Today ended up being FABULOUS!!
Thanks to glorious weather, grocery shopping, dough baking and an amazing smoked dinner.
I go through stages when I buy too many groceries and other stages when I try to get by on the bare minimum. We’ve been burning through the bare min for weeks now and we were overdue for a big trip. After picking up veggies at the farmer’s market, I stocked up at Integral Yoga [a natural foods store with killer bulk bins].
Although I will NEVER know how to fill a jar without spilling!! Any tips!?
Got leftovers that won’t fit in the jars? Cook them!
One cool thing I came home with was puffed quinoa!
It will make a fun cereal combo!
And also, these incredible raisins – not sure what their name is – but they are like fig + a date combined!! They are huge!
My Ball jars are all full!!!
Lunch was right around the corner
I made a big salad with farmer’s market greens – dressed in olive oil + balsamic + honey plus carrot, green pepper, giant raisins, and a local dilled goat cheese!
On the side, a parfait with organic plain low-fat yogurt, puffed quinioa (which has a slightly malted/roasted taste) and Grandma Candy’s jams
Plus that dog that follows me everywhere!
After lunch, I raced over the bakery because Matt sent word that his first test pan was ready for kneading
It was so weird – the two of us kneading loaves of bread in our own bakery!!!
Soon enough, we had bread!
And then we had to do some product evaluation.
Seriously, it’s part of the job. As much as I love bread, I don’t love eating when I’m not hungry, so just like those in the wine industry spit when they don’t want to get drunk on the job, we chew + spit the bread to taste the honey content and texture.
Buns are the secret product!! Available only by request 😉
Matt and I did a bunch of cleaning – ovens, floors, more. And we had TWO blog readers come in to say hello!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Very exciting. They both left with lots of muffin + bread goodies 🙂
And then I did get hungry for a snack.
The almond butter had to be tested!!!
I biked home this afternoon, stopping by the Organic Butcher for a pound of ground beef for dinner. It was a burger kind of night!
Also, a BOURBON kind of night!
We made mint juleps with the chocolate mint in our yard. YUM!! [And we added some sparking water to cut it – Matt didn’t drink 12 ounces of bourbon!]
Zoom in on the dress – it was a gift from Five Bamboo to review and I received it last fall when it was too cold for short sleeves! I love the dress – so comfy!!
[Gosh I think my calves are getting BIGGER!]
I especially love the pockets!!
]
They also sent me this t-shirt, which I LOVE because it is super soft and also LONG – I hate short t-shirts!
For dinner, we dug out a charcoal grill we found in our landlord’s shed. I was craving a smoked burger dinner!
Matt was in charge and my gosh, I do not trust him!!! He had all kinds of flammable things next to those flames. I hid inside while he lit and played with the dangerous situation.
That would be a crème brulee torch he is using. Isn’t there a chance that could explode?! Am I right!?
After the grill was successfully lit, I did do some chores – I swept the whole gross polleny deck covered in tree worms
And we sipped some smoked Moose Drool for ambiance
The burgers + grilled zucchini were fabulous!
While we were playing with the smoke, the sun set!!! Thus, I only got this photo of dinner. A delicious burger with jack cheese, ketchup and mustard along with a big leafy salad and grilled smoked zucchini – ALL LOCAL!! Including the bun + beer!!
Currently enjoying Mariah Carey’s “Open Arms” on Pandora Love Songs radio and a big ginger cookie from my freezer!
Hope your Saturday was equally as fun!
Katherina @ Zephyr Runs says
Puffed quinoa?! I’ve never even heard of that – sounds interesting, though. That dress is really cute, sometimes I wish I had nothing but 10 sets of dresses like that and I’d be set!
Tori (Fresh Fruition) says
Those jars are gorgeous filled with all your bulk bin finds. Where did you get them? I have some bulk bin goodies that my mom doesn’t want ugly-ing up her counter. HAHA!
KathEats says
I think I got them at Lowes – I forget! they are the big ones – 1 liter?
Cyclist Kate says
Those jars are ubiquitous–every grocery store in my city has them, along with all the hardware stores. Just ask for canning jars!
Tori (Fresh Fruition) says
Will do! Thanks for the tips 🙂
Lauren says
Sounds like you had a nice Saturday Kath! I am looking forward to a few thing when I spend a lot of time in Cville this summer: your new bakery, all of the amazing people, and of course, the amazing food and gourmet stores!! 😀
KathEats says
: )
Meagan says
Hmm. That salad looks good!
