I’m so tired tonight! Maybe because I didn’t have coffee this morning? I do notice when I don’t have any I’m sleepier throughout the day even if I get enough sleep! Maybe it’s psychological!
Speaking of psychology, I rearranged some of our merchandise today!
All the good stuff.
Is it coincidence that my favorite items also seem to be Charlottesville’s favorite items!?
Matt nicely asked if I would mind if he went out to dinner with our baker, John, and got some beers. To be honest, I was thrilled to have the house to myself for the evening and relax 🙂 Leftovers, TV, couch, nice!
Karen’s meatloaf was all ready for heating!
Karen made this meatloaf with local grass-fed beef, celery, carrots and red peppers (key!). I don’t have the recipe, but maybe she’ll put it in the comments!? It was delicious!!! I re-heated it in the oven for 10 minutes. I loved that the flavors were simple (not too much sauce) so I could taste the ingredients – fresh beef and vegetables – beautifully. Maybe Karen will type up the recipe for us!?
To go with the loaf, I picked a bunch of mustard greens from the garden (LOVE not having to buy veggies! We’ve only spent about $30 on groceries this month thanks to bakery meals, garden growth, Whole Foods sale and dinners out!)
I saute-steamed the greens the way I always do: double wash them and barely dry, put in big stock pot with a few tbsp of water on the bottom over medium-high heat and wait for them to wilt down while covered, about 3-5 minutes. Then salt + pepper them and toss around a flavor – tonight it was maple syrup!
And on the other side of my loaf, I had leftover millet tossed with cinnamon, coconut and sunflower butter!!! I was craving sunflower butter my whole ride home from the bakery and just had to incorporate it into dinner and into my mouth!
Ice cold aqua
Wish I could say I was a big girl and ate at the table, but I totally took my dinner to the couch 😉
Reading timeeeeee!
Katelyn says
Karen –
I would LOVE the recipe to your meatloaf! It looks absolutely DELICIOUS!
Kath-
I’m glad you are able to have some downtime. Being at home with a good meal and the t.v. can be the perfect medicine! 🙂
Katelyn
mary (what's cookin with mary) says
I’m with Katelyn! Would love to have Karen’s recipe. I am a huge fan of meatloaf and am always interested in how other people make theres.
mary (what's cookin with mary) says
GAH! I meant theirs.
staceyhealthylife says
Alone time can be so nice. Enjoy it and sit back and relax for the evening. Dinner looks so good.
Anna says
I mapquested for directions today and your Open Sky ad was on my directions! I was like “Hey! I read that blog everyday!”.
Lisa Fine says
There are times when I just love having the house to myself.
I’ve been craving sunflower butter lately too. Love that drippy consistency.
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
I can’t wait for our garden to finally spit out some veggies! I used to love meatloaf…haven’t had it in years. Ketchup is always the key for my taste buds.
Dee says
I love it when the house is all quiet. It’s the best time to just take a breathe and relax!
ps. all those naturally nutty nut butters are making my eyes happy! Lol.
Michelle (The Runner's Plate) says
I am not very good about eating at the table when my husband isn’t here. I usually end up on the couch of eating in front of my computer. Sitting at the table just feels too lonely.
Heather says
Yes! Recipe please, Karen?! 🙂
Baking 'n' Books says
How do you get the nut butter to mix throughout the millet (or same goes for greens, etc.)? When I do it – it just ends up in one clump where I plopped it ;). Same with hummus. I notice a lot of people use it as a sauce?
$30?! That’s awesome – I wonder if you could keep that trend up! Would definitely be a money-saver.
(P.S – I vote for you selling that C-ville granola clusters on-line for those of us not lucky enough to get to the bakery!) 🙂
Sandy says
Great idea – on line C-ville Great Harvest store!
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio says
Get some great rest tonight.
The merchandise looks awesome!! I love rearranging/organizing 🙂
Courtney says
I vote you guys have an online store so we can buy some! Looks delicious 🙂
Laura Jane @ Recovering Chocoholic says
Meatloaf looks delicious! It looks like you are really making good use of your garden. That’s great. I think it is nice to have a night to yourself to just relax every once in a while.
Julie H. says
I bet everyone would drink more water if they called it aqua! 🙂 Maybe I’ll trick myself into drinking more aqua!
Jillian says
Haha- for a second, I was all “OMG is THAT what it’s called?!” I think she meant “agua”…or maybe not 😉
Ann @ Day by Day says
I crave sunflower seed butter all the time! I have to have a little dip into the jar after almost every meal…
Valerie @ City|Life|Eats says
Yay for couch time 🙂
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
“To be honest, I was thrilled to have the house to myself for the evening and relax 🙂 Leftovers, TV, couch, nice! “—
I know the feeling!!!!!
Trust me, when my hubs takes my daughter to the park or out somewhere on the weekend for an hour or two and the house is all mine, I LOVE IT!!!
And not having coffee makes me feel tired and sluggish and brain cob-webbey. And yes, that would mean I am a caffeine addict but Im ok with that 🙂
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
I absolutely never mind having the house to myself at night. Whenever the Husband asks if I mind if he goes out, I always say… “absolutely not! Go right ahead!!”
