Herbed Waffle with Caramelized Fennel Club

Special equipment: waffle iron

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F and prepare a cookie sheet with a cooling rack on top.

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

For the fennel: In a large saute pan over medium heat, add the olive oil, fennel, garlic and onions. Cook until the onions and fennel are browned and caramelized, about 20 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the spinach, set aside or place in the oven to keep warm.

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

For the waffles: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda.

Add in the beaten eggs, buttermilk, butter and herbs. Stir all until well combined.

Spray the waffle iron with nonstick spray.

Pour about 1 cup batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook the waffle according to the waffle maker's instructions. As each waffle is cooked, place it onto the prepared rack in the oven to keep warm.

Place 1 waffle on a warmed plate. Top with couple of tablespoons of the pesto and some caramelized fennel. Top with another waffle, more pesto and the tapenade. Top with another waffle, more pesto, fennel and tapenade. Top with another waffle.

Place a toothpick to hold into place.

Cut into 4 pieces and serve immediately.