1-Preheat the waffle maker and oven: Preheat the waffle maker to medium-high heat and the oven to 200°F (93°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet.

2-Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 2 and 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

3-Prepare the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly-cooled), 1/4 cup light or dark brown sugar (preferably dark), and 1/4 cup unsulphured or dark molasses (not blackstrap). Then whisk in the 3 large eggs and 1 and 2/3 cups buttermilk (or substitute) until combined.

4-Mix wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk gently until combined; small lumps are okay, and do not over-mix.

5-Cook the waffles: Grease the waffle maker, then pour about 1/3 cup batter into each well. Close the lid and cook for about 4-5 minutes or until crisp. Transfer the cooked waffles to the wire rack in the preheated oven to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining batter.

6-Optional maple pecan topping: To prepare the optional maple pecan topping, toast the 3/4 cup pecan halves over medium-low heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low, add the 1 and 1/2 cups pure maple syrup, and warm through. Remove from heat.

7-Serve: Serve the waffles immediately with the optional warm maple pecan topping or other preferred toppings. For more on waffle basics, check out our tips on waffle making.