. Whisk together 2 eggs, buttermilk and 2 tablespoons oil; pour over dry ingredients. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup chives and 1/4 cup red bell pepper; whisk just until combined.

Heat waffle iron; brush with 1/2 tsp of the oil. Using about 1/2 cup batter per waffle, or enough to spread to edges, pour onto waffle iron. Close lid and cook until crisp, golden and steam stops, about 4 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter and oil.

Place waffles in single layer on wire rack on rimmed baking sheet. Keep warm in 200 degree F oven.

TO SERVE:
Top each waffle with 2 slices bacon and 1 poached egg. Pour cheese sauce over top; sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chives or green onion.

Makes 4 servings
Used by permission to Recipelink.com from Random House
Adapted from source: Best Recipes Ever from Canadian Living and CBC by Canadian Living, CBC