You’ve probably all noticed my sparkling new header up there —^ I owe my thanks to the brilliant ZestyCook! For years (I can say that now 🙂 ) I’ve been wanting to design my own header with my own oatmeal photo (yes, that’s one of my summertime bowls 😎 ), and Cory did a fantastic job (especially because I am super picky and had like 10 revisions 🙂 ) THANK YOU SO MUCH ZESTYCOOK!!! Not only do I love his lime green site, but he’s got a wealth of great recipes and information as well: Easy Quiche, Thai Pumpkin Soup and How to Take Amazing Food Pictures.
If any of you guys are interested in getting your own header designed, here’s how to contact him: Contact ZestyCook.
I also learned how to make some tweaks to KERF in the style sheet – basically just took away the ugly sandy blah background color. I think it looks much fresher
Bad Timing, Good Timing
I was 15 minutes late for lab so I parked in a faculty spot = parking ticket in 2 hours. UGGGGGGGGG!!!! Oh well. Lab went well today and I was promptly out at 4pm. For some reason I kept putting off my snack and now I know why: this arrived at my doorstep at 5:00!! BARNEY BUTTER!!!! I had to taste it with a few Kashis right away (I was conservative and probably only had about a teaspoon)
And here’s me sporting the totally awesome T-shirt that came with it!
Barney Butter is quite delicious and everything I had hoped for – perfectly roasted and smooth and stick-to-your-mouth creamy. But I also love the TONS of chunks of almonds (I chose chunky to cream 🙂 ) Definitely the chunkiest nut butter I’ve come across. Mmmmm! BB is the only almond butter made in an almond-only facility which is a big deal for those with peanut allergies. Apparently many anaphylactic reactions occur due to cross contamination by as little as 1 milligram! Don’t forget you can get free shipping at BarneyButter.com on orders over $14 with the code: ship4free. Can’t WAIT to have it in oats tomorrow
Those of you who won the BB Contest: email me your thoughts and I’ll post them – and better yet – photos of you enjoying it!
For my official snack I sliced up an apple and had another small piece of Gina’s whole wheat banana bread with the BB (about a tbsp). And tea to keep me warm!
Pub Grub
Dinner tonight was the one meal the husband planned for the week: an English feast!
Fish n Chips, Peas + English Beer (which he brought home from a busted pack today – good timing!). It wasn’t really healthy at all, but follows the ‘ol “just have a small portion” mentality. My original plan was to have a big salad to fill me up and have a few bites of all the components, but turns out I wasn’t really hungry for dinner after my late snack, so I just went with the main course.
I only had about 2 oz of the beer (despite having studied abroad in England, I am NOT a fan of their beer – except New Castle)
He used Alton Brown’s Fish + Chips recipe, halved it and used tilapia and canola oil.
It ended up being quite delicioso! Kind of light a fluffy pancake tempura batter around juicy tilapia. Not something I’d want more than once a year (and definitely not as good as the real deal in England!) but still really, really tasty.
Except my peas were freezer burned 🙁
Extra bite!
These also came home from EarthFare – they’re almost expired!
Anne’s Pumpkin Chocolate Squares!
Pumpkin Chocolate-Chip Squares
From Martha Stewart Everyday Food
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (I used half all-purpose, half whole-wheat flour)
- 1 T. pumpkin-pie spice
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- ¾ tsp. salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temp
- 1 ¼ cups sugar (I used 1 cup)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 12 oz. semisweet chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli)
Preheat oven to 350. Line bottom and sides of 9 x 13 inch baking pan with foil (I actually form the foil to make it slightly smaller than 9 x 13, to make thicker bars).
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, pie spice, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar on medium-high speed until smooth; beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Beat in pumpkin puree (mixture may appear curdled). Reduce speed to low, and mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake until edges begin to pull away from sides of pan and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely in pan.
Would you all hate me if you knew I listened to Christmas Jazz while working this afternoon!?
BethT says
hey, when I saw this at work it was ALL white, but now at home the background in the very back is still sandy? since I “tested” it earlier I wanted to make sure this is what you want 😀
zestycook says
Kath, thanks for the shout out… I am glad you like your new header!! I am jealous about your eats today and I kind of chuckled at your parking ticket…. I got one just last week!
have a great night!
zesty
Mariposa says
AHHHH!!!!! Let’s get through Thanksgiving ok?! There is a radio station that plays Christmas music 24-7 starting right after Halloween… my best friend listens to it all the time..
