Louisiana food is an unusual experience for many, but especially for this Iowa farm girl. Who could imagine that there was a place where I could have two gardens a year? The rose trellis at the end of the covered porch was covered with hundreds of an antique variety of red climbing rose, and that was just one of the surprises in my yard during my first growing season. When spring brought out buds I found all sorts of fascinating trees in our yard, including pears and pecans. The combination always brings me back to wonderful Louisiana memories and flavors. Simple and elegant. Flavorful and inviting. Special and comforting. That what these cinnamon flavored whole wheat waffles have always been to my family.

Whole Wheat Waffles With Pecans and Pears
¼ cup butter
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour or freshly ground buckwheat flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups buttermilk
2 eggs
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 pear, peeled and diced
½ cup toasted pecans

Melt butter in microwave on High for ½ to 1 minute or until melted. Stir in flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, buttermilk, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla.   Pour ¾ cup of batter into preheated waffle iron, add about 1 tablespoon each of pears and pecans.  Cook until golden brown. Serve with additional pear slices and pecans if desired.