Pregnancy wiped me of my love for all things culinary (except cheese…ice cream…lemonade…and all those other one-ingredient cravings). I had little desire to be in the kitchen for those 9+ months. The craving to create is back, and I am glad.
Worth every life change there is or ever was:
French toast for breakfast. Nothing new, but certainly delicious. Cville Crunch bread cooked in egg and topped with bananas and plain old peanut butter and chia seeds
Frothed!
Mazen and I had some camera time today. Must. Remember. Every. Age.
His hair is growing in fast, and it’s hard to tell what color it is. Sometimes blonde, sometimes brown, sometimes hints of red.
I love this one. Little sneaky.
For lunch I made the best of the leftovers in our fridge.
I must make more Chimichurri Sauce!! I used it as a salad dressing today over bits of flank steak and cracklin’ cauliflower with avocado over spinach.
Grapefruit on the side
Mazen’s new favorite toy is a hand! He will turn it over in his little hands for hours.
We stopped into Great Harvest for afternoon snack while we were out. Cinnamon Raisin Walnut bread with Cinnamon Vanilla Almond Butter –
This evening I alternated nursing and cooking as I prepared a recipe for the Wisconsin Cheese Mac & Cheese blog.
I can’t share the recipe yet, but it was wonderful. You might be able to spot the ingredients and figure it out!
We ate piles of mac with simple spinach salads on the side
I made a quick dressing with the juice of an orange, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 2 tsp Dijon mustard and a pinch of salt. Did you know a milk frother makes an excellent dressing mixer!? I have leftovers to use on a salad tomorrow.
I’ve been curbing my sweet tooth at night, but I do have a piece of dark chocolate after dinner most evenings. Trader Joe’s makes a little tin of pie pieces that are the perfect bite size end to the day.
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
That lil nugget of yours is so darn cute but I suspect you already know this.
Can’t wait for the official mac and cheese recipe! Have a great weekend.
katie says
That mac and cheese recipe HAS to be shared! Please?? Can’t wait!
KathEats says
Coming soon!
Becca says
Don’t worry, Kath, I also have a square or two of dark chocolate (and I am sure that there are many, many others) every.single.night. It’s not too sugary, but curbs that dessert craving! The antioxidants, fiber, and magnesium content are nice bonuses too.
Are those plantains in that mac and cheese?! And diced mango?! Interesting looking combination, looking forward to the recipe.
Ella P says
Shrimps and sweet corn, I’d guess
Ellie says
Oh my gosh that mac and cheese looks A-MAZEN (corny I know). I have been craving mac and cheese- I’m making that this weekend! Also Mazen is a doll- thank you so much for sharing with the rest of us. We love watching him grow
Nicole says
I’m sure you hear this all the time but Mazen truly is a beautiful baby! And that’s saying a lot coming from me…who sees babies all the time as a postpartum doula and childbirth educator 🙂 He also seems to be such a happy baby–so you’re both doing an A-Mazen job parenting him!
zoe @ loseweightandgainhealth says
Mazen is completely adorable and very cute looking. Love his smile. I made a beef salad for lunch today which I will post later. I fried the steak lightly, cut in to slices and fried with a spicy Asian paste. Served over a large green salad with cilantro, mint and a dressing made simply with fresh lime juice. Deeeelicious 🙂
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Dark chocolate is a staple…love how you really can just have a square…or two, and it curbs the craving. The mac and cheese looks divine, as does the French toast as always and very pretty lunch plate. Can’t wait to make that sauce. The little man is looking as cute as always…I’m still not sure who he looks more like, he has a look of both you.
kim@hungryhealthygirl says
Mazen is really growing and his rosy red cheeks are the cutest! Can’t wait for the mac & cheese recipe…it looks fabulous!
Lindsey @ Pas de Deux says
What a perfectly beautiful lunch salad! I definitely see the hints of red in Mazen’s hair–so precious!
Shannon ~ My Place In The Race says
He is so stinking cute!!
Lynn @ the actor's diet says
So lovely you have a blog to document his every moment!
Sara @ fitcupcaker says
Yum, I cant wait for that recipe…I am long over due for visiting trader joes…I need to get there asap
Katherine says
What a beautiful baby Mazen is. His little pink cheeks are angelic 🙂
I’ve been craving some juicy, fresh grapefruit lately. I need to get myself to the store tonight to pick some up!
Carly @ Snack Therapy says
I totally love all of your food pictures and they’re gorgeous as always, but your pics of Mazen always totally overshadow them. You could do a whole post of that sweet little face and I don’t think I’d miss the food pics : ).
Hope says
Mazen is so.freaking.cute.
I need to have that mac and cheese!
Olivia @ Life As Liv says
I love the idea of using a milk frother to mix a salad dressing! So smart! Also, your little boy seriously looks like a cherub angel in these pictures! Those rosy, rosy cheeks and bright blue eyes! My heart died a little. 🙂
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
Incredible photos today – and the onesie is too much! 🙂
Nina @ Too Hottie For That Body says
I don’t know how you did it while you were pregnant. If I tried to write a food blog while pregnant it would have gone something like this…”I ate a grape… and then I threw it up. I enjoyed the texture much better the first time.”
