Cornmeal Waffles with Especia Roja Maple Syrup

We took a bit of a hiatus to wait for our new labels. And they are freaking awesome. First up ... Especia Roja.

This recipe is special for those of you hunkering down to binge the second season of Stranger Things. Because waffles. And because cornmeal pairs so beautifully with sweet flavors. Without further ado ...

Servings: Depends on your waffle iron. Expect 3 to 5 waffles

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

3/4 c cornmeal

3/4 c flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

4 tbsp butter, melted

1 c buttermilk (or 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar)

1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)

1/2 c cheddar, grated (we enjoyed smoked cheddar)

1/2 c maple syrup

1/4 c Burns and McCoy Especia Roja

Eggs

Directions

1. If not using buttermilk, combine milk and lemon juice or vinegar in a bowl. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

2. Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl (cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt). Stir to mix.

3. Melt butter, then pour in buttermilk and egg. Stir to mix

4. Add honey and cheese to wet ingredients, and stir to combine.

5. Mix wet ingredients with dry ingredients.

6. Make waffles per the instructions for your waffle iron. Grease both sides of a hot iron with oil or melted butter. Pour between a 1/4 and 1/2 c of batter in the iron. Cook until browned.

7. While waffles cook, combine maple syrup and hot sauce. Fry eggs,

8. Top each waffle with a fried egg and spicy syrup.