I’m really into afternoon tea these days. This is our Madagascar Vanilla Rooibos from Light of Day teas that we serve at GH. With a splash of milk!
I worked at the bakery until mid-afternoon when I started to fall asleep at my desk, so I headed out on a walk home to wake myself back up. Too many bites of chocolate must have put the baby to sleep!
Apple upon my arrival. I continued working on the website when I got home. It’s nearly complete!
We had a real treat for dinner tonight – a home cooked meal by a mom!!
Karen brought over Chicken Parm – old fashioned with pounded, breaded, pan-fried chicken and a nice tomato sauce plus TONS of mozzarella. She knows I’m in love with cheese!!
Matt was happy to have his mom cook for him on Valentine’s!
The meal was excellent!!
Check out that portion size. I couldn’t finish it all, but I did a good job working my way through!
I made a Caesar salad to go on the side. My favorite “vegetable” of the week!
After dinner we watched The Hangover II together, which was rather meh but entertaining. And when we’d all digested, we had a taste of Great Harvest love – warm chocolate brownie bread with a little ice cream!
Sleep tight!
Christine says
I’m a little behind the times, so I just found out you are pregnant! (assuming I read that right) — congratulations! I’m a mom of two and really enjoy reading as you go through becoming a mommy!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
KathEats says
Thanks!! 🙂
Olivia says
OMG that looks like it was amazing. Haven’t had a really delicious pasta dish in so long. The melty cheese is making me crave it!
Kori says
Your dinner and dessert look excellent!! Happy [last childless] Valentine’s Day!! 🙂 <3
Hannah says
Look at Karen, looking all fabulous!! Happy Valentine’s Day to you all!
Katie @ cooklaughmove says
I agree! Karen looks fantastic! What a blessing to have such a helpful, considerate mom-in-law 🙂
Kelly @ Vegolosophy says
Oh man, that looks like an amazing home-cooked meal!!!! Hope you and your fam had a great dinner 🙂
Stephanie @ Legally Blinde says
Oh my gosh, that warm chocolate brownie bread looks soooo delicious, especially with the ice cream. Yum! And how nice that Karen cooked for you and Matt; what a fun Valentine’s Day dinner.
This is kind of random, but if you’re trying to fit more veggies into your diet I wonder if you might want to do something like Jessica Seinfeld does in her cookbook “Deceptively Delicious” (she also has a new cookbook out called Double Delicious! which I haven’t read). If you’re not familiar with it, she uses a lot of pureed veggies added into dishes (i.e. cauliflower into mac & cheese, spinach in brownies). I think you’re still eating extremely well and am not suggesting that you need to add in extra veggies, but thought this might be a palatable way to do so if you wanted to!
KathEats says
Great suggestion Stephanie! I’m hoping this is all temporary and I’ll get my taste back soon, but if I thought it was a 9-month problem I would definitely make more effort. Karen has been hiding things like carrots in her lasagna and things, and I’ve been sneaking them in myself (like on my sandwich today) on a more basic level. Matt picked up some baby spinach when he was bakery shopping too so I can make some green smoothies. I didn’t have the stomach to buy the spinach myself!
Allison K says
I will never forget the first moment I gagged during my pregnancy….it was when my husband picked up two different varieties of spinach at the grocery store, showed them to me, and asked which one we normally buy. I had to turn away..it was so bad. That was around week 8, and I was finally able to each spinach with no issues again at week 15/16.
Mindy - clueless nut says
What a delicious dinner! Your MIL seems to be a sweet one. Even after all of my chocolate consumption today, my mouth slightly watered looking at your dessert.
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
That dinner looks absolutely delicious! and how nice of Karen to come cook, sounds like a great valentine’s day to me, lots of family!
[email protected] says
Good to see salad on your plate! That ice cream and brownie looks evil…ly delicious.
kathleen @ the daily crumb says
caesar is such a good choice when you need some green, but a little bit of comfort as well 🙂 glad you three had a wonderful dinner!
Katie says
Wow! Karen is looking fantastic!!! Hope she is doing well 🙂
Dinner looks great too. Happy Valentine’s Day!!
Gina G says
Totally was going to say the same thing about Karen! 🙂
Adrienne says
Ditto. She is rockin’ those jeans and stud belt.
Elisabeth says
No kidding – she looks great! The meal looks fabulous, too 🙂
Ida says
Karen is H O T !!! You are workin those jeans girllllllll 😉
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
That dinner looks sooooo good! Karen seems like a great cook!
The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh says
Oh my…that looks delish!! You can feel the love from that meal!
Kerry @ Totes My Oats says
Chicken Parmesan is my favorite meal that my mom makes!!!
Kristen @ Change of Pace says
Dinner looks like comfort food to me! I thought the same about The Hangover II. Blah but alright.
