July 2018 Recap

July was different. I’m so so so pregnant and waiting and hoping for this baby to come! I haven’t cooked much and am really focused on fast & easy meals that don’t require too much work. I grabbed a few things at Trader Joe’s being mindful of complete meals, not just items and that has been so helpful. We loved potstickers and fried rice and mini chicken tacos with fire roasted corn and orange chicken to go with rice & peppers. I think I need another haul before the baby comes! I haven’t prepped a bunch of food like last time, so maybe that’ll happen, or not. We’ll see!

This might be it for awhile- with any luck, the baby will be here soon and I don’t know that I have grand plans to blog anything! (hear that baby girl, come on out!)

Favs this month:

Flavored cream cheese was a fun and gave me lots of ideas. I made Honey Rosemary Cream Cheese and put it on BLTs before it being bfast. Then I made a different one that I’ll make again and blog for you.
Honey Rosemary Cream Cheese on BLTs - The Three Bite Rule
Life isn’t complete without a rice bowl like this Kielbasa Grain Bowl. I can’t stop. This one wasn’t the most creative, but it was so addictive and hit the spot.
Kielbasa Grain Bowl - The Three Bite Rule
I made a Light Lemon Dip that is ideal for this season of produce!
The Three Bite Rule - Lemon Fruit Dip

Bump Update:

Last one! Ohh I can’t wait for the baby- especially with my due date in the first few days of August. I’m done being pregnant. Can you tell? Have I mentioned that? I posted something on FB and wanted to slap the 2 people who apparently thought I needed perspective. pshhh. I think sage advice is to just encourage a pregnant person. I doubt any want your unfounded realism- no uterus, no opinion. Sleep is hit or miss and I’m so uncomfortable by the end of the day. I’m in a surviving-not-thriving state. We’re ready with everything so I’m in countdown mode.

The Little Guy:

He’s such a swimmer! We got him to try a different swim float. He wasn’t interested initially and I didn’t want to push it since all I cared about right now was comfort at the pool. Plus, there’s a lot changing in our lives so I didn’t see him wanting something different once he was committed to the boating-style life jacket. He tried it and success! He’s so proud of himself and it is much better so he can move around better and do more himself. Foodwise, he’s been quite into pesto and has surprised himself liking things he wasn’t thinking he’d try….we knew he’d like ’em, but hey- to be 3. He got some hand-me-down toys and is obsessed: a very loud fire truck that moves w/ lights & sirens; k’nex which are so fun and we make lots of monsters; duplos or what he calls “big legos”; and a track & vehicle set that might be less annoying when I’m not pregnant.

This Year’s Goals:

Year of the candle: nope, just enjoying the few that seem seasonal-ish. 
Cook more appetizers/snacks: 
I made Lemon Dip for Fruit
Taking time to blog thoughtfully: 
ehh, this wasn’t really something I focused on.
Journal the cute moments of my little one: I like when he says “maybe this should go here, maybe I want to use this train, maybe we should play ___”
What I’m reading: 
 I’m not sleeping super regularly so I’ve read a lot! I read Before We Were Yours and The People We Hate at the Wedding and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine 
What I’m watching: 
we watched Chappaquiddick which was fascinating and well done.

I think I’m done blogging until the baby comes and we’ve surfaced for air. Whenever that is. Find me on Instagram in the meantime!

June 2018 Recap

Countdown is ON. I’m now 35 weeks pregnant, with about 5 weeks left. Woah. June felt speedy probably also because it is the end of work’s fiscal year so there’s a lot happening. Everything I cooked this month was pretty quick without a ton of ingredients…perfect for summer, right?!

This month I made Mr. J’s birthday burger as a Garlic Lovers Burger which was fun. I also used a Beyond Meat one for mine and was really impressed!
The Three Bite Rule - Garlic Lovers Burger

I’ve been into smoothies so I re-did, and healthify a Chocolate Cherry Smoothie. The little one likes to have some when I do.
The Three Bite Rule - Chocolate Cherry Smoothie
This Honey Garlic Lime Shrimp was so perfect to balance the juicy shrimp with sweet and tartness.
The Three Bite Rule - Honey Garlic Lime Shrimp
I expect blogging to slow down a bit in my final stretch these next 5 weeks until my due date. Stay tuned for a few summer-y things- possibly with wider stretches between posts! Next week I have some extra days off so we’ll see if I can get some wish-list items made and I will likely post again after the holiday. Happy Independence day!

The Little One:

He’s all about the yard work right now- rakes, his mower or trailing daddy who is mulching/planting/and making a green house. He and I have been enjoying my summer Fridays with an early release. We’ve gone to new playgrounds, the library, and just been home for extra playtime outside. We did a joint bday & father’s day which was so perfect for swimming and grilling. He loved the big pool again this year and I was grateful he ate some of everything since celebratory meals aren’t when he can usually focus on eating his normal amount. Our town really loves Flag Day and the parade was fun. The amount of pasta and of rice/grains he can put away continues to astound us. He out-ate both of us the other night with pasta with pesto on it was quickly made before heading to a concert outside.

