Carrot Cake Waffles

One thing I've really been intrigued with lately is tiny home living. When I visited Ikea a few weekends ago with Madeline, I spent so much time walking through the little spaces they had set up in various spots around the store. Did you know they had those?

I sure didn't--and I loved every single one of them--a busy family tiny home; a couple's place; and a single gal's urban paradise (uh hi Ikea, I'd like that particular set up please!)

In my spare time, I do watch HGTV & DIY networks for their tiny home living shows.  Also, my sweet friend Amie lives in a tiny hut in Maui, so its been neat to see her stories and videos from her square footage set up.  I've got tiny home living on the brain.

But, why do I like tiny homes so much?

Okay, okay, not gonna lie about this one:  they are super cute!  Its not just the cuteness over the size though.  Its the idea of actually living with less "stuff".

Because your gal Brooke, yeah, she's got alot of stuff.  And to be free from it all, well, for lack of a better term, would be incredibly freeing.

When I even floated the idea of living in less square footage, my mom's response was sheer laughter.  Seriously, she just laughed. And as she was laughing, the response was, "Brooke, that will NEVER be you.  You totally spill over into every room of any house where you live."

Ouch.

Well, upon hearing those words, my inner teenager was quite pissed.  To hear my mom tell me "Never"--yeah, that word NEVER sits well with me.  In fact, it does cause me to regress into my full blown teenager mode including eye rolling; foot stomping, and mega MEGA attitude.

I mean, does anyone else when they're triggered by something their parents tell them? It can't just be me....can it?

Now, I'm not proud of that reaction mind you.  Its something I've committed to working on--by stomping a bit less and toning down the attitude a bit more.  But, the eye rolling stays.  Its my signature move after all.  Sorry Mom. ;)

Despite my teenage reaction, the adult in me began questioning what Mom actually said. Do I really spill out into every area of a house that isn't mine?? Looking back on all of the homes I've lived in, what began as one room full of my stuff, turned into bringing furniture from my storage room into the den, shelving into the dining room, and outdoor chairs on the front porch. I took over bathrooms, entryways, and let's not even talk about a kitchen. I always came in complete with glasses, mugs, utensils, pots, pantry items, cleaning supplies, etc.

Most of it was just normal spread, a simple part of settling into a new place. But, for some things, it was a bit excessive. I just wanted my things surrounding me.

I know there's nothing wrong with that necessarily; but, the amount of stuff I had is horrifying. At one point, I had three storage rooms in addition to the room(s) I was living in. Yeah, for one person and her little 11 pound dog....that's just a lot.

Even now, I have both of our attics, a spare bedroom, the bonus room, living room, and the office full of my stuff in addition to my own bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen.

Now thats a lot of stuff. And a clear indication I have to pare down. Stat.

One thing I won't compromise on in my tiny house (or apartment) is a kitchen.  I mean, a gal's gotta make herself some waffles.  And, be able to do dishes.  No efficiency sized appliances for me--bring me the full size ones please!  I'll compromise by having a smaller bedroom, bathroom, and living area for a bigger kitchen & windows full of natural light.

See, I can downsize.  Smaller bedroom and bath means less stuff in those rooms.  Yeah...progress!

Speaking of progress, can we talk about these waffles for a moment? I can and I will revisit my minimalist journey....but, lets get to the real reason you're here....the food!

Carrot Cake Waffles.  They've been on my "to make" list for a while.  (Yes, I have a "to make" list.  And if you have one you'd like me to make, please let me know!) But, its taken some time to get my desired texture.  And my desired timing.

Seems with these waffles in particular, I seem to get quite excited and try to actually remove the waffles before they were really ready to be removed--which lead to many undercooked middles; falling apart waffles; and, burnt carrots.

Definitely not a pretty sight.

Good thing when I made this round, I was listening to a podcast on Patience.  Thanks ladies for helping to remind me to allow cooler heads to prevail and to allow the waffle iron to do its thing.  And, its got a very important job....don't you think?

The flavor here is quite subtle, so if you'd like a stronger carrot cake flavor, add more spices to your liking.  I didn't really grow up eating carrot cake, so the flavor suited me fine; but, my recipe testers told me they used more cinnamon and nutmeg to intensify the cake flavor.

I know...I know....you're asking how in the world did I not grow up eating carrot cake?  Well, see, there are these things inside of the cake called carrots.  Carrots are veggies; and, I had quite an aversion to all veggies growing up.  Even in sugary, cream cheesy treats.

So, flavor away if you need.  And also go nuts...seriously, if you want to add nuts, please do so.  

What I love about recipes, even baking waffles, is the ability to customize your waffles exactly how you want them once you get the "meat" of the recipe down--in this case, the flour and the liquid ratios.

Create away!  Tag your carrot cake creations using #whiskingoutsidethebox so we can share in our love for all things carrot.  So glad I grew out of that carrot aversion.  I can mature.  

​Enjoy the rest of your week.  Until Sunday.......B

Carrot Cake Waffles

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adapted from The Crunchy Chronicles