‘Twas a yummy week! Laid back. Hot then cold. Cold then hot. Spring came – and went away again!
Does this jar look cold? It was.
Overnight oats in a Sunbutter jar with coconut, chia, banana
Another breakfast before the sun was up – coffee, fruit salad, egg, toast with Wild Friends
One morning I made oatmeal in my rice cooker with Coach’s Oats. I made it plain Jane with just oats, water, a pinch of salt and cinnamon. It was just so-so. The next day, however, I took a leftover serving and blended it with some cottage cheese, a bit of milk, half a banana and more cinnamon + vanilla and turned it into this awesome porridge! Topped with the other half of the banana and almond buttahhh.
In honor of Easter, a Great Harvest specialty!
I toasted one one morning and had it with a side of yogurt, banana and almond butter with buckwheat for crunch
The final breakfast: a big Kodiak cake topped with more almond butter (nut of the week!) and banana. Hazelnuts inside!
I have fewer lunches to share these days because I’m usually out and about. Mazen and I attended a mom group event and had lunch at the bakery twice.
This day I had leftover sweet potato with coconut butter plus leftover kale salad with olives, goat cheese and hummus
Another day – hummus salad with Irish Soda Bread
And finally – an Irish Soda Bread grilled cheese with a slice of turkey and fig jam. INCREDIBLE! Orange on the side.
We’re still figuring out how to best manage our nights as a family. Waiting until Mazen is in bed 7:30/8 is too late for us to start dinner, so we usually just juggle dinner, bath and playtime. Which means we need simple and quick meals. Now that I feel like I don’t have to cook every night to keep things interesting on the blog, we’re eating a lot more leftovers. I’ve been doing the “cook once, eat twice” technique to morph something into something new – or just eat it again.
This quiche, for example, we had for dinner twice. Recipe to come next week – tutorial and all : )
With side salads
We also had leftover pork tacos and leftover fish.
This meal was created from scratch –
Into the rice cooker went long-grain black rice, water and a can of beans on the Quick Cook setting (I wouldn’t recommend this because the rice was still a little chewy – do the whole brown cycle). When the base was done, I added some leftover enchilada sauce and a cup of frozen greens to steam. Plus jalapenos, shaved cheese and greek yogurt to finish it off.
That’s all I got for you on the eating front.
It might still be 30* outside with “wintry mix” showing up in the forecast over and over, but this little fishie is ready for summertime!
Live Love Yum says
Oh my what a cutie! 🙂 I was interested in what you said about not feeling the need to be creative with dinners now that you don’t have the blog pressure. Do you feel this has allowed you to eat more intuitively or have a more relaxed relationship around food?
KathEats says
Nope – eating the same!
KathEats says
Although I will say that I think photographing one’s meals leads to a more over less mentality. “A sprinkle of goat cheese would look so pretty on this soup” even if you don’t really need to eat more. Does that make sense?
Sara @ sarasmiles says
Good for you for not putting pressure on yourself to cook every night. Leftovers are a necessity in life. And Mazen is seriously one of the cutest babies I’ve ever seen…can I please babysit!
Lynn @ the actor's diet says
Hot cross buns!!!!! I’ve actually never had one???
tracey says
OMG! Mazen sporting his swim wear & shades is too cute! 🙂
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Sounds like our weather this week! The last few weeks were in the 50’s & 60’s with sunshine, and today we woke up to a couple inches of snow. Not so much a fan of snow in March, but fortunately I know it won’t be around for too much longer.
tlm says
off topic, but i remember in one of your health videos you said something like we would be pretty well off if we “ate mostly plants and a little bit of meat”…i was just wondering what amount you consider to be a little bit of meat? like over the duration of one week, for example? i’m not trying to make a comment about your meat intake or anything, just wondering 🙂
KathEats says
“A little” both in frequency, portion size and relative to the amount of plants in the day. It’s probably a different amount for everyone. Go meatless a few days a week and keep your steaks to 3-4 ounces instead of 10 : )
Katie H. says
Mmm your post made me hungry! I love seeing what other people eat on a day-to-day basis, because it gives me ideas of how I could shake things up a bit 🙂
Nina @ Too Hottie For That Body says
I’m with you on the summer front Mazen! We’re snowed in for the day and I’m wearing my slippers and drinking hot tea as I order bathing suits online.