Mariposa says
oops i hit submit before i was done, i meant to say it drives me bonkers until about 2 weeks before Christmas- then I can listen all day! : )
Amanda in Pittsburgh says
I’m guilty of listening to Christmas Jazz all weekend + today, too! AND I had tilapia for dinner as well! We must be on the same wave length tonight, Kath!
P.S. – Are you wearing your heart rate monitor in that picture? Do you wear it all day or just when you workout? Sorry to be a pain!
Maggie says
I’m already listening to Christmas music too 🙂 I LOVE this time of year just for the music. I usually start on Nov. 1.
I still haven’t tried Barney Butter! But I love the Maranatha brand for AB.
Have a good night 🙂
Victoria says
Love Fish & Chips. The husband makes it occasionally using Alton’s recipe too. Yum!
KatieTX says
yes! Now I don’t feel guilty starting to play christmas music! It just makes me so happy. OH campus parking tickets…I hope yours is less than my campus charges, we get hit with a $40 ticket! They are like hawks! After 10 minutes, you will have a ticket!
coco says
great t-shirt!!! And dinner…….yummy yummy~~~~~
Angie says
Christmas Jazz sounds nice to me. No hating here! Sorry to hear you got a ticket but at least you made it to lab.
Love the new header.
Megan says
That made me laugh that you listened to some christmas jazz..On the way home from class I was actually thinking about when I could listen to my Christmas CD’s without being made fun of for listening to early, haha.
Madison says
that sucks about the parking ticket.
zestycook did a great job!!
Brittney says
I do not judge you at all for listening to Christmas music. In fact, somebody called into the local radio station today and requested “I Wanna Hippotomous for Christmas” and they played it! I, of course, enjoyed this 🙂
Shelby says
I need to try Barney Butter, it sounds delicious!
hk says
hhahah it doesn’t take much for me to get SO excited about Christmas season, LOVE it!!
such a nice hub-cap 🙂
Mel says
It’s okay about Christmas music, one of the stations in Milwaukee is already playing it 24/7.
Your fish and chips looks quite yummy! I wish I had a husband that would cook yummy for like that for me! Lucky girl! 😀
Marianne says
Fish n’ chips! Love it! But I’ll only eat it if it’s halibut – all other fish is just not up to par with the hailbut!
Erin says
Cory did a BEAUTIFUL job. What a nice tribute to him. 🙂
It looks like the only thing missing in your fabu dinner was a piece of newspaper to wrap everything in!
Kath says
BethT ,
Mine is still all white. Are you on the same computer? Is everyone else seeing white on the edges?
Amanda in Pittsburgh,
That’s just my normal watch.
Erin ,
We put it in parchment! That was second best 🙂
Kath
Oh She Glows says
I looove crunchy nut butter! The crunchier the better 😀
Oh and I have been playing Christmas music since Nov 1st…haha…I’ve posted a few X-mas songs form Youtube on my blog! My fav. is Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You“ (well one of my favs!)
seeleelive (for the love of peanut butter) says
Nada wrong with XMAS ! ANY TIME OF THE YEAR!!
I would love to try Barney Butter :o)
Bridget says
Um no I started listening to xmas music before halloween…woops 🙂 I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!
I can’t believe I still havent tried Barney Butter…so jealous.
caitlin says
i’m seeing all white – it looks wonderful. i did the same thing to my blog a while back (got rid of the sandy background underneath the type) and i like it so much more. i kept a colorful border.
i’ll have to show my future husband your recipe! he’s british and loves fish n chips.
Andrea says
love the new header!
Steph says
mm love rachel’s yogurt- although i’ve never had that flavor! and how funny.. i’m eating an apple & PB with tea right now.
Jess says
Nothing beats take away fish and chips wrapped up in newspaper! I studied in London and they were a special treat for our student budgets ;). Not the same across the pond, unfortunately!
Halie says
Interesting eats tonight! You’re keeping us on our toes!
You look so cute in your BB shirt!
I’m loving all the new header make-overs!
Karissa says
Hey Kath or anyone else who can fill me in,
This may be a silly question but with all the talk about different types of butters (almond, coconut, etc.) I’m wondering how much they taste like peanut butter. I really don’t like the taste of PB, but think it would be a great thing to add to my diet, so I’m wondering how much different these other butters taste.
Annie says
I totally support your Christmas-music-listening! I have been listening to it since around the time of my / your birthday (mine is October 24)! Ahh I think there’s something wrong with me!