Courtney @ the granola chronicles says
Sometimes it’s nice to get a night to ourselves – your dinner looks comforting and delicious!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
That meatloaf looks so good!! I haven’t had that stuff in FOREVER! And can’t anymore…but maybe a tofu version’s possible?
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
Woo– I can’t imagine going through your day without coffee!! No wonder you’re tired! 🙂
Patty says
Our Great Harvest just suddenly closed! Were y’all familiar with the GH in Smyrna, GA (Atlanta)? The owners – (I believe the wife’s name was Laurie) sent out an email with no information other than to say they were sorry to have to close. Very sad & surprised – they always seemed busy! Wondered if you might know what happened.
KathEats says
Oh so sad. I really don’t have any details on that.
Sonya says
That makes two GH’s that closed in Atlanta. Since GH is so independently run, I’m wondering if the owners just didn’t plan according to the needs of the area?? There’s nothing comparable to GH in this city. Is there?
Jennifer says
Delurking to say – I live near Smyrna, and am BUMMED to find out the GH closed! I only went occasionally because I’m single and a pretty strict calorie counter, so one loaf lasted me a LONG time in the freezer, but it was always yummy.
I know the one in John’s Creek is still open (and a million miles away) as well as the one in Marietta.
Patty says
We also only went occasionally, but I did love to get their rolls and muffins for entertaining, or as treats for my husband. Whole Foods (I usually shop at the one in Buckhead) usually has good bread, as does Bakeshop in Midtown, but both are styled differently from GH bread. And hubby definitely liked the GH muffins best.
Kathleen @ KatsHealthCorner says
Oh My Gosh. I want Peanut Butter right now. I love that one of the ones you sell has Hemp Seed in it!
Cait's Plate says
I always secretly enjoy an unexpected night to myself too 😉
And I JUST “confessed” on my blog this morning how I always secretly end up taking my meals to eat on the couch after I’ve taken pictures.
Enjoy your night of loafing – you deserve it!
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
I want to buy all those peanut butter jars! I bought some butter toffee peanut butter from the GH in Tempe. God, it is AMAZING!
J3nn(Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
I love putting peppers in meatloaf! So tasty. I consider it Italian at that point. 🙂
Mrs. Fish says
I love meatloaf with red peppers!
Molly @ RDexposed says
I just can’t get pass a “loaf” of meat.
Erin says
I used to think the same thing! I wouldn’t eat meatloaf for years…just sounded gross. My husband begged me to make it. I did, and I’m hooked!
Molly @ RDexposed says
The things that we do for love…
haha
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
I love that you put out samples! That gets me to buy new items faster than anything else.
Lauri (Redheadrecipes.com) says
Mmmmm… I’ve been craving meatloaf lately! I don’t have all of the ingredients on hand right now, But I’m headed to the store this weekend!
I love mixing goat meat with ground turkey (or pork)! Have you ever tried goat meat?? I think the taste/mouth feel is similar to gr beef, but lower in fat! Its hard to find around here, but I use to buy it at the local market in Columbia.
KathEats says
I haven’t had goat meat – except for once when I was in Africa!
Emily @ One Sweet Vegan says
I’ve been known to eat my meals on the couch before too. 🙂
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
I’m glad you had a peaceful night. You had great leftovers too so easy dinner and relaxation! Sleep well Kath!
Jennifer says
Do you have any problem with insects eating your garden veggies and if so, how do you keep them off? Enjoy your night. 🙂
KathEats says
Luckily the only pest we’ve ever had was a deer – who ate ALL of our zucchini!
Janet says
Zucchini grow pretty quick. You still have plenty of time to replant if you wish. I have a problem with deer also. I use a product called Milorganite (supposedly organic but don’t quote me on that). I sprinkle it on the outward perimeter of my garden. Keeps them out. I haven’t purchased any this year yet. So needless to say, they have munched on my tomatoes and cucumber plants.
Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out says
I take it to the couch when I’m alone, too. Doesn’t mean your not a big girl! 🙂
Shelley says
I LOVE having the house to myself once in a while. It is so nice just to chill out and just watch tv or whatever. Love it! and i also crave any nut butter all. day. long, it is my absolute weakness!!
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
I don’t ever eat on the couch, because I actually love eating at the table. Weird, I know! Sleep well 🙂
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
If I’m alone for dinner, 95% of the time I eat it on the couch 🙂
Karen’s meatload looks good!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
If I’m alone for dinner, 95% of the time I eat it on the couch 🙂
Karen’s meatloaf looks good!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
When I’m alone for dinner 95% of the time it’s eaten on the couch 🙂
Karen’s meatloaf looks good!
