Fast Friday: Oat waffles

"Yikes, it's looking empty in there."

That's what Matt said two weekends ago when he opened our refrigerator.  To give you a visual, we had milk, eggs, butter, half of a bag of shredded coconut (so I can always make these cookies), and condiments.  No leftovers, no vegetables, no cheese, and no meat.

Wait!  We did have something else in the fridge: the Brita pitcher.

It was bleak times, my friends.  Throw in the fact that Matt was coaching at a swim meet all weekend (read: had the car), which meant I couldn't get to the grocery store until late Sunday evening.  I went out for lunch twice and dinner once - a "yippee!" and "yikes" kind of moment.


Lest you think I spent no time in the kitchen and depended on others to feed myself, I'm proud to report that I did make both breakfast and cookies.  Breakfast and dessert, that's all the food anyone really needs, right?

Chocolate waffles

My birthday isn't until tomorrow but that hasn't stopped me from dedicating an entire week to the celebration.  What can I say?  No matter how young or old I get, I will always love my birthday!

While I enjoyed every moment and bite of our fancy dinner out on Tuesday, I'm really having a ball trying new recipes that I've been saving for a special occasion.  If a cook can't pick what to make on her birthday, when can she?  (Actually, nearly every day, but I usually try to keep Matt's interests in mind, too.)

I've got a few new entrees to share with you and, of course, dessert, but you'll have to wait until next week for those.  In the meantime, I wanted to share one of my birthday recipes with you a little early because, well, I've been enjoying it early and all week long and can't get enough of 'em.

Chocolate waffles!

Savory cornmeal waffles with salsa & black beans

Ever since my bridal shower last October, my life hasn't been the same.  Sure, my family and friends spoiled me rotten and created a magical day for me that I'll never forget.

But, the life-changing part of the whole thing?  It was also the day that a waffle maker came into my life.  (Thanks, V!)  My waffle maker.

Should he have a name?  I guess it's a he now...

Walter?  I like Walter.  If you haven't noticed, I like alliteration.  Makes naming inanimate objects that much more fun.  Try it!

Anyway, Walter and I have gotten along swimmingly since that fine Sunday.  You see, we've tried to learn from the mistakes of others who neglect their waffle makers for decades at a time, only to eventually cast it off at a garage sale for good.  At least once a month, we have a date with flour, sugar, and maple syrup.  At times, we even get a little crazy and the batter overflows and... whew, it's a whirlwind, I'm telling you.

Well, a few weeks ago I bookmarked a recipe that seriously intrigued me.  It rocked the very sturdy and sweet foundation upon which Walter and I have built our relationship over the past months.

Savory cornmeal and chives waffles.

What the what?  Is that too crazy?