Cinnamon Waffles with Caramelized Apples

Caramelized Apples:
3 tbsp. unsalted butter
6 Fuji apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla extract

Waffles:
3 eggs, separated
1 3/4 c. buttermilk
8 tbsp. melted butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/3 c. sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
Whipped cream, for serving

To make caramelized apples, in a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add apple slices, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until apples are evenly coated. Cook about 18 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove skillet from heat and stir in vanilla. Set aside.

To make waffles, in a large bowl whisk together egg yolks, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk flour mixture into yolk mixture until smooth. In another clean bowl, beat egg whites on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 1 minute. Gently fold 1 c. egg whites into batter; carefully fold in remaining egg whites.

Preheat waffle maker on medium-high. Pour 1/3 c. batter into each well of waffle maker; close lid. Cook 5 to 6 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter. Serve waffles with caramelized apples and whipped cream.