Annie
Megan says
Your dinner looks so tasty!! I have to say I’ve already started listening to christmas music also! It makes me happy 😀
Melissa P. says
Ha, ha. My mom and I are obsessed with x-mas music. My mom has been secretly listening to it in her car for over a month (my dad boycots it until after Thanksgiving inside the house). Love it!
Megan says
Love the Barney Butter shirt!
Great job with dinner!
LOL! I listened to Christmas Jazz yesterday in my car!
Laura says
I’m still seeing white. I love the header! Great job Zesty!
You have me even more excited about trying Barney Butter now! I can’t wait! 🙂
I love New Castle too! I can’t drink too much of it, but with food, it’s great.
Emily says
Oh dear, I was just trying to decide if it was too early to listen to Christmas music, and decided that it probably was. Now you’ve given me license to go against this decision… at least I won’t be the only one!
Bev says
The header is a nice change. I need to order some more Barney Butter. The chunky is the best.
Michelle J. says
Ha, ha, I was listening to one of the Christmas stations on Pandora all day at work, I thought everyone was going to kill me! I love that the holidays are starting early, it’s the best time of the year 🙂
Amy13 says
Christmas Music Lovers, you need to move to Milwaukee…like Mel said, they’ve been playing Christmas music on not one but TWO radio stations since October 31st! Love the Christmas music, Kath…I could listen to it in July! 🙂
i love your blog says
do u exercise everyday? .. or how many time a week do you? i’m trying to find a good balance but not getting crazy and getting upset if i miss a workout.. should I just aim for a certain number times a week? or plan certain days I have to ecercise?
Sara says
I LOVE Christmas music! I was listening to it at work today and luckily I didn’t get too much crap from my co-workers about it! 🙂
Blair says
So I’ve noticed that you love almond butter, but how do you feel about cashew butter? It is my favorite! I think it is a little more fattening, but it’s soooo good!
RhodeyGirl says
christmas jazz = yayyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!
a little early, but eh, it’s ok. i love jazz and love xmas music!
love the new look!
Charlie Hills says
Oh man! And I just used your old header for your entry in my blogroll. Time to go update that.
At least you can still use the same favicon file. 🙂
Steph says
I tried Rachel’s yogurt for the first time last week and it was AWESOME! I had the “Pink Grapefruit Lychee” flavor and it was soooo yummy. Definitely not a thick yogurt, but the flavor was amazing.
Jenny says
So jealous of your Barney Butter!! Yum yum!
That is such a fun themed dinner you enjoyed tonight, sorry about the freezer burned peas though 🙁
And I would definitely NOT hate you for listening to some Christmas jazz today, I’ve already pulled out the Celine Dion Christmas album once (or twice) this month.
Fancy says
I went back to Whole Foods today without you and Jenna. It was lonely.
jess says
Wow, the new look is so chic!
I’d never think of doing fish and chips with tilapia as opposed to the traditional cod(don’t know if my very english boyfriend would go for it! haha) but it came out alright? did it taste very different?
I backpacked england and must agree- not a huge fan of the beer- but it may be Kind of necessary along with this fish and chips extravaganza!
Sarah says
Hi Kath — Blog looks awesome! I was at the blogger meetup this weekend in Chicago, but we didn’t get a chance to chat. 🙁 Thanks for the awesome recipe ^ up there..mmm!
ps..christmas music, esp some smooth jazz, is just right this time of year!
Oh She Glows says
Good job Zesty Cook!
Kath I thought you were going to say the husband did it while you were away 😉
Tina says
YAY, Barney Butter! I got my newest shipment this afternoon! 🙂
Julia (Santa Barbara Dreaming) says
On December 26th, I start counting down till Christmas. So yes, all the Christmas decorations and songs really brighten my mood 🙂
Man, I really gotta get me some of the Barney Butter! Thanks for the free shipping info, Im considering getting some.