Morgan @ momentsofmmm says
And now I am ready for some breakfast! That pancake is calling my name 🙂
Maze looks like such a big boy in the last picture. Adorable!
sara @ fitcupcaker says
how cute is he…i love all your meals. I want to get that wild friends peanut butter!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
Hahahaha love that picture of Maze!!! Too cute! And weirdly, this post made me want kiwi, even though it was only in one picture!
Lindsey @ Pas de Deux says
Mazen is too cute in those glasses!! I love the variety of your meals–very inspiring to see. I really need to try a baked sweet potato with coconut butter!
Elle says
Why juggle bath/dinner/playtime? If you are home during the day, couldn’t M be bathed before Matt gets home? Or dinner made or at least prepped before Matt gets home? Matt could play while you got dinner in the oven, then all play together for the 20-30 minutes it cooked?
Sabrina @ Living, Learning, Eating says
Your breakfasts look delicious, as always! I was in Nashville and back home in NC for a week and was really enjoying the start of some spring weather. But landing back in Boston was real seasonal regression – it’s winter again! There’s snow on the ground and a definite chill in the air!
Michele Sparrow says
Such an adorable photo of Mazen there at the end. Do you think you guys will get professional photos to mark his age? 6 months, 12 months, etc. You are a great photographer on your own, so I just wondered.
Can’t believe the snow at this time of year. Brr. Here it has been in the high 70s and low 80s. Enjoying the hotter weather and am definitely ready for summer as well!
KathEats says
We wanted to do 6 months, but I think we are going to do a year instead
Ella says
I just want to say – we had pro photos done when our son was 7 months, and I think it was the perfect age. He could sit extremely well, but he wasn’t yet crawling, so it made for perfect photo ops! Plus 7 months is a ridiculously adorable age.
Allie says
Agree. Do the pics before Mazen can walk. Mobility makes pictures extremely hard!
Molly B says
I am a frequent reader but infrequent commenter, and I just wanted to say that I am very impressed with how gracefully you have adapted your blogging in order to put your baby first (without the blog suffering at all, in my opinion!). I really respect that — family comes first!
robin says
Surfer baby:)
Katherine says
i LOVE sunbutter! umm, ummm!
http://therealfoodrunner.blogspot.com
Shel@PeachyPalate says
So cute with the sun glasses! You’ll have a blast this summer with him! Fig jam sounds amazing…would love it you could persuade Matt to share his soda bread recipe!
KathEats says
Anything Great Harvest is strictly confidential, unfortunately
Sarah says
You can find a number of recipes for soda bread online if you look! I’m partial to the one from King Arthur Flour. 🙂
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Thanks Sarah! Yep I’m forever making different versions; living in Ireland I feel it’s my duty 🙂
Lisa @bitesforbabies says
That quiche looks yummy! I never make mine with crust because I have a gluten-intolerance…I’m too lazy to whip up a gluten-free version, lol!
Georgie says
Hmmmmmm those hot cross buns look gorgeous! all of the food on your blog looks lovely and homely 🙂
I’ve got quite a lot of food on my blog too!
with love from London,
Georgie Xx
Christie says
Where did you get Mazen’s summer gear? We’re going to be in Florida all summer with our 6 mo. old. We need some good sunglasses and a rashguard!
KathEats says
The sunglasses were a shower gift, but I got the iPlay shirt from Amazon and his swim trunks are Old Navy : )
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
That last pic of him is just priceless 🙂
The Irish Soda Bread grilled cheese sounds incredible. What beautiful soda bread! As well as those hot cross buns!
Simply Life says
that last picture is too cute! He looks SO much like you in the photo!
Jane @ Not Plain So Jane says
Snow?! I need to buy some coconut & add it to my oatmeal.