How close is your house to the bakery? You always talk about popping in and out, so I figure it must be close?!
KathEats says
Oh no – it’s 3 miles away!! Quite the pain for “quick trips.” It’s about a 20 minute hilly bike ride
Meagan says
Oh! Hmm. Do you always bike?
KathEats says
If it’s sunny I do.
lynn @ the actor's diet says
doing spit takes is something i hate having to do for acting, but becomes necessary after a while. i hate eating when i’m not hungry too.
KathEats says
Yeah, I imagine it’s part of the actor’s job too..
Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga) says
wow Kath this is an awesome post!
“I hate short t-shirts!” — me too! at nearly 5’11” most shirts are short on me anyway and 1984 and exposed midriffs are kinda not my thing anymore so I love a nice long tshirt, too.
grilled zucchini looks wonderful!
chew n spit to test the honey? there are worse jobs but i can only imagine actually that yes, it does get old!
The jar situation, funnels would be my tip. Or pour the grains into a large 2 or 4 c measuring cup, then carefully pour into a jar. Plastic bags are so…unwieldy for pouring!
Love the whiskey shots, too 🙂
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
What a glorious day! I love how you don’t actually eat the bread when you do your taste tests. So funny!
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
The Naturally Nutty comes in JARS?!?! Youv’e gotta be kidding me.
Also, you lied…you like to eat wedding cake when you’re not hungry! 🙂
KathEats says
True. Very true!
Cate @ Liberal Simplicity says
Definitely a funnel–and a wide-mouth one (like for canning) if possible. I always made a huge mess trying to pour from plastic bags, too.
Janet says
That is what I was going to suggest.
clara says
you could also just use one of the plastic bags and cut a smallish hole in one corner. It’s easy to fill jars like that!
Emily says
Or take the jars and fill them up directly from the bulk bins. You have to get the tare weight, first, however.
Sabina says
I WISH I could do that! The bulk food store at which I shop has a strict no-outside-containers policy. 🙁
I was also going to suggest a wide mouth funnel (I have one for canning). it works really well for refilling bulk jars. 🙂
Emily says
I am so sorry your store has that policy! Wide-mouth canning jars are perfect for the purpose!
Baking 'n' Books says
Oh my – first you look gorgeous – so fit!! Wow, slim in that dress! Those are biking calves girl – keep ’em! 🙂
I can’t believe that giant tub of nut butter! I need that as I have a full drawer devoted to the small jars.
How much money do you spend on groceries for the 2 of you? What is a reasonable amount for one person? Like being realistic – not “extreme couponing” sort of thing…;)
Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food says
so glad the bread is turning out so well! 🙂
I LOVE the new dress looks so lovely! 🙂
Lisa @ Fit in the Midwest says
Love that dress! Looks super comfy too.
I need to find puffed quinoa!
Christine says
Dresses and skirts with pockets are THE best! Oh, and for less spillage try making a cone/funnel out of waxed paper so that you can adjust the size of the hole for whatever you’re transferring.
Carrie says
I use a wide mouth canning funnel to fill jars too! I also use it to fill ziplock bags when I am freezing sauce and other runny goodies.
Maggie @ Say Yes to Salad says
If the container/jar is large enough to hold everything in the bag, just cut a hole in one corner of the bag and use it as a funnel! That’s what I do 😉 Before I did that I was always spilling everywhere.
Shauna says
This is what I do as well – and if I overestimated at the bulk store, I just tie a knot in the corner I just snipped, keep the bag near the stove and make sure to use it up before I use the jars so I don’t have little bits of grains crowding my cupboards : )
KathEats says
That’s what I do – I STILL spill!
staceyhealthylife says
You can’t go wrong with a nice classic bbq dinner. It feels like summer 🙂
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Puffed quinoa?! Never heard of it, looks tasty!
I love those GH buns!! Buns are perfect because they’re portion-controlled and make fun sandwiches. 🙂
alyssa says
you mentioned your calves getting bigger? I think mine are doing the same thing…but I can’t figure out why!
KathEats says
It’s gotta be from biking or body pump lunges?
Christine @ Burning It Off says
I’ve also noticed that my calves have gotten a lot bigger… I do Body Pump and spin a lot, so it could be that.
Krissy - Shiawase Life says
That dress looks great on yoU!
Colleen (What's Baking in the Barbershop) says
Oh my gosh, what a great day! I love Saturdays like the one you seemed to have…relaxing, fun, and productive! 🙂 Super cute dress too!
