How do you make people say "wow!" to your waffles? A waffle is pretty much a waffle. I say, top it terrifically. Not just with fruit and custard or jam and cream. Not even just with peanut butter and maple syrup (although all those are amazing). Top it with homemade syrup: flavors and types being endless.

With National Waffle Day approaching on March 25, I got to thinking about all the syrups I've tried. We don't have to stick to (no pun intended. Okay, maybe a little) the basic maple or store-bought boysenberry, although they definitely have their place. I'll give you a few to try and you can decide what you think.

Buttermilk Syrup

I list this one first because it's a family favorite (and also those-who-aren't-family favorite). Furthermore, the possibilities are endless with just a few drops of extract. Coconut, orange, cream soda, almond, rum, or you can substitute brown sugar for the white sugar. All are wonderful.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon to 3 teaspoons light corn syrup


Directions:

In a large saucepan, combine first four ingredients. Bring to a boil, then pour in a large (make sure it's large) bowl. Add 1/2 tsp. baking soda. Stir. Add 1 tsp. vanilla extract. Stir and serve.

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Eggnog Sauce

Is it possible to go wrong with eggnog?

Ingredients:
1 cup real butter
1 cup eggnog
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon rum flavoring


Directions:

Combine butter, sugar, and eggnog. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until hot. Stir in extract. Serve over warm waffles, apple pie, etc. Makes 10 to 12 servings.

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French Cinnamon Nutmeg Syrup

May sound different but sooo good, especially with bananas. One of my favorites. Great with crepes.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup cream
3 to 4 firm bananas, sliced (optional)
Additional whipped cream and cinnamon (optional)


Directions:

Melt butter in a large skillet. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in cream and cook until slightly thickened. Add bananas. Heat 2 to 3 minutes, spooning sauce over bananas. Remove from heat. Top on pastry, garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon.

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Cinnamon Cream Syrup

Simple and ready in 15 minutes.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/8 cup water
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (5 ounces) evaporated milk


Directions:

In a saucepan, combine the first four ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium heat; boil and stir for 2 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes. Stir in milk. Serve over pancakes, waffles, or French toast

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Dutch Honey Syrup

Also has the potential to be very versatile. I bet lemon or a pina colada would be good. Almond would be divine. Easy to remember amounts. All 1/2!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract


Directions:

In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and cream. Bring to a boil over medium heat; boil for 5 minutes or until slightly thicken, stirring occasionally. Stir in vanilla. Serve.

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