Sam says
Hi kath, I have been scouring your Charlottesville page for a few days because my husband and I are traveling to the area soon. I am so excited to visit Monticello, a few vineyards and breweries, and several of your restaurant recomendations. I am so excited.,
KathEats says
Fun! Hope the weather is nice for your visit : )
Sarah (The Simple Dietitian) says
I so enjoy seeing what you eat for breakfasts and lunches these days, Kath! I’m always so amazed at how creative you get. 😀
Also, can’t wait for the quiche tutorial!! Yours looks fabulous. 😀
Celeste says
Mazen should eat with you! It’s a great way for baby to learn about eating and the family table.
Alex @ Raw Recovery says
I actually went out and got some Irish Soda bread from my local great harvest a few weeks ago and it is *so* good! I love it topped with Earth Balance but that grilled cheese looks pretty great too 🙂 Love the picture of Mazen with the sunglasses. If you ever have a page dedicated to Mazen pictures, I vote that one as the header!
Donny says
I had never thought about cooking anything but rice in a rice cooker. Neat idea, too bad the oats did not come out right, but at least you found another use for it.
Melanie says
I am right there with you on cook once, eat twice, and simple, quick meals. Having a baby (or toddler in our case with another on the way) requires juggling with meal prep every day. I used to love to try different recipes, but there is so much less time for that. We just need to eat something tasty and healthy! It’s too exhausting too cook something different every day. I try prepping the night before or during nap time, but there are also a billion other things to do. So, I’m glad to hear someone else is doing the same thing as me!
Heather @ Fit Mama Real Food says
Cooking once and eating twice is so nice!! Since hunter eats with us around 530 it’s nice having a family meal together… I would be hungry if I had to wait until he was alseep!
M’s such a stud.
Elizabeth says
Oh my goodness. Mazen is so cute. His little jaws and smile are so cute!! Your meals look great this week!
Alicia says
It’s funny, you’re recent meals look a lot like mine! Even though it is still cold outside, we are trying to eat more salads. But the weather makes me crave oatmeal more than anything most mornings!
Emily says
I love love love your blog! I also LOVE that you put anything and everything on top of salad! That is exactly what I do! I noticed you eat a lot of hummus and was wondering what brand/flavor your recommend! Thank you for inspiring my everyday creations in my kitchen:)
KathEats says
I like trader joes cilantro jalapeno the best!
Alicyn says
Love your blog, your recipes are always so inspiring and give me such great new ideas. Question for you, I have been looking for a new rice steamer. What is your rice steamer? Are you happy with it?
KathEats says
This is the one I have and I absolutely love it!
Caitlin says
Stay warm!
Tiffany says
Kath, Have you tried using your rice cooker to cook fruits?
I’ve put apples, nectarines, and pears (all cut into 4 big pieces) in the cooker with a tablespoon of water and some cardamom pods and put it on the quick cook setting (check during the duration so the fruits done get too mushy, you want it to still hold its shape). Once its done I let it sit in there for a little longer so the juices accumulate. It is out of this world delicious! A great way to cook apples for the baby too 🙂
Love the last picture of baby Maze, too cute!
KathEats says
Not yet but I can’t WAIT to do this for baby food! I keep forgetting to buy enough apples : )
Carrie says
This is how I’ve been making my baby food too. So easy and baby loves it!
Debra Blumfeld says
ooooooh that Kodiak Cake!! To die for. I am realizing just looking at food gives me almost the same buzz as eating it. So long as i keep myself in a locked room with the laptop!
Amy in Canada says
So freaking adorable!!!
Jenny Michelle says
It’s hard to believe there is snow where you live…it was 90 degrees in Texas this past week!
I’ll have to try making porridge like yours, it looks awesome 🙂 I love trying new breakfast ideas, especially something similar to my favorite breakfast! (oatmeal of course)
Cait's Plate says
Oh my gosh – that last picture of Mazen?! SO adorable.
This weather is seriously nuts – I’m ready for some sunshine!!
Taylor says
Hi! I’m a long time follower of your blog, never commented before, but I just want to say I think that your site is outstanding and you’ve inspired me to create my own blog! One of the first things I do on my computer is click my “Kath Eats” button to see if there’s anything new, keep it up I love reading your stuff!