Christine says
How adorable is Karen???? You are so lucky to have a mother-in-law that will cook for you. I am seriously jealous. Don’t worry about the veggies. Your palate will turn around. I am a mom to 4 awesome little ones, and I never could stomach raw vegetables for about the first 12 weeks or so. I lived on mashed potatoes and butter toast. All my children turned out fine!
catherine says
Chicken parm was my absolute favorite meal during my first trimester! I was sure my son’s head would be shaped like a breaded cutlet.
Also wanted to mention that I have made Karen’s lasagne twice and it is absolutely delicious. I substituted a bag of frozen veggies for the mushrooms, and just used regular mozzarella. A definite keeper.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Emily says
sounds like my kind of valentines day 🙂 relaxed, good food {in moderation :)} spent with the ones you love.
Kelly says
I’m so jealous of you having Karen! Everything I’ve seen she’s made, she’s seems like and excellent cook (like mother, like son)! How loving of her to come over and cook for you guys! How lovely! Enjoy!
Sarah says
Nothing says V-day like Italian (and chocolates!)
katie @KatieDid says
so nice to have a meal cooked by mom. It’s been a long time for me since that’s happened! Happy V day!
Cyndi says
Moms and other elders provide so much more than just a meal when they cook … take it all in.
Susan H. @ The Food Allergy Chronicles says
Yummy dinner! I love Italian! Tomatoe and cheese are the best combo!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
Your mom is a true “mom”…dishing up some hearty portions for you and your little bun in the oven 🙂
Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you!
Jen says
Karen looks SO good! I think she should start her own blog – Karen’s Homemade Meals! Comfort food at its finest 🙂
Maryea @ Happy Healthy Mama says
Hey romaine lettuce IS a vegetable you know! 😉 That dinner looks fabulous. Karen is such a sweetheart.
Grace @ Healthy Dreaming says
The meal looks super yummy! YAY FOR MOMS 🙂
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Lisa (bakebikeblog) says
now THIS is one tasty meal!
Fallon says
The chicken parm looks so good!
[email protected] Nutrition with Sydney says
Aww, so sweet for Karen to come cook for you two (or three?!) tonight 🙂
Liz @ iheartvegetables says
Aww that’s so cute! 🙂
Elle @ nutritionella says
I’m also loving tea lately – recently discovered the wonder of Teavana and went from an occasional bagged tea drinker to a tea snob in about 30 seconds. That dinner looked incredible!
Olena (The Fit Gourmet) says
Yipee, ice cream is back in business 🙂 I’ve been eating ice cream almost every day for the last 4 years. The better kinds, of course, and mostly in limited quantities but still many people would be surprised by my “addiction”. It’s refreshing to have the better side of this awesome dessert exposed. Enjoy!
Lindsay says
Happy to have mom cook for me ANY DAY! Whenever she visits, she does the most endearing things~takes care of us all over again, and we really appreciate it! That pasta looks amazing, and kuddos on the cheese love, I’m infactuated with cheese! Great Vday, and can’t wait to see the new baby site!!
Leslie says
Did you guys actually watch Hangover II with Karen? If yes, you guys must have an awesome relationship! I was embarrassed to have seen it on a girls get away weekend with my best friend! We swore we’d never tell anyone we saw it-oops, just did I guess! I guess I’m really a prude!
KathEats says
yeah! She’s a pretty cool MIL – raised 2 boys so she’s used to that kind of humor
Jul says
no offense, Leslie, but seriously? it’s not exactly rated nc-17 or pornography. loosen up a little! my roommate is just like you about stuff like this and it drives me nuts because it’s not cute or endearing, sorry.
i know you didn’t come on here expecting to be criticized but honestly your comment to kath here is sort of a backhanded way of saying “OMG I CANT BELIEVE YOU DID THAT” even though watching a comedy with your mother in law isnt exactly morally reprehensible.
Meg says
To be fair, Jul, your comment is a little “OMG I CAN”T BELIEVE YOU SAID THAT” to Leslie. To each their own, right?
Jul says
admittedly, i see your point. i guess i just dont understand why Leslie would be so embarrassed to admit to seeing it.
Khushboo says
Something about any mom’s cooking always tastes so special!!
Clare @ SweetnSimple says
Oh how sweet! That’s a gorgeous looking meal 🙂
Jamie R says
What a wonderful post. I could really sense all the love that is in your home! Congrats on the prego news and on your cozy family night! Love, love your blog!!
Lorin says
I went to Body Pump for the first time tonight. It’s hard to keep my arms up to type this…fun but very hard. I’m excited to keep doing it!
KathEats says
Good for you!