P.S. what does that milk frother thing you got at IKEA look like. I might need to go and grab one to keep me out of Starbucks.
KathEats says
Haha.
This is it.
Nina @ Too Hottie For That Body says
Oh my gosh only 2.99 that means I have to perfect excuse to go to IKEA!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
I’m thinking you’re just making up for the “lost” culinary time while you were pregnant with all of the french toast and tasty dinners! But seriously, that mac & cheese looks SO good – I wish I wasn’t lactose intolerant. 🙁
Susan H. @ The Food Allergy Chronicles says
My son, who does not have a dairy allergy and loves mac and cheese, loves mac and cheese made with Daiya Cheddar Style Shreds and Soy or a Rice Beverage that I make for my older son with a dairy allergy…even my husband loves it…go figure!
AUBREY says
I know this is very wrong for me to say, but Mazen is the cutest blogging baby around. He’s just so extremely handsome.
I have been really loving your eats lately. So colorful and you keep changing things up!
P.S. My boyfriend and I have been really into baking bread lately. We are both cooks, but we love baking bread at home. I wish we could come visit Great Harvest for a day and see what it’s like!
Tracy says
My neice loved to look at hands when she was a baby too. She would turn them over and over. When she was able to she would pull apart fingers and examine each of them She is just as observant now at ten years old (and a very smart kid to boot). Mazen is just adorable. Love seeing pics of him!
Anna @ On Anna's Plate says
I was exactly the same way. Even when my love of food came back in the second trimester (and boy did it… :-)), I never really felt like COOKING when I was pregnant. Which sucked, because I love to cook! Welcome back to the kitchen. 🙂 Just wait until you start cooking for Mazen too– I’ve started making baby food in the past few weeks, and it’s really fun!
Ella says
Neil’s hair was just like that! Everyone would say something different – “ooh, watch out for those redheaded boys.” “Aw a little blond-y” “I love the strawberry brown.” At 1 year it seems to have settled on dark blonde. Now if we could just figure out what color his eyes are…
Mazen is so cute. He reminds me of my little boy in terms of coloring. 🙂 so sweet
Elizabeth says
Yay! Wisconsin Cheese! I live in Wisconsin and I’ve been all over Europe and I’ve eaten the best cheese right at home. 🙂
Amanda, RD- The Nutritionist Reviews says
That pasta looks great! Can’t wait to see the recipe.
Katie @ Peace Love and Oats says
Oh my goodness, that Mac n cheese looks amazing! And do you have any red heads in the family? Neither of my parents had red hair, but older generations did and both my older brother and I have red hair (well, mine’s more strawberry blonde)
KathEats says
I don’t think so, but my parents said I was strawberry blonde at times
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Oh my gosh he is cute!
Kayla says
Looks so delicious! I love all your salad combos!
Mom says
I was trying to figure out last night why I crave sweets so much more at night. Theories, anyone?
Sharon@DiscoverExploreLearn says
I have the same issue, with craving sweets at night. I’ve tried to figure out exactly why this is, and I’ve come up with two theories.
1) I’m exhausted by evening (I’m a single mom of 4 very active boys). I think sometimes my mind and body are craving that “rush” that follows eating something sweet, whether it’s sugar or another sweetener (maple syrup, agave, etc.) It’s an effective way for me to get a little boost to keep me going until bedtime.
2) Often, after a long day, I feel like I want to “treat” myself. Whether that’s a hot bath or some yoga and stretching, it’s usually accompanied by the desire for something sweet too.
The way I see it, as long as I’m eating healthy throughout the day, there’s no reason why I can’t indulge my sweet tooth a bit at night. Not every night, and certainly within moderation.
Chelsea says
Just not enough macro/micro nourishment earlier in the day? The way that my metabolism runs I’ve found that even when I feel full I may not be eating enough in the long run. The unfortunate reality of a small person who really does love apples and spinach and many other bulky but lower calorie foods. Too much food love, not enough tummy space! I have to be careful to eat enough throughout the day, make myself eat something denser than I may want to at a given time. Especially since I just really don’t want to bother with actual calorie tracking. Otherwise I will become insatiably ravenous in the evenings, which I hate! I think that truly many of us need more food than we think we might to make it through a busy day, and unintentionally ignore some of the more subtle hunger cues our bodies may be providing. Then, if our bio-intuition forces us to make up for a deficit later on, when we may be soon going to bed, that’s when we don’t have a chance to use that energy. Resulting in then obvious, storage of said caloric energy. Which, as we all know, will not be our bodies first fuel of choice after a long night of sleep. :p Adding nutritional yeast, probiotic fermented foods, and small amounts of spirulina to my already fruit & veg loaded diet have helped a lot. Also, I’ve found that healthy fats in particular help squash the cravings. Sometimes if I’m still feeling a little peckish or not quite satisfied after a full meal, but without a specific craving, I will nibble on a spoonful of coconut oil, sometimes with a bit of honey, jam or cinnamon, savoring it much like I would a chocolate! Much yummier than it sounds, believe me! 🙂 Sorry to leave such a massive, somewhat nonsensical reply! I always worry that I’m going to come across as such a snob! It was just my first thought when I read your question. I don’t have any actual nutritional training or certifications, like Kath. I’ve just struggled with nutritional deficiencies, caused by being an overall high energy person with chronic food sensitivities and an auto-immune disorder. I am also hypoglycemic and way sugar sensitive. So, I had the urge to share what works for me! 🙂
RunEatRepeat says
I LOVE those TJ’s dark chocolate wedges! I used to keep one in my purse but they disappeared so fast.
