Gooooood morning!!
I’m working on a smiley baby video for BERF – we had such cuteness this morning in Mazen’s new PJ gown Mimi bought him at the market this weekend!
Hey, I’m lookin’ at you!
Matt stayed home for breakfast today. So much fun!! When Maze is fed and Matt his home, I deposit him in with his dad while I shower. Look where he put his hand in a bear hug!* The cuteness.
*Photo published with permission from Matt : )
One of my favorite parts of nursing is the hand grab – caught it in action today!
After I showered, the boys were playing so I worked on breakfast.
Hot apple oats! I cooked an apple in coconut oil with a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar and stirred it into Coach’s Oats cooked with milk, water, cinnamon, salt and vanilla.
Barney Butter and pecans on top
The grownups ate out on the porch
We watched the baby on his monitor….but wait….looks like he needed our attention too soon!
After breakfast I made another recipe I’ve had on my list: spiced pekanz! [If you didn’t read the Pekanz story, it’s here.]
Spiced Pecans
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecans
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Sprinkle cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Add butter to a medium high heated large skillet and allow to melt.
- Add pecans and coat with butter. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds or so.
- Stir in seasonings.
- Stir continuously for a total of about 2 more minutes. WATCH CAREFULLY. When pecans juuust start to smell the hint of toasty/burn, pour out of pan into a cool bowl.
I spent the better part of the morning reorganizing Mazen’s clothes….again!
His drawers were just overflowing and I decided I had to remove anything that won’t fit him in the near future. So all the 6+ month clothes that were taking up space in the closet are now tucked away in the attic and the 0-6 month clothes are all neatly folded. I can’t believe how much is already too tight on him and how many outfits we have yet to put on him! Baby clothes are so confusing with both seasons and size to consider.
Lunch!
I had my hands pretty full today with a baby who didn’t want to nap and so I didn’t get to eat until 2:30pm.
But this killer smoked salmon and white cheddar sandwich was worth the wait! On a thick slab of Cville Crunch.
Served with a side salad – topped with those pekanz! Plus veggies, a green tomato, figs and olive oil/honey drizzle.
We went for a walk in the afternoon – had to get outta the house! A good 45 minutes or so of sweaty baby wearing.
Because someone didn’t want to get in his stroller!
Maze couldn’t wait for dinnertime because Auntie Hillary came over for a visit!!
He LOVED watching LOST with her last winter when he was just a little peanut inside of me. He says he remembers the plot because he could hear from inside of me, but he would still like to watch it live someday when he’s older.
Yay LOST!
Hillary brought a delicious dish of fried rice
With chicken, peas + carrots, edamame and tons of well-seasoned brown rice.
Matt and I chowed down!
But the best part were the pumpkin bars she brought
They were still warm from the ovennnnnnnn!!!! My only complaint: she cut them so small that I had to have two! We saved a few more out and I froze a couple more to have on a fun boring night!
Hillary says she’ll share the recipes in the comments later tonight or tomorrow – she has them both to share.
The second best part of this dinner? Our kitchen was spotless at the end of eating.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Pumpkin bar that are still warm sound heavenly. I love bakes goods fresh from the oven… I could never have a bakery. 😉
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
I love that little LOST onesie! SO adorable. and I love the little baby smiles. 🙂
lisa fine says
I love all of Mazen’s cute little baby clothes! It must be so fun to dress him, and to make sure he wears everything before he gets too big. 🙂
Looking forward to that pumpkin recipe.
Susan H. @ The Food Allergy Chronicles says
I loved those all-in-one gowns for my boys! Sauteed apples on oatmeal…what a treat! And those pumpkin bars…oh my! Loving the ‘sweetness’ of fall! By the way, beautiful fall pictures.
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
You caught a beautiful picture of the hand grab- I can’t find a way to photograph it in a good angle- your photo just captures it so beautifully. It is one of my favorite parts too! 🙂
His lost onesie is adorable! 🙂 Aw! …..AND- can’t wait to see the recipe for those bars! They look delicious!!!
KathEats says
I turned the self camera thing on on my phone! The hard part was covering me up with blankets so you couldn’t see any nursing action
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
Looks like a wonderful day full of yummy food! I might make those pecans for the Mr’s birthday party this weekend, they look soooo good! I’ll be perusing the comments for the pumpkin bar recipe too! 🙂
Alexa says
I’ll be doing the same for the recipe, looks delicious, yum!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
I like how you cooked your apples for the oatmeal, I never would have thought of that. I just microwave mine… lol probably not quite as delicious
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
A spotless kitchen while eating dinner is definitely a bonus! Love the baby cuddles and the nursing grab. I need to find a baby to hold soon! You are seriously making me miss my guys being little! Have a great day Kath!
