Savory Beef Brunch Waffles

Cooking:

1. Prepare Basic Country Beef Breakfast Sausage.  Set aside.  Whisk together baking mix, egg, milk and vegetable oil in large bowl until smooth. Stir in cheese and sausage.
   
   

   Country-Style Beef Breakfast Sausage: Combine 1 pound Ground Beef (93% or leaner), 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage or 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage, 1 teaspoon garlic power, 1 teaspoon onion power, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.  Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot.  Add sausage mixture; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 1/2-inch crumbles, stirring occasionally.

   Cook's Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

2. Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer's directions.  Place 1/2 cup waffle batter in waffle iron for each waffle and cook for 4 to 6 minutes or until waffles are golden brown.  Top with toppings, if desired.

   Cook's Tip:

   Place leftover waffles in a single-layer in a food-safe plastic bag; close bag securely and store in refrigerator or freezer. To reheat refrigerated waffle, place waffle in a toaster and toast 4 to 6 minutes or until waffle is heated through.  Frozen waffle can be reheated in a 350°F oven 15 minutes, or in a toaster 5 to 6 minutes.