Sausage, Potato, and Cheese Waffles

1 link sweet Italian sausage (about 3 oz), casing discarded
1 baking potato, grated and excess water squeezed out
4 Tbsp butter
1.75 C flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 C shredded cheddar cheese
1 Tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley
1.25 tsp salt
1.25 tsp pepper
2 C milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

In a medium skillet cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a fork, for 5 minutes.  Add the potato and butter, lower the heat and simmer until the butter is melted.  Remove from the heat and let cool (10 minutes).

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cheese, parsley, salt & pepper.  Stir in the milk and eggs until smooth.  Stir in the sausage-potato mixture.

Using a waffle maker, cook the waffles according to manufacturer's directions.

Optional topping - combine 2 parts ketchup to 1 part maple syrup and microwave for 25 seconds.

*Recipe courtesy Everyday with Rachael Ray, September 2009, p. 25.