Alton Brown's Sweet Potato Waffle Recipe (VIDEO)

Whoever decided that waffles should be served at breakfast deserves some sort of award -- they've certainly saved us from becoming grumpy morning people (because we know that a good meal has the ability to lift anyone's spirit). And if freshly-made waffles topped with butter and syrup isn't mood-altering, nothing is.

While we shouldn't tamper with such an amazingly decadent treat, sometimes we just can't help but mess with perfection; because sometimes, it pays off. And who better to improve upon an already delicious dish than Alton Brown -- he does it just right.

His waffle recipe will give you perfect results every time; they're the right shade of golden-brown, light and fluffy in texture, and ready to soak up some real maple syrup. The best part is, Alton has incorporated sweet potatoes into these breakfast treats, making them just a bit healthier. Sweet potatoes are loaded with beta-carotene and vitamin A (which gives you permission to eat another).

Alton tops his waffles with maple syrup and toasted pecans -- we won't even get into that scoop of ice cream -- which pair harmoniously with the sweet potato flavor. A freshly cooked cranberry sauce would make a welcome addition, and could replace the syrup, if you're looking to make this treat just a little lighter. If you want to go in the opposite direction, we can't think of any reason why you shouldn't add chocolate shavings to your plate.

For more great waffle recipes:
Honey-Buttermilk Waffles
Chocolate Waffles
Rhubarb Waffles with Rhubarb Sauce
Maple Blueberry Malted Belgian Waffles

And if thinking about waffles got you craving the other breakfast favorite, pancakes, check out Jamie Oliver's Genius Pancake Formula.

What's your special breakfast treat? Leave a comment.