bacon cheddar waffles with apples

for the last couple weeks, i've been in a dinner making rut. the time crunch between the time we get home from work & the time the kids need to be in bed seems to be getting smaller and smaller, meaning the time we have to actually cook dinner is also getting smaller. while some may disagree, one of our newest favorites has been waffles for dinner. they're easy to make, infinitely adaptable, and toddlers love them - ours now asks for them a couple nights a week. not to mention jason was head over heels with this combo - bacon + cheddar always wins in our house.

bacon cheddar waffles with apples
adapted from imperial sugar
30 minutes, serves 4

for the waffles:
2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 2/3 cup whole milk
1/3 cup butter, melted
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
about 1/2 pound bacon cooked and crumbled

for the apples:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 large peeled & sliced hard apple, such as gala, jonagold, or granny smith
1/2 cup apple cider or water
1/4 cup real maple syrup

1. preheat your waffle iron.
2. to make the waffles, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a bowl. in a larger bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. add the flour mixture to the wet mixture and stir until combined. mix in the cheese and bacon. bake the waffles according to your waffle iron.
3. while the waffles cook, make the apples. melt the butter in a saute pan over medium heat. once melted, add brown sugar and stir to combine. add the apples and cider (or water) and bring to a boil. reduce heat to simmer and cook 5-10 minutes, or until the liquid is a thin syrup. stir in the maple syrup.
4. serve the apples topped with the cooked apples and apple syrup.