Three Cheese Waffle Sticks

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat a waffle-stick maker or regular waffle maker.
2. 2
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, buttermilk, and butter.
3. 3
   In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper.
4. 4
   Using a stand mixer fitter with the whisk attachment, whip the egg whites on med-high speed until firm peaks form, 5-6 minutes.
5. 5
   Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. 6
   Gently fold in the egg whites, then fold in the three cheeses.
7. 7
   Ladle the batter into the waffle maker, using 1/2-3/4 cup batter per batch if using a waffle maker.
8. 8
   Spread the batter so that it almost reaches the edges of the waffle maker.
9. 9
   Cook until the waffles are crisp and browned, 3-4 minutes (if using a waffle-stick maker, follow the manufacturer's instructions).
10. 10
    Using a spatula, remove the waffles from the waffle maker.
11. 11
    Cut whole waffles into quarters, then slice into sticks about 1 inch wide.
12. 12
    Serve right away, or place the waffle sticks on a baking sheet in a single layer in a 200 degree oven for up to 20 minutes before serving.
13. 13
    Serve with hot tomato soup, for dipping.