In a large bowl, sift together corn meal, baking powder, salt, sugar and pumpkin pie spice; set aside.
In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks; whisk in milk and melted shortening.
Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry; fold into yolk mixture.
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients; whisk to combine completely and eliminate lumps.
Add vanilla extract.
Pour batter into a well-greased, preheated waffle iron.
Cook for 5 minutes, or until no steam escapes.
Top with syrup or fruit.
Tip:
You can use plain white or yellow corn meal. Whole or skim milk will work in this recipe. Instead of vanilla extract, try orange extract or almond extract.