PS I absolutely LOVE your hot pink shirt underneath your Barney butter Tshirt. I LOVE wearing bright colors, but cant seem to find any long sleeve shirts in bright colors. Where did you get yours from?
bobbi says
Kath were so much alike I listened to Kenny G’s christmas album last night while I blogged..lol…Love dinner looks yummy, and I can’t wait to get my Barney Butter! I got my free smoothie coupons today, can’t wait to use them when I go to Memphis for Thanksgiving!
jenner says
hey Kath, this is a re: to your breakfast post, but I’ve found the Cabot brand cottage cheese (both ff and regular) at two of my local HTs, so you might wanna check.
thepinkpeppercorn says
I teach jazz – (or I do my best!) so I definitely wouldn’t hate you for listening to well…anything resembling live music!! lol
Kersten says
I like your blog, Kath! That almond butter looks fabulous–I’m going to check out the site now. What does tilapia taste like? I only like really mild fish (halibut, cod). Sorry about your peas and your parking ticket…not a day for “p”s I suppose 🙂
Runeatrepeat says
I love Christmas, so I think it’s fun that you listened to that today 🙂
Christie says
I am one of those people who put a ban on Christmas music until black Friday. Otherwise I just get so tired of listening to it. And plus I love Thanksgiving and I want it to have it’s heyday before Christmas comes and takes over everything.
VeggieGirl says
HOORAY FOR GETTING A KERF MAKEOVER FROM CORY!!!!! He’s super talented with his designs, for sure.
Love the Barney Butter gear!! 😀
Mara says
I love the new header!!! I’m working on a new one for my blog 🙂
Oh, and fish and chips is one of my all time favorites, complete with malt vinegar!
MizFit says
Does that mean it’s time to yank out the Hanukkah tunes??
I have to proclaim my barney butter love as well and my AWE at how you pull off these great and AMAZINGLY AESTHETICALLY PLEASING POSTS day after day….
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food) says
Love the new header!
I really need to try that Barney Butter! But I’ve actually never tried almond butter before so I might try it from the supermarket first just to make sure I like the taste before I order some!
Jenn says
oh, fish and chips! You’re making me long for England.
Kath says
Karissa ,
There is so much variation in taste that it’s hard to sum them all up. Even within peanut butters – Smuckers is SO different from the Butter Toffee which is SO different from EarthFare brand, etc. Almond butter tends to be sweeter than PB, and others like cashew butter are even different. If you like almonds, you’ll prob. like almond butter. Coconut butter is just out on its own limb!
Amy13 ,
(But usually just once!)
I DO listen in July
i love your blog,
Please visit the FAQ page – most of your answers can be found there.
https://www.katheats.com/?page_id=279
Blair ,
I had cashew-macadamia from TJ’s once and wasn’t a huge fan, but it wasn’t bad. I should prob. just try another brand.
Charlie Hills,
Oops!! Sorry 🙁 But I still LOVE my favicon!!
Fancy ,
SO JEALOUS you got to go again!
Sarah ,
Sorry I missed you!
Julia (Santa Barbara Dreaming),
It’s from Target – a few weeks ago.
Kersten ,
It’s one of the mildest fish there is. I’d liken it to catfish or a thin, flaky cod/halibut.
jenner ,
Oh cool – I wonder if it’s cheaper than TJ’s price.
Kath
lauren says
the fish and chips look awesome! I studied abroad in London too. Such a great experience – i want to go back!
Andrea (Off Her Cork) says
Ha! No I don’t hate you, I love the holidays! The holiday season for me starts in October. LOL This is my favorite time of year so I love seeing xmas stuff out!
musicfan says
I listen to Vince Gueraldis Christmastime is Here year-round, so it’s all good.
Katie says
I had a serious fish ‘n chips craving the other day, but had to settle for battered cafeteria fry. Yours’ looks great!
That’s my favorite flavor of Rachel’s yogurt. Better eat it while you can!
runjess says
No Christmas music before Thanksgiving!
Paige says
Do you have any idea of the calorie count for the pumpkin chocolate squares? I would love to try them, but want to be “safe” as far as calories go…Just wondering, because they look delicious!
Kath says
Paige ,
No idea, but you could always plug the recipe into a nutrition data calculator to find out. I would assume they’d be pretty typical bars – maybe 200 kcal a bar?
Kath
Cat says
Hah I love Christmas music!! I’ve been waking up to “Santa Baby” everyday since Halloween. 🙂
WendyF says
The fish looks amazing. I remember some great fish places in London. Where did you study in England? I lived there for 5 years and did my grad studies in Plymouth. The Christmas music cracked me up. I try not to play it until the day after Thanksgiving. Until then its usually the Vince Guarali (Linus and Lucy -Charlie Brown Thanksgiving) that is playing.
Kath says
WendyF ,
I studied history and literature at Cambridge’s Corpus Christi College for a summer in college.
Kath
Carrie says
I listen to Christmas music year round!
Hahah