[1] Mmmm, pumpkin waffles (photo and recipe © Colavita).

[2] Mashed bananas are mixed with the pumpkin in the waffles. You can also slice bananas as a garnish (photo © Jonathan Cooper | Unsplash).

[3] Pumpkin is a great source of the powerful antioxidant, beta-carotene (photo © Libby’s).

[4] The mineral and nutrient contents of rolled oats (in photo) match those of steel-cut oats. Here’s more about it (photo © Kelly Cline | iStock Photo).

You don’t have to wait until Halloween to make this scrumptious pumpkin waffles recipe. Pumpkin waffles are delicious year-round, but especially seasonal through the fall and winter. This recipe from Colavita invites you to customize garnishes, from pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries to chocolate chips and crème fraîche. The recipe is also a better-for-you option, with whole wheat flour and rolled oats and lots of nutrition from the pumpkin, especially beta-carotene*.

There are more seasonal waffle recipes below.

> The 15 Different Types Of Waffles

> How To Make The Best Waffles

> The History Of Waffles

> The History Of The Waffle Iron
 
 
RECIPE: PUMPKIN WAFFLES
 
Ingredients

 
Preparation

1. COMBINE all the dry ingredients in a large bowl (the flours, oats, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg). Mix to combine all the ingredients.

2. COMBINE all the wet ingredients in a separate large bowl, and mix well.

3. POUR the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

4. PREHEAT the waffle iron. When it’s ready, grease it lightly with a little olive oil (pour about a tablespoon of oil into a paper towel and rub it onto the waffle iron).

5. POUR ½ cup of the batter into the waffle iron and close the lid. Cook until the light on the waffle maker turns green (or indicates that it’s ready).
 
6. REMOVE the waffle from the iron and repeat with the remaining batter. Garnish as desired and serve.
 
 
MORE SEASONAL WAFFLE RECIPES

________________

*The bright orange color of pumpkins and other squash is a dead giveaway that pumpkin is loaded with beta-carotene, an important antioxidant. Beta-carotene is one of the plant carotenoids that is converted to vitamin A in the body.

During the conversion to vitamin A, beta-carotene performs many important functions in overall health. Current research indicates that a diet rich in foods containing beta-carotene may reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer, and offers protection against heart disease and other diseases, including some degenerative aspects of aging [source].