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
WHat a great Saturday! I love the idea of jars filled with bulk bin items!
trina says
Congratulations on the bakery and I third or fourth the canning funnel suggestion. I haven’t canned anything in years, but my canning funnel lives in the top drawer.
Angie says
Love that dress! I’ve been looking for glass jars for rice, etc. They look great! It’s a bar b que kind of night.
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
The dress looks great on you!
Cara @ EAT. PRAY. RUN. says
Looks like a pretty perfect day if you ask me! I am a major bulk bin shopper myself….it’s so much cheaper and I love elminating the waste by storing the stuff in reusable jars!
Maria says
Is Matt going to wear gloves when kneading? Not to be rude, but his arms are pretty uh, hairy, and it just makes me wonder if hair getting in the dough is an issue?
Kate says
people are so germaphobic these days it’s ridiculous…
Maria says
Yeah, not a germaphobe. It was a valid question. Millions of years? Really? Anyway, just curious. I was just wondering if the health department does have regulations regarding that.
KathEats says
No, they don’t.
KathEats says
Men have been kneading bread without gloves for millions of years..
Kristin says
Doesn’t the yeast from your hands help with the process? And the dirty bugs will be killed in the baking.
KathEats says
Well every employee thoroughly washes hands before touching any part of the food production, so there shouldn’t even be any bugs!
laine says
I had the same thought. Not germs, but hair.
Molly says
Bread is kneaded with the palms of the hand and fingers…not arms.
M says
Molly, that made me laugh!
(Giggle giggle )
M says
….I think I’d be more grossed out if someone had warts on their hands,
(not from hair!)
KathEats says
Ha, good point!!
Maria says
His fingers are pretty hairy, too. If you’re going to put pics like that up, some people might actually have you know, questions about them. Especially when it involves the slight possibility that hair may get into the dough.
Kate says
maria. stop. go buy your some germ-free bread at the grocery store and drop the issue.
Maria says
Kate, stop being so defensive. It was a valid question, Again, not a germaphobe. The question wasn’t asked out of a fear of germs. It was asked because I genuinely wondered if it was a concern. I consider the issue dropped. You, on the other hand, seem to be the defensive one.
Emily @ One Sweet Vegan says
I love that dress on you!! I also love “Open Arms”, either by Journey or Mariah Carey. It’s one of my all-time favorite songs.
Kelli says
I agree with Maggie – snip off the corner of the plastic bag and hold over the jar. I do this with bulk spices like chili powder to refill those little jars.
Candice says
Me too – works pretty well!
Cyclist Kate says
If I’m having a hard time getting bulk stuff in to a jar, I just shape a piece of regular printer paper into a funnel shape to guide the goodies in. Quick/easy/cheap!
Chloe (South Beach Girl) says
What a wonderful day! Bulk bins are so fun to shop in, I love finding new grains and goodies to try. Also, that dress is super cute – you look great in it 🙂
Jil @ Big City, Lil Kitchen says
That dress is so cute on you!! and I agree, I’m all for long t’s – I’ve got a long torso and I usually have to layer a longer tank under a shirt if it’s too short.
Leanne says
If you don’t want to buy a funnel, take a piece of copy paper and roll it up into a funnel shape to fill your jars 🙂
greenbean says
i have an old wide mouth and wide bottom funnel to fill jars. i guess that’s the best way to describe it.
Katherine says
Please make some vegan bread/muffins and send them my way 😀
Amanda @ The Beauty Notebooks says
I am so excited for you that the bakery is coming along! You’ll be opening soon!!! Wish Cville were closer to PA 😉
btw, dates + figs combo = can it get any better than that!?
Emilia says
Looks like a great day. How I would give to have some of your fresh, baked bread! 🙂
Super cute dress!
Lucinda says
The only thing I could think of would be a funnel – for trying not to overfill the jar, but then it’s all down to speed – I always fail with peppercorns, all over the kitchen floor!
Hannah (tickledtofu) says
Nothing beats fresh bread with almond butter!
(I usually roll up a pie of paper as a quick little funnel)
Justeen @ Blissful Baking says
I always use a funnel to transfer things to jars – otherwise I always end up making a mess! Sounds like you had a great Saturday, with GREAT food!
Khushboo says
You look fab in that dress- def a winner!
Morgan @ moments of mmm says
LOVE that dress! It looks super comfy.. 🙂
I love grilling and being outside for dinner, it is the best way to spend time with those you love.
bitt says
Where did you get the dog jar? I want one!
