Peanut Butter Waffles w/ Country Fried Apples

Waffles:
2-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 Tbs. aluminum-free baking powder
1/4 tsp. sea salt
1 Tbs. dry honey granules (can use white granulted sugar)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup pure honey
2 eggs
2 cups milk
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Topping:
4 medium-sized red apples, cored and sliced (16 slices per apple)
8 Tbs. (1 stick) unsalted butter
2/3 cup light brown sugar or Sucanat sugar
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
2/3 cup chopped walnuts
Pure maple syrup, warmed
Whipped topping

To make the waffles:
Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl; set aside. In another bowl whisk together peanut butter, honey, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla until well blended. Pour wet ingredients into flour mixture and stir until combined.

Heat waffle maker and spray with a nonstick coating. Pour 1/3 cup of batter per serving (may vary depending on size of waffle maker). Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.

Topping:
In a large skillet heat butter. Once melted, add apple slices. Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes, turning often. Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon over apples; stir to coat well. Cook an additional 5-7 minutes, or until fork-tender. Stir in walnuts the last few minutes of cooking.

Serve apple mixture over waffles and top with warm maple syrup and a dollop of whipped topping.

Makes 15 (4-inch) waffles