Leslie says
What a sweet little baby smile.
Kristi says
Somebody turned into Mr Personality! So fun that you can catch all the cuteness with the camera now! Looking forward to the recipes – fried rice is so hard to get seasoned well without using an entire bottle of soy sauce!
Nina says
Love the picture of Matt and Mazen–that is way too precious!
Becca says
The world is a scary place for a newborn. I don’t blame Mazen from wanting to hang with Mom and Dad rather than lie all alone in a crib or stroller! There will be plenty of alone time in the years to come. Soak-up all the baby-closeness while you can!
Also… fried rice is one of my favorite comfort foods! Can’t wait to see her recipe.
Amy says
A clean kitchen always makes me feel better, no matter what else is going on.
Megan says
I love his big smiles!! Is he started to socially smile??? My baby just turned 4 weeks on friday and hasn’t truly started to socially smile yet. He only smiles during his sleep or while he’s letting out gas. lol I’m looking forward to his first real smile.
KathEats says
Yeah, these are mom-induced! He did them right around 4 weeks
Megan says
How sweet!!! I will keep trying with my boy! I’m sure he’ll come around and start smiling for real pretty soon!
Allison@commitcomplete says
Love that leaf-shaped serving bowl! Mazen’s pretty cute as well 😉
Hillary B says
FRIED RICE RECIPE: (note: I doubled this recipe for kath and matt!))
Serves 2-3
Ingredients:
1 boneless skinless chicken breast (about 4-5 oz), sliced into thin strips
1 egg
1 package Trader Joe’s frozen organic brown rice (or use 2 cups cooked brown rice)
1/4 cup shelled edamame
1/4 cup peas and carrots
1 tablespoon peanut oil
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cube of fresh ginger (about the size of the tip of your thumb), minced
1 clove fresh garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce (more or less to taste)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (don’t be scared of this ingredient! it is the “yum” factor – it adds incredible depth and umami to the dish. it is NOT fishy tasting.)
Heat the sesame and peanut oil in a wok (or large fry pan) on medium-high heat.
Add the garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes – cook until the garlic looks golden.
Add the chicken, and cook about 3 minutes until done. The chicken will get coated in the garlic/ginger/red pepper and it will be delicious.
Remove chicken from pan.
Toss in the veggies and cook for a few minutes until they look bright green. I toss in the veggies frozen, but if you are steaming them beforehand, you can add veggies and rice at the same time.
Add the cooked rice and stir. Let the mixture cook without stirring it on medium-high heat for a few minutes, to get some brown crispy bits in the rice.
Push the mixture to the sides of the pan, creating a donut-shaped hole in the middle. Crack your egg into the pan and quickly scramble it. It’s okay if it gets on some of the rice mixture. When the egg is mostly cooked, stir everything together.
Stir the chicken back into the mixture.
Add soy sauce and oyster sauce and stir – taste the rice at this point and see if it needs anything. Sometimes I add a little salt, or a little more oyster sauce, whatever.
I have also made this dish with broccoli, onions, mushrooms and other veggies. It’s very versatile so use what you like or what you have on hand – it will turn out delicious! This is just as tasty the next day.
KathEats says
Thank you Hillary!!! It was delish!
Candice says
Sounds great. I think I will make tonight with leftover rotisserie chicken 🙂
lee says
That sounds delicious and easy – can’t wait to try! Thanks for sharing. =)
Susan says
Thanks for posting this recipe! I’m definitely putting it on the menu for next week. 🙂
Sandi says
Thaaaank you 🙂
Elyse says
Thanks so much for posting this recipe! I made it tonight (subbing tofu for chicken) and it was AMAZING!