KathEats says
Lagunitas brewing in California
Aneida says
Hi there, I’m a new reader. You must tell me where you found that glass with the dog bust etched on it! I love it! From the pic it looks like a Pit Bull. I love my 2 Bullies and must add a couple of these to my glass collection!
Really like your blog by the way! 🙂
KathEats says
Welcome!!
It’s from Lagunitas brewery in CA. Kind of hard to find 🙁
Aneida says
Found them right away with a google search of the name! Thank you much!
Charise says
I have them too! We picked them up at an ale fest a couple years ago. I just love drinking out them, I don’t know why – my husband thinks I’m weird!
Hannah says
Are they hunza raisins? Not that I’ve ever had those myself 😛
KathEats says
That sounds right..
jenna k says
you look gorgeous in that dress! and those mint juleps look soooo yummy! i know i pretty much only see you guys drink maker’s, but if you like jack, have you tried their new honey flavor? it’s amazing in iced tea and… well, anything else! 🙂
KathEats says
I actually hate Jack Daniels!!
Ella says
That is such a flattering hairstyle on you! Very pretty!
KathEats says
Thanks!
Bee says
Kath, I really love your blog. I’ve been reading it since last year but have never commented! I just wanted to say that your dinner looks amazing and I love all your jars of bulk bin goodies. I have the same problem with spilling things while trying to get them into jars.
KathEats says
Thanks for your comment!
Liz, RD says
Hey Kath- To fill my bulk foods into jars without making a mess I use my canning funnel….great for getting freshly made granola into jars as well….
http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Stainless-Steel-Wide-Mouth-Funnel/dp/B00004UE88/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1306057584&sr=8-9
Even if you don’t can well worth the cost and headache of spilling your bulk foods all over the counter!
KathEats says
That looks like just what I need!
sarah (the SHU box) says
“Let me just ask one more time . . . is it local?” hee hee 🙂 looks like an awesome day!
KathEats says
:>)
Sophie says
You look great in that dress — the color is so pretty on you!!
I have to say how much I love reading your blog — you have opened me up to adding more whole grains and veggies throughout my day and I feel so much healthier!
I also have to say that I love how much you and Matt love life…Now that I am in my early forties with 3 kids (who I love to pieces and make my life complete) — I think back on the times that my husband and I were first married and had no kids. While my life is so wortwhile right now, the most “fun” I had was in our early married days. So glad you guys are enjoying them!
KathEats says
Thanks Sophie 🙂
Joy says
That dress is smashing on you; especially the shot of you with your hands in the pockets. I LOVE pockets on dresses; I don’t know what it is about it but I think it gives the hip area a nice architecture! Your whole Saturday looked perfect! Just did grilled veggies the other day…oh so delish! Ooh and can I just say how jealous I am of the free bread given to walk-ins? You’re making me want to take a day trip down to C-ville just to score some! 😉
KathEats says
Thanks 🙂
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
l love bulk bins! I always have trouble filling without spilling.. especially when my bag contains more then my jar can hold.
If I can put everything inthe bad in the jar.. I actually but the whole bag in the jar.. move it around until it is upside down… then pull it up.
Sarah says
You inspire me to eat better! I will say I eat pretty good but then when I read your blog, I think I can do better 🙂 Everything looks so good. And can I just say if I lived closer I would totally be your blogging friend and come over for some bread anytime!!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
I’ve been a bourbon kind of mood too – thankfully the F&W Fest this weekend has been heavy on the bourbon tastings. Maybe it’s the next “big” thing?!
The secret buns look awesome! So does that dress – pockets totally sell me on any dress or skirt.
Jennifer says
Those breads look fantastic! I would totally want to try one of those buns. If we are ever in the area, I’ll definitely stop by. 🙂 Glad your bbq was successful with no fires. (haha)
Do you put anything on your veggies when you grill them? I think you mentioned smoked paprika but do you use anything like olive oil, as well? I’ve never grilled veggies but will be next weekend for the first time so I want to be prepared. 🙂
KathEats says
I coat them in olive oil, salt and pepper and add seasonings to taste like smoked paprika or herbs. If you leave off the oil, they dry out too quickly 🙁
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
I love having a stocked pantry! It makes me feel like the cooking possibilities are endless.
That dress looks so cozy! I love unfussy dresses like that one.