Hayley @ Running on Pumpkin says
I always finish my day with some chocolate and those TJ’s dark chocolate pieces are perfect. Mazen is getting more adorable as the days go by.
Marge says
Good luck withhour recipe and the contest.
It looks like a winner.
Madison says
Cutest pics ever of your precious baby! 🙂 Excited about you craving some “creating.” You always create amazing recipes!
Morgan says
I have never thought to use my milk frother as a dressing whisker! Genius! Thanks, Kath 🙂
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
I’m glad thhe craving to create is back for you. I think mos women can relate that it’s just not high on the list when you’re either sick with morning sickness or have a new baby, sleep deprived, etc. Welcome back 🙂
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
Such cute pictures of Mazen! That salad dressing at the end of the post sounds delicious. I’ll have to try it soon!
Hayley @ Oat Couture says
Aw I haven’t commented in a while (been a terrible blogger of late!) but that little man of yours is absolutely adorable!! SUCH a cutie! 🙂 Glad you’re feeling back on top form in the kitchen, your eats always look delicious! You have inspired many a healthy meal in me thats for sure! 🙂
Kristen @ Change of Pace says
He sure is becoming a handsome little boy! He looks older in every picture you post. That mac-n-cheese looks amazing 🙂
Annette @FitnessPerks says
That mac and cheese recipe looks awesomeeeee!
rebecca @ blueberry smiles says
Mazen is getting cuter and cuter!
Lauren says
I swear, Maz changes every week. Only to become more adorable of course! 🙂
Alisha @ Alisha's Appetite says
Maz becomes more and more adorable and he grows! And your lunch salad looks incredible!
Jennifer says
Wow your pictures and descriptions have my tummy rumbling and my mouth watering! I really love the way your pictures tell the story without even reading what you wrote. I am a sucker for photography and love being able to see what is going on. The mac and cheese you made looks amazing! When do you think you can share the recipe?
KathEats says
Should probably be end of the month
Elisabeth says
Can’t wait for the mac n cheese recipe – looks delicious!
Dana says
He is really a beautiful baby boy! His skin is so glowy!
Lauryn@Cupcakesandkickboxing says
Um….Mazen is flipping ADORABLE. I mean just look at that face. He is seriously so cute.
Marina says
Wow, Mazen looks so much older! The pic of him on the blanket is sooo adorable!! Do you grill the bananas on your french toast, too?
KathEats says
I cooked them in a skillet. And thanks!
Marina says
Sounds delish, I’m going to try that – thanks and have a great weekend!! 🙂
Spice Chicken says
Do try it! I did according to Kath’s instructions last Sunday morning and it was a big hit. Just griddled the bananas right along with the toast.
Audrey Adams says
Oh my goodness, Mazen is adorable! I love his little shirt that says A-Mazen, cute idea!
tracey says
So glad I’m not alone on the not wanting to be creative (or even) in the kitchen while pregnant! I am struggling with my meal planning!
Katherine says
I love the title of this post!
http://therealfoodrunner.blogspot.com/
Jodie says
Love Mazen’s onesie…I was holidays in Western Australia last week, driving around Margaret River (well known for all its vineyards) when we drove past a place called “amaze’n”. It’s not a vineyard but the name caught my eye!
Jodie says
Sorry, just realised Mazens outfit was not a onesie 🙂
Lena says
Hey Kath!
(I absolutely love you by the way. I’m a first time writer and long time fan. I just think you bring so much light and joy to this world.)
Anywho, have you read “The Science of Skinny”? It is great and discusses a lot of simple things you can do to the pH of your body to help with weight loss. I’d be curious to see what you think!
KathEats says
I haven’t heard of that book, but I love learning about metabolism. Wish they had cliff notes or podcasts so I could absorb more information when I can’t always read a whole book
Lena says
I hear ya – well, one tip I’ve really taken to heart is to drink pour a little Bragg’s Apple Cider vinegar in my water. It helps alkalize the body and I’ve felt dramatically healthier since this change. It’s the kind of book you can skim to get some really fascinating information. I’ll keep you posted if I try any thing else : )
KathEats says
Please do! I’m not sure I could drink ACV…it’s not one of my favorite flavors!
Angela says
Sold out of C-ville Crunch today. Boo-hoo!
KathEats says
Oh no!
Michelle@ Garmin Fenix says
Love your recipes!!! plus you have given me an inspiration for eating healthy out of all the previous days left overs!!! its like art!! Yummy art!!.. p.s your son is adorable 🙂