KathEats says
Thanks Taylor! Good luck with the new blog
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Irish soda bread grilled cheese?! GENIUS! Now…how do I make that so I can eat it? 😉
Sarah says
Love your blog, Kath. Do you mind maybe adding a number to the blog posts with the name titles? I am getting so mixed up in my reader. They are often called Lately. So confusing! Also what should we do once google reader is over?! Kisses to little M.
Carol says
Just post the recipe for the quiche already, can’t wait to try that one out. For now I am going to try the Moroccan-Inspired Quinoa Salad recipe 🙂
Emily @ Life on Food says
I have smoothies almost every day for breakfast. Your week makes me want to switch thing up a bit.
Maria Tadic says
I love your breakfasts! They always look so yummy. I make your overnight oats all the time! My favorite add in is pear butter. SO good!
Liz @ iheartvegetables says
Ohhhh those hot cross buns look delicious, Kath!
nourishmovelive says
Is it usual to get snow at this time of year over there? We just had a weekend of it in UK as well…getting very fed up of cold, grey weather now, seriously starting to anticipate spring!! Your photos are beautiful as always, looking at your meals always motivates me to mix things up a little! x
Bruna @ morgbu.com says
Mazen just looks so cute and ready for summer! I’m ready too! Will add the meals to the list!
Williams says
Aww, Mazen is so cute with those sunglasses on his face! I bet he’s really ready for Spring! I love how you prepare your meal, it consists of a lot of ingredients, and I love how you make an experiment out of the leftover food, you still made a healthy course out of it. Every meal consists of a bread, a salad and a fruit which is great, because you give an an idea to those who are health conscious on what type or what kind of meal they should prepare in a day. Thank you for sharing this!
Sam says
Totally hear you on the difficult evening balance! We are night owls and both work full time so we actually do eat dinner after our son is in bed. I just try to have enough other food ready and available to feed the little guy. I usually have a large snack at work before I head home. However, I do envy people who are able to make it work!
Also, I don’t know if you do daily baths, but you could probably skip a few throughout the week or just rinse M with water and that might make your lives a little easier. 🙂 Babies don’t get too dirty at this stage and the harsh winter weather can dry their skin out. We tend to take an as-needed approach with our son. Hth! 🙂
Lisa says
Hi Kath!
Love your blog of yummy food and great pics of your sweet family. 🙂 Off topic question…I have tried to search for more details on your weight loss but what I think I am understanding is that you ate whole foods, watched the calorie/portion size with CalorieKing, and exercised. Is this correct? I have been wanting to find a way to lose weight eating whole foods but it seems that all I seem to find in books is where you eliminate an entire food group (like going vegan, or going grain free, or dairy free, etc.). We have lost weight doing these diets, but after a bit of time, I feel like I would kill someone for a good loaf of bread (or on a different diet…some eggs with bacon!) Or…the other option out there is careful food combining. So I would love to see more specifics on weight loss while using your recipes. Whenever I have tried eating whole foods without any type of restriction, I either maintain or gain weight. Any hopes of a book in the future?
Thanks so much!
Lisa
KathEats says
Yes, that’s the general idea – I counted calories as a portion control method but focused on eating real food. The book SuperFoods Health Style was great for me! I do think for weight loss you have to be mindful of portions (i.e. some sort of restriction) but you definitely don’t have to cut out food groups to lose weight in a healthy way.
Mommypage says
All your oatmeal bowls look so healthy! Adding shredded coconut is a great idea. It adds a lot of yummy flavor and texture. Also, Mazen looks so adorable in that picture!
Sam says
Mazen is such a cutie! He is totally ready for the spring! Love his outfit as well as his sunglasses 🙂
I totally love the idea of turning a leftover food into a new and a healthy meal. Great photography!
Ilane says
OMG, yummy yummy!!
How do you make your pancakes? I have the Kodak mix, but they have not turned well 🙁 Do you have a secret? Thanks!
KathEats says
Less water! A thicker pancake will be easier to cook and flip
Jessica says
CUTE pic of your sweet baby boy!