Kristin says
Here is a tip for filling the jars. Take a piece of paper – 81/2 x 11 plain paper. Roll it in a cylinder and stick it in the top of the jar. Then pour the things in the jar. Works like a funnel. Looks like you had a great Saturday.
kris says
Many stores with bulk bins will let you bring your containers into the store. You just bring them up front, have a clerk weigh them, and then fill them up. When you check out, the clerk subtracts the weight of the jar before weighing your goods. No mess at home, and no plastic in the landfill.
Kristen @ Change of Pace says
Excellent night Kath! You look gorgeous in that dress! Your arms look amazing 🙂
KathEats says
Oh thank you 🙂 I am so self conscious of my arms!
Nichole says
I have yet to find any hair in a loaf of bread I have purchased from GH:) I could never knead dough with gloves!
Oh, and I have to try that puffed quinoa, I read the last post first and started drooling!!!
I have a funnel that is for canning, and it would work fantastic to funnel grains and such into the jar, the neck is very wide. They should be available in the Ball products.
Angela (Oh She Glows) says
I love that dress on you! It fits you perfectly. I think your calves look great by the way. I have strong muscular calves too…all the better to run with!
Rosie says
Get yourself one of those wide mouth funnels most often used for canning. You’ll never spill again.
Melissa @ Journey to Marvelous says
Looks like an awesome evening! I, too, love the dress. I’m going to bookmark the site for future reference!
Alison @ Hospitality Haven says
For getting stuff into jars I use a canning funnel. Works every time! 🙂
Emily says
Kath, where is a good place to get jars like the ones you use for all of your bulk items? It is time I organize mine!
KathEats says
I got mine at Lowes, but when I went back this spring they didn’t have them. I think any hardware store should have ’em
Kim says
It was so nice to meet you and Matt! We are loving our baked goodies : ) Such a lovely Saturday indeed.
KathEats says
You too!
Rebekah says
I love the “Eat More Kale” T-shirt!
Cassie @ Back to Her Roots says
Your dress is fabulous!
What’s your mint julep recipe? I grew up north of Louisville, but have NEVER had one! And we got mint in our CSA this week. Yum!
KathEats says
Simple syrup (which we made with honey), mint, Makers and a splash or two of sparkling water
Lindsey @ Morningstar Project says
We used to make “Southsides” with Marker’s Mark which is the Maryland version of a Mint Jullip. They just remind me of summertime on the east coast 🙂
And your calves look awesome! No matter how much running or biking I do mine will never look as strong.
sarah says
I would also recommend a wide-mouth canning funnel for filling jars!:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FKHLOS/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/192-1519438-2449231
Kelly (meatlesswithaman.blogspot.com) says
I have a 3-piece funnel set from KitchenAid. One is a wide-mouthed funnel and I use it to pour seeds, flour, nuts, etc into my ball jars. Here’s a link to them at Target – the wide mouthed one is the one on the far right in the picture. Works wonders!!!
http://www.target.com/s?keywords=kitchenaid_funnels&LNM=KitchenAid%20funnels&CPNG=kitchen&AFID=google&LID=26p441589&adgroup=tools%20gadgets&MT=broad&KID=379bf60a-525e-ad69-6b15-00006e7571bf&ref=tgt_adv_XS000000
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday says
I love the wheat sheaths that are cut into the bread! How cute.
r8chel says
That puffed quinoa looks a lot like the puffed millet I bought a week or so ago. My husband didn’t think it sounded too appealing, but I put some yogurt and fresh fruit in a bowl and topped it with some puffed millet and I quite enjoyed it. 🙂
Christie {Nourishing Circle} says
I did not read all the comments so sorry if someone already said this: to get the bulk bin items into the mason jars without spillage – use a canning funnel. And then, of course, make sure what is in the bag is not more than the jar will hold. That is always my problem. At my health store, though, they will let you take your own jars in and you have them weighed at the front desk.
Leanne Goodspeed says
I have got to find those jars. I currently use ugly ziplock bags. Even if i do keep them behind cabinet/pantry doors it would be nice if they looked presentable.
Sarah says
It is so exciting to see your bakery looking finished!
And sampling bakery products? Woo-hoo! Although I am with you- I don’t like to nibble when I’m not hungry, either.
Charise says
I love these first weekend nights when it’s warm enough to hang outside with the grill and a drink. Looks like you guys had a good one!
Eric Marcotte, MD says
Great pics of the bakery fun – I don’t suppose you’d be interested in experimenting with Gluten-Free bread and shipping to Indiana?? I miss good bread VERY badly and may have drooled a little over your loaves