Laura @ She Eats Well says
That picture of the chicken in the pan covered with mozzarella and tomato sauce looks so tasty! Jealous of your home-cooked “mom” meal. It seems to always taste better when someone else makes it!
Stacy @ Say It With Sprinkles says
Mmmm….chocolate brownie bread! I’m so glad you had a fabulous Valentine’s Day!
[email protected] Broken Cookies Don't Count says
So nice that Karen made dinner for all of you.
Michelle (Better with Berries) says
I’ve never tried adding a splash of milk to my tea – I need to try it next time!
Cara Craves... says
What a thoughtful Mom!
dee says
oh my goodness. That chicken parm looks SOOOO good. Yummm!
Hillary says
If Karen wants to drive to Baltimore and cook me dinner, I absolutely would not stop her from doing so ; ) She looks great!
Simply Life says
I love that she made you dinner- what a sweet meal! 🙂
Ash Bear says
Man this post makes me crave some delicious Italian food!! I’m also loving afternoon tea in addition to my new found love of morning coffee. I know, I’m a bit late to the party on that one. Oh well!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
That tea sounds amazing! I’m obsessed with the Tazo vanilla rooibos tea from Starbucks – have you tried it?
KathEats says
Yeah I like that one a lot
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
What a wonderful dinner!! So nice of Karen to cook for both of you! That chicken parm looks fantastic. 🙂
Heather @ Run Eat Play says
Holy smokes – that chicken parm looks awesome!
Molly @ RDexposed says
What’d Matt drink? You’ll have to fill us in on his craft beers since yours will be missing for awhile!
KathEats says
He had a friend’s homemade cider!
britt says
i LOVE having someone cook for me. what a nice thing of her to do 🙂
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning says
Aw, how nice of Karen! I’m sure she loved doing that for you guys. The dinner and dessert look perfect (and comforting)!
I still haven’t seen the Hangover 2. I kind of don’t want to because I loved the first so much, my expectations would undoubtedly be way too high.
Lu says
I remember when I was pregnant I would have to sometimes sleep in my car on my lunch break. I highly recommend it! 🙂 It’s hard to grow a baby. Rest as much as you can. That chocolate bread looks amazing.
janet says
You watched Hangover 2 with your mother-in-law?! THAT is an amazing relationship! We aren’t prudes or fake about life, but to actually sit & watch those scenes together, just not the things I would discuss with her! And to be honest, the thought of my MILs or even my mom’s opinion on some of those scenes — not something I want to hear about!
Jul says
i commented on Leslie’s comment about watching the hangover with your MIL above and while I don’t think you took the same backhanded tone with this comment, i do have to ask – would you never see a single movie with your parents that had a love scene in it? i mean really, even titanic, which i saw at the very young age of 10, i saw in theaters with my mom and it had some pretty risque shots. did i then discuss the awkwardness of seeing a naked woman on screen with her after? of course not. not sure why you think kath would actually talk about the more awkward scenes with Karen or her mom…
and if she did, so what? big deal!
Janet says
Jul, While I appreciate you answering for Kath, the “so what? big deal!” is that I thought the comment section was for discussion? I was not being rude or backhanded, I was commenting because I am in the age range as K&M. So it is likely my mom is around Karen’s age. While I found H & H2 hilarious, my mom and MIL would be offended. When we watch movies as a family, we tend to talk/discuss/comment/share in our laughter – Kath makes her family sound much the same way. So watching a movie with someone who was uncomfortable in my family would be awkward. And if you are actually comparing the love scenes in Titanic or just seeing a naked woman with H2 – then we saw different movies. The whole tone was different.
My thoughts were mainly about the generational differences in accepted movie humor – as well as family dynamics. Maybe Karen loved it. Maybe she didn’t like it but didn’t speak up because K&M seemed to like it. My mom would have said “I am not going to watch this, can you finish it later?” My MIL would sit in silence and complain about me later to my BIL for making her watch a movie with “such vulgarity”. Do I agree, no. But I certainly am not going to criticize my 55 yr old mother for her opinion. She can be as prude as she wants. My MIL I criticize all day because it is what good daughters in law do (joke!). In any case, if this comment section is NOT for discussion, I will let Kath make that big announcement. I agree people being rude should just stay quiet – it promotes only more rudeness. And had Kath already answered Leslie, I would have seen that & not commented.
KathEats says
If it makes any difference in this debate, Karen brought over the DVD and laughed harder than we did!
Kimberly says
Everything Karen makes for you always looks so good! That chicken Parmesan looks so rich and cheesy! You’re so lucky to have a mother in law who likes to cook for you and Matt.
Sara says
glad to see Karen looking so great!
Angel7 says
I wish I had my mom here to cook for me while pregnant 🙂 That was so sweet of Karen!
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