Heat a large frying pan on the stove top. Turn on medium heat
Melt butter
Add the pecans, brown sugar & spices
Stir frequently with a spatula until the nuts turn golden brown and smell mouth-watering, tasting half way to add more cinnamon or ancho powder to your taste.
Remove from heat, and if necessary, from pan, as they will continue to cook after being removed from the heat.
Save a few whole pecans and set aside for garnish.
Chop pecans on a board with a knife, to a medium-fine consistency.
HOW TO MAKE WAFFLES
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla.
In a separate bowl whisk together the dry ingredients.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until nearly smooth; a few small lumps may remain.
Gently fold in cooled spicy pecan mixture.
Spray your waffle iron with a non-stick cooking spray before preheating it. Cook waffles according to the manufacturer's directions. For an 8" round waffle iron, use about 1/3 cup batter; cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the iron stops steaming.
Serve with butter, warm maple syrup and top with whole spicy pecans. Enjoy!