Sweet-Potato Waffles with Blueberry Syrup

Waffles are a healthy, nutritious way to start your day and using sweet potatoes adds an extra twist to this early morning treat. Add a handful of fresh berries to the waffles and you'll enjoy an even tastier, antioxidant-rich treat.

What you need:

For the pancakes:

1/3 cup peeled and diced sweet potato
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 cup whole-wheat (whole-meal) flour
3/4 cup all-purpose (plain) flour
1/4 cup cornmeal, preferably stone-ground
1 egg white
1 cup plain soy milk (soya milk)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the syrup

2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
2 tablespoons water (if you're using fresh berries)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon dark honey
3 tablespoons light molasses

How you do it:

First, make the syrup. Put the blueberries, water (if you're using any), lemon zest and juice, the honey and 1 tablespoon of molasses into a pan and bring to a boil over medium heat stirring occasionally. Lower the heat, cover the pan and simmer the mixture until it begins to thicken and all the berries burst. It shouldn't take longer than 5 - 7 minutes. Set aside and keep the pan warm.

Next, boil the potatoes in a separate saucepan, leaving them to simmer over medium heat until they are very tender. Puree them in a blender or food processor and set aside. In a separate bowl, combine the flours, the cornmeal, the baking powder, cinnamon, salt and ginger. Put the potato puree in a larger bowl and whisk it together with the milk, the olive oil and the other 2 spoons of molasses. Blend in the flour and stir until they are well blended.

Next, beat the egg white in a mixer until stiff and whisk it into the batter, first only a small amount (a few spoonfuls), adding the entire amount progressively. You can make the pancakes using a waffle iron or a regular nonstick frying pan. To keep the waffles warm, after they are cooked you can place them on a baking sheet in the oven (preheated to 225 F). Top the waffles with the syrup and serve.