Monika @ Powered By Paprika says
Couch dinner’s are so comfortable– I love sitting indian style & eating 🙂
shannah says
i saw your opensky ad on huffingtonpost.com 🙂
Namaste Gurl says
I cook greens exactly like you– my fav way to do it 🙂 I love adding nutritional yeast, olive oil, bragg’s and maple syrup after lightly steaming 🙂
Haha, us foodies, always craving nut butter 🙂
Justeen @ Blissful Baking says
Wow, just $30 on groceries is great!! That’s one area of my budget that I’d really like to cut down on, but I just can’t give up some of the more expensive organic items like Greek yogurt and fresh produce!
Jackie @ That Deep Breath says
That meatloaf looks super delicious & I don’t even like meatloaf! Something about a big hunk of meat just makes me cringe but that looks fantastic. I’ve been dying to try the Naturally Nutty Sunflower butter. I’ve tried the white chocolate coconut pb, vanilla ab & butter toffee pb (my fave.)
Hannah says
Sometimes I can’t help crying that I was in Charlottesville four years too early. 🙁
Ella says
Sometimes you just gotta eat on the couch 🙂
kristacular says
that’s my lagunitas glass!!! my favorite!!!
KathEats says
My favorite too!
Khushboo says
That dinner…get in my mouth, NOW! Looks SO delicious! Why does ‘ice cold aqua’ sound so much more appealing than ‘water’ haha…this post was all about the psychology 😉
Angela says
You’ve convinced me to try millet now – all it takes is adding nut butter to something and I’m sold!
Jumanah @ Healthy Living in the Middle East says
Mmmmmm, meatloaf sounds delicious! Please Karen post the recipe for us 🙂
Yasmine says
Your bakery’s images make me want to taste your products! Unfortunately, I live in France… 🙁
Christine @ Burning It Off says
Haha, I always eat in front of the TV or computer (I’m doing it right now… oops) if nobody’s around. I get bored just sitting by myself at the table.
Kristen @ Change of Pace says
I really enjoy quiet evenings like that… Having 2 kids means I don’t get them often!
Hillary says
You are SO making me wish I had a big, green, leafy garden! Fresh greens at my fingertips daily would be phenomenal.
Lauren says
My husband just told me he was going out tonight and to be honest, I was a little thrilled as well. 🙂 It’s always nice to have a night just to yourself and your thoughts.
Sarah@The Flying ONION says
I absolutely *love* meatloaf! I’m not a large meat eater, but there are two meats in life which I simply can’t resist. Meatloaf and wild salmon. They’re both heavenly. 😀
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says
That so great you can just pick whatever vegs you want for dinner!! I am excited for you to finish the book 🙂
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
I hate eating at the table when I’m all alone. The couch is the only way to go!
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says
NOT going to lie, I am really impressed by your GH store!! If we had more food bloggers owning bakeries/restaurants/cafes, life would be ten times healthier.
Amelia says
Kath, you are so lucky to have such a great mother-in-law! I love my MIL to pieces, but she definitely can’t cook like Karen!! I love the fact that Karen chooses very wholesome, simple, yet “clean” foods to prepare. Nothing tastes better after a long day on your feet. 🙂
Candace says
That meatloaf looks amazing! I never developed a taste for meatloaf until adulthood — as a kid, I was always too scared of the ketchup-drenched stuff my mom and aunt made. I would definitely love Karen’s recipe!
Hope says
That mealoaf looks fabulous! I haven’t been able to find a good recipe. I hope Karen types hers up to share 🙂
Erin says
Thanks for the mustard greens idea! We got some in our weekly CSA bag, and I’ve never made or eaten them before, so I wasn’t sure what to do with them. (I figured you could wilt/saute them with oil/butter and salt/pepper, but it’s good to have a more concrete idea.)
I know, it’s hard to believe I’ve never had them before, but they’re truly not a diet staple up here in Ohio! Looking forward to giving them a try later this week.
Kate @ NaturaStride says
Mmmm sometimes evenings alone at home are just what the doctor ordered. I had one on Monday night – made a “Katie-Meal” (aka – steamed veggies, hummus, crackers, froyo), had a glass of chardonnay, and caught up on some reality TV.
Dinner looks delicious! Glad you got some “me-time” 🙂
Avery says
That millet looks so good!
I’m totally with you on the coffee thing. I feel so tired all day if I miss out on my coffee, but some days I think maybe it’s all in my head. I can’t ever know for sure!
Marissa says
I love being alone at dinner time, too! I mean, I love eating at the table with my family… but its just fun sometimes to curl up on the couch with the TV and laptop and munch away! I’ve never thought about combining greens + maple syrup before… though I did just drizzle some over my sweet potato hash, and that was a lovely sweet + savory combo!
Monica says
I don’t think it is psychological at all to never quite wake up when you are without coffee. Since I found out I was pregnant and gave up coffee cold turkey, my days just haven’t been the same. Granted extreme sleepiness is a side-effect of pregnancy, but still – coffee was my huge cup of sumpin sumpin in the morning to get me moving. 🙂
Charise says
I secretly kind of love it when my husband goes on the occasional business trip (short, not the icky 10 day ones), because it means I have a night of cooking something he doesn’t like, eating on the couch while watching a chick flick, and general slothiness. So relaxing!