Rachel says
Made this last night and had to share that I loved it! I made a lazy/”use what you have” weeknight version. I cooked the chicken/garlic in olive oil, and instead of the soy sauce/oyster sauce, I just tossed in some Trader Joe’s stir fry sauce at the end. It came out great! For veggies I did edamame, carrots and baby corn. Thanks for the recipe! 🙂
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! says
What sweet pictures of Mazen! I am LOVING the Lost shirt! Total Lost nerd right here!!
deva by definition says
That fried rice recipe looks and sounds amazing. Definitely bookmarking for later. I love nights when I get home and just have to put a few things in the dishwasher because we were enjoying a night out (or in) with friends. It’s fun 🙂
Katie D. says
I made turkety fried rice last night with our leftovers! Now the Hubs and I are set for lunches for a couple days. Fried rice is one of my FAVORITE throw together meals!
Hillary B says
PUMPKIN BARS
Note: This is a recipe that I sampled years ago at Williams-Sonoma and had to recreate immediately in my home kitchen. I adapted the recipe below from Food.com.
The recipe calls for a very specific ingredient, Muirhead Pumpkin Pecan Butter, which I have only seen at Williams-Sonoma stores. It is a seasonal ingredient and sometimes they sell out, and you’re just out of luck until next year. I buy 4-5 jars each year so I always have it in the pantry. If you cannot get your hands on Muirhead Pumpkin Pecan Butter, here is a homemade recipe for it: http://judyskitchen.blogspot.com/2007/11/helen-wittys-spiced-pecan-pumpkin.html
I also think you could use some pumpkin pie filling and add some chopped pecans and it wouldn’t be TOO far off the mark. Or just some plain ole’ pumpkin butter. It would be pretty hard to mess up this recipe. ANYWAY, without further ado…
Ingredients:
1 (18 ounce) box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup butter (one stick), melted
1/4 cup butter (half of a stick), softened
1 13-oz. jar of Muirhead pumpkin pecan butter
3 eggs
1 tablespoon flour
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350.
Reserve 1 cup of cake mix and set aside.
Mix remaining cake with with 1/2 cup melted butter and 1 egg. The mixture will be like cookie dough. Press mixture lightly into the bottom of a buttered 9″ x 13″ baking dish.
Mix one jar of pumpkin pecan butter with remaining two eggs and milk, and pour over cake mixture in pan.
Mix remaining 1 cup cake mix with flour, sugar, remaining 1/4 cup butter, and cinnamon, and crumble over the top of the pumpkin layer.
Bake 35-40 minutes, or until golden. The middle will still be gooey and that is okay – don’t overbake!
Cool to room temp and serve. Cut into very small 😉 bars so you can eat 3-4 and not feel even a little guilty about it.
I *always* get asked for this recipe – trust me, you won’t be disappointed! Thanks to the good folks at Williams-Sonoma for creating this delicious treat!
christina says
Both of your recipes look delicious! I can’t wait to try them out. Thank you!
JenP says
I love that recipe. I’ve used apple butter, too, and it’s great both ways.
Melissa says
I make these pumpkin bars too – but the Williams Sonoma pumpkin butter is pricey. I received a jar once as a gift and found the recipe on a blog when I wasn’t sure what to make with it. I now stock up on Trader Joe’s pumpkin butter for $2.99 a jar to make this recipe and it works out great.
CT Cupcake says
This looks great Hillary! So nice of you to bring them dinner and dessert, perhaps you guys can start a trade off of bringing dinners to each other’s families.
Natasha says
Thanks for the recipe. I just made them and they were a hit. I found some inexpensive pumpkin butter at the grocery store and they were great!
Kinley @ Better Off Barefoot says
LOVE the lost onesie! That might be the best baby onesie I have ever seen 🙂 Also, the snuggle picture is too cute.
Lisa says
I love the picture of Mazen with his Dad. Cosleeping is so nice! Brown sugar pecans are a favorite of mine too.
Ali @ Peaches and Football says
That fried rice looks amazing! Wow!
Oooh Maze is really the fashion icon with that Dharma onesie. He looks especially cute/alert/perky in these pics – it must be the Lost inspiration. What a ham 🙂 I think I need some pekanz myself now…
kim@hungryhealthygirl says
I love a little cuddly baby in a gown….so cute! Thanks for the apple/oat idea….that’s what’s for breakfast tomorrow morning. I will definitely be on the look out for the bar recipe!
Tami@nutmegnotebook says
Fantastic photos Kath, it’s nice to be able to capture those sweet baby moments.
Stacy @ Say It With Sprinkles says
Now I’m craving fried rice and pumpkin bars, haha! 🙂
Annette @FitnessPerks says
Mmmm pumpkin bars!!
susan says
I loved that baby hand grab too, when my boy was still tiny. But be careful those baby hands get strong really fast. Starting around 6 or 7 months, he started to grab so hard, I got bruises. Enjoy the little grabs as long s they’re nice and gentle. 🙂
And thanks to Hillary for posting the fried rice recipe in the comments above!!! It looks so delicious!
