1. Preheat oven to 200°F. In a deep 10-inch skillet heat 1 inch vegetable oil over medium heat to 350°F.

2. Meanwhile, in a shallow bowl whisk together 1 cup of the flour, the paprika, basil, 1 tsp. salt, the onion powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and black pepper. Place 1 cup of the buttermilk in another shallow bowl. Coat chicken with flour mixture; dip in the buttermilk and coat again with flour mixture.

3. Using tongs, carefully add three pieces of chicken to hot oil at a time. (Oil temperature will drop; adjust the heat to maintain temperature at 350°F.) Fry chicken about 10 minutes or until coating is golden and chicken is done (175°F), turning once. Drain briefly on paper towels. Brush each piece with 2 Tbsp. of the hot honey. Place chicken in a shallow baking pan in oven to keep warm.

4. For waffles, in a medium bowl stir together the remaining 1½ cups flour, the cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and ¼ tsp. salt. In another bowl whisk together eggs, the remaining 2 cups buttermilk, and the ½ cup oil. Add to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened. Stir in cheese (if using).

5. Add batter to a preheated, lightly greased waffle baker according to manufacturer’s directions. Close lid quickly; do not open until done. Bake according to manufacturer’s directions until brown and crisp. When done, use a fork to lift waffle off grid. Repeat with remaining batter. Keep waffles warm in oven.

6. Spread Cream Cheese-Hot Honey Spread (if using) over waffles; top with chicken. Drizzle additional hot honey and the hot sauce over top. Makes 6 servings (1 wafe + 1 piece chicken each).

PER SERVING 762 cal., 32 g fat (5 g sat. fat), 135 mg chol., 979 mg sodium, 87 g carb., 2 g fiber, 41 g sugars, 29 g pro.

CREAM CHEESE-HOT HONEY SPREAD In a small bowl stir together 4 oz. softened cream cheese and 2 Tbsp. hot honey.

TO AIR-FRY CHICKEN Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Coat air-fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Coat chicken pieces as directed in Step 2; coat pieces with cooking spray. Working in batches, place pieces in a single layer in prepared basket. Air-fry 15 to 18 minutes or until coating is golden and chicken is done (175°F), turning once.

PER SERVING (WITH AIR-FRIED CHICKEN) 700 cal., 25 g fat (4 g sat. fat), 135 mg chol., 979 mg sodium, 87 g carb., 2 g fiber, 41 g sugars, 29 g pro.

NOW: HOT HONEY A relative newcomer to the grocery store condiment aisle, spicy and sweet honey is infused with fresh or dried chile peppers.

The heat level of hot honey may vary depending on the type of chiles used. To make your own, stir 1 Tbsp. crushed red pepper into ¾ cup honey.