Stephanie @ Food and Fitness 4 Real says
Okay, I have already copied and printed both recipes and I might even be headed to Williams Sonoma at lunchtime for some Muirhead Pumpkin Pecan Butter. Can’t wait to make the pumpkin bars very soon. Yummo!
Emily @ www.main-eats.com says
You’ve got some serious domestic bliss going on! So wonderful!!!
Rachel says
ahh I LOVE that Lost Shirt!!! That was my favorite show haha!
carol says
These pictures of Mazen are just TOOOOOOOOOOOOooo cute. Too cute I say.
Laura says
The photos from your walk are BEAUTIFUL!!!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
those pumpkin bars! and the pekanz! Boy, loving both of those!
and yes with baby clothes and sizes, seasons, random hot/cold snaps, and from brand to brand, 6 mos in one is like 3 mos in another brand, and then you forget about some things til it’s too late (happens to the best of us) and it can be a real hodge podge! Glad you’re all organized now!
Mom says
Pumpkin bars look delicious.
Baby, of course, is darling!
Ellen @ Wannabe Health Nut says
Babies seems so cheeky when they do the boob grab, but it’s only instinctual! ha, good shot. And that photo of Maze with Matt is TOO CUTE!
Lauren says
That picture of Matt and Maze is so adorable!! 🙂
Stacey says
How do you keep the coconut oil from splattering on you? Everytime I use it I seem to burn myself no matter what heat I keep it on. Perhaps it’s because I tend to use it with turkey burgers?
KathEats says
Probably need to lower the heat a little bit ?
Laura says
His little snuggling gestures just make my heart melt! It seems like Matt is such a good dad!
Ilane says
OMG, Mazen is too cute!!! Congrats, mama and dada!!
Do you still add bananas to your oats? I am trying to perfect mine too 🙂 Thanks!
KathEats says
Yeah I just don’t get to the grocery store as much anymore., which means I’m always out of bananas!
Ilane says
Thanks, Kath! I have used bananas before, but they might have been very ripe because the oatmeal was way too sweet. And that is coming from a person who likes sweets 🙂
the 3volution of j3nn says
The pic of Matt sleeping with Maze is just too cute!! How can you even stand it? I’d explode with bliss. 😀
Hilary brings over YUMMY things. Is she coming to NY anytime soon? Please give her my address. 🙂
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
The fried rice and the pumpkin bars sound heavenly! I cannot wait to try both recipes 🙂
Miss Polkadot says
Aww, what a cute picture of Maze snuggling up to Matt!
Katie@Real Food Katie's Way says
I love your tea kettle! It really POPS!
I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a full photo of your kitchen…For some reason I was picturing your old kitchen I guess! I love how “country modern” it is! Your cupboards rock!
sarah (SHU) says
awwww the hand grab 🙂 so sweet except that it will eventually become HAIR grab and now i can’t ever pick up a. without putting my hair up first! ahh well 🙂 loooove the smiles.
Catherine says
Thanks Hillary, for those recipes! I can’t wait to make both of them!
And Kath, I’m excited about making the pekanz! They look delicious! And those pictures of the flowers and fall leaves are beautiful!
Lisa @bitesforbabies says
That pic of your husband and Mazen is absolutely priceless!!!!
Jess @ JessieBear What Will You Wear says
LOVE the lost onesie. Seriously so cute.
Nicole says
I absolutely LOVE how smiley Mazen is! He is such a perfect blend of you and Matt 🙂 and goodness me, those pumpkin bars look amazing…!
Happy Tuesday!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
Haha I love his Dharma Initiative shirt! I watched the first 5 seasons a few summers ago, but I never got to see the 6th season, so I’m rewatching the whole series now. I forgot how easy it is to get hooked on it!
Em @ Yep. I Ate That. says
Thanks for this recipe! I was looking for something exactly like this to top my frozen desserts. Can’t wait to try it!
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says
I am dying over the Lost onsie!!! Obsessed!!
Sarah (The Simple Dietitian) says
Such cute pictures!!! 😀
And those bars look absolutely mouthwatering!
Emily @ Life on Food says
Not too many nights when you can finish dinner to a clean kitchen.
Cher @ Weddicted says
That sleeping picture is precious!
I love spiced pecans – especially delicious on salad, mm!
Kathryn @ Mamacado says
Not sure if anyone has asked you this yet, but do you like your monitor? We have the same one but it’s been malfunctioning (sound goes off one day, just a white screen another, etc.). We’re going to return it but not sure if we should get a completely different brand or not.
KathEats says
Yes, we love it. No problems thus far. Sounds like yours might just be a dud 🙁
jen says
Might be totally unrelated to your problems, but just in case, I wanted to mention that our monitor gets really spotty if it’s too near any other wireless devices (i.e. bluetooth in stereo system, laptop, ipad, etc.). But we still love it anyway.
Cait says
I need, need, need to make a big batch of sugared pecans to add to oats and salads! They add such a nice touch 🙂
And if Hillary ever wants to cook for me, tell her she’s more than welcome! 😉
Alison says
Oh goodness there is too much cuteness in this post! The gown pic is my favorite 🙂 The pecans look delicious! Sweet and crunchy, mm. So excited for the pumpkin bars recipe!
katie says
Man, it makes me feel good to hear that you, too, keep reorganizing the baby clothes. Our nursery currently looks like the baby department at JCPenney as I sort yet again. (Same conclusion: nothing over 3/6 mo. needs to be out yet).
Maze’s smile is too beautiful! Doesn’t it make never knowing exactly when your next meal will be completely worth it? 🙂
Thanks for sharing the pumpkin recipe! I can’t get enough pumpkin (or cranberry) today. Today, I used those precious nap time minutes to make pumpkin/cranberry/walnut cookies. The bathroom still needs mopped, but…well… 🙂
Alexandra says
I really like how you include Mazen dialogue in your posts. Too too cute.
Marissa@ohhhsolovely says
if that’s not a moment of father/son bonding, i don’t know what is! absolutely adorable! i’ve been craving baked apples like crazy…hoping to make them soon!
Alyssa says
I love watching your family grow. You all are beautiful and doing a great job as new parents! Mazen looks healthy and happy 🙂
Jenn@slim-shoppin says
Love that picture of Matt and Mazen sleeping! Too cute
Jessica says
Baby and daddy pic is soooooooo adorable and heartwarming! You have beautiful little family.
Elisabeth says
That picture of your boys bear-hugging is adorable! 😀
Kathy W. says
This post has it all–cutie-pie baby, incredible looking oats, sweet pic of Matt & Maze sleeping, AND a gorgeous Fall montage!
Sierra says
Yay, Lost! So cute.
Jennifer Le says
Love your recipes and pics! I gotta try that nut recipe ASAP.
Jennifer Le says
Love your recipes and pics! I gotta try that nut recipe ASAP. mispelled my web on the last one. ooopsies!
Vidya says
Mazen’s smiles are toooooo cute:-)
Fran@ Broken Cookies Don't Count says
The fried rice looks good. I could make it without the chicken!
Maggie says
Hi Kath,
I’ve been reading your blog for a few months, and haven’t yet commented, but was wondering if you are at all worried about Mazen’s skin? My son (now 13 months) had baby acne, but it cleared up by 4 weeks. Do you think that Mazen may have an allergy to something you are eating? My friend’s child had a milk allergy, and one of the symptoms was a scaly skin rash. Either way, Mazen is still adorable, I was just wondering if you had checked with your pediatrician.
KathEats says
It’s a totally normal hormonal change they go through between 3-6 weeks. It’s actually cleared up a lot this week. Ped was not at all concerned.
ariana says
hey, i’ve just been reading for the past 2 months or so, on my iPhone w a feed reader, while I’m nursing my baby (now 6mo)… but i can never comment from the phone… finally getting a minute at the computer now 🙂 The BEST tip I got about baby clothing was that in most cases (brands vary), the number on it, i.e. 6mo means “up to 6mo”… once I started thinking about it that way, I think I started making better choices about what I kept out and what I put away til later! Loving the pictures of your lil cutie! (PS your meals look amazing! yum. just bought some chiabutter and am loving it.)
KathEats says
Great tip ! I had a lot of stuff that he actually could fit into I just didn’t realize it yet…. Same realization
Angel7 says
What a happy baby with a BIG personality 🙂
I had sweetened pecans on a salad last week or so, & they made it taste extra yummy — not to mention the delicious bleu cheese that was on it as well!!!