Bump Update:

I’m really feelin’ it and can tell I’m slowing down. Everything is getting hard to do. I often wake up around 4 which is not. fun. It does mean I am reading a lot. Food-wise I am super into smoothies- my fav right now is a green-based version of this PB & J smoothie. I re-do it soon with the healthier tweaks I’ve made. I made a Trader Joe’s run which I think will greatly expedite and simplify dinners. Hallelujah! While at TJ’s, I found individual serving packs of Chocolate & Cashew Trek Mix which is life-changing right now. I’m getting more full and wanted smaller but more frequent meals spaced out a bit more. Sometimes meals feel like a means to an end and I’m not super interested or passionate about the actual food. Baby girl is a mover & shaker…much like her big brother.

This Year’s Goals:

Year of the candle: I pulled out one I hadn’t tried yet that somebody gave me forever ago. It is sweet and quite fragrant. It is a good one since I smell so much while pregnant.   
Cook more appetizers/snacks: 
I made Breakfast-Inspired Deviled Eggs
Taking time to blog thoughtfully: 
ehh, this wasn’t really something I focused on.
Journal the cute moments of my little one: He tells us he was “dreaming about ____” which is means there’s something he wants to do. 
What I’m reading: 
 I read Big Little Lies & Sunshine Sisters and I’m almost done with another. 
What I’m watching: 
we watched Game Night which was so so funny. I started a binge list for maternity leave.

#Meatless Monday Recap #2

Back in January I instituted #MeatlessMondays into our weekly menu plan, though it isn’t always on Mondays. Since the last update, the name of the game is speed and ease. The little one is more into grains, veggies, pasta, and cheese than he is into meat at the moment so meatless is never a challenge for him.

Some of my favs have been the no-brainers, because that’s helpful for speed now that I’m verrrrry pregnant. I followed a few recipes that were great! I made a Roasted Veggie Lasagna from What’s Gaby Cooking with a cream sauce and I roasted butternut squash, zucchini, and grape tomatoes as the veggies.  Another recipe we loved was Peanut Rice Noodle Bowls with Curried Peanut Sauce from Eats Well With Others.

I made Tomato Basil Polenta Bowls with White Beans and it was so good!
The Three Bite Rule - Tomato Basil Polenta Bowls

We had a white french bread pizza and risotto and ravioli which are all fan favorites here.

This Tart with Potatoes, Gruyere, and Caramelized Onions was a hit for me, less so for everyone else.
The Three Bite Rule - Potato Tart
I put chopped veggie burgers into tacos with a little taco seasoning and voila, veggie & filling taco!

We had a few soups: Broccoli & Cheddar Soup  and grilled cheese with tomato soup.

One of the most fun meatless meals I made was waffle fry nachos with queso, avocado, shredded cheddar, peppers & onions, and salsa. So fun!

I’m fully willing to admit that my meatless meals are also serving us as the no-brainers I really appreciate to keep it easy. I’m 34 weeks pregnant and through my entire pregnancy I’m not “glowing” or whatever people say who enjoy this. I’m glad to get meals together quickly so we can all eat together, and keep it varied. They might not all be my most creative moments, but it is a good way to keep us varied.

May 2018 Recap

I feel like I got verrrrry pregnant this past week. 31 weeks in, ~9 to go! We had a fun long weekend with the family from Maine staying over and then the local family for a birthday/memorial day bbq. This month Mr. J and I had a date at a new-to-us restaurant and we all went to our fav Chinese restaurant we don’t get to all the time.

This month I was really into this coconut shrimp. Ohh it was just so good. I haven’t made it since but really need to work it into my next meal plan. Sweet but crunchy as well as juicy and fresh.
The Three Bite Rule - Coconut Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
Baking itsn’t always my jam but I made Mint Chip Coconut Macaroons and was worried when some liquid kind of spread out but they turned out great!
The Three Bite Rule - Mint Chip Macaroons
Grain Bowls are a go-to for me so I rounded up a bunch.

The Little One:

He’s 100% potty trained. I’ve considered him trained for months, but now he is even at night time. Woot woot! He has been doing a great job listening and I appreciate that so much. I’m trying to capitalize, vocalize, and praise how appreciative I am. Aside from going outside, we’ve played a lot of magna-tiles and dinos this month. Breakfast sausage has been a hit with him this month. He’s been learning about insects and spiders at pre-school and always has been sharing a lot of facts.

Bump Update:

7 1/2 months in! I passed the glucose test, which was pretty expected, but great nonetheless. I’m much more uncomfortable and still sleep is what it is. Overall I’ve been feeling ok, just more tired lately. I keep thinking I want avocado and then when I get them home, I’m not really into it. All I want is what I can’t have: sandwiches & caffeine.

This Year’s Goals:

Year of the candle: I didn’t get one in May. I was enjoying my last few and didn’t think I reallllly needed one.   
Cook more appetizers/snacks:
I made honey mustard dip for soft pretzels
Taking time to blog thoughtfully: 
ehh, this wasn’t really something I focused on.
Journal the cute moments of my little one: I’ve enjoyed his way of suggesting something: I was thinking maybe we should go outside?
What I’m reading: 
 I read The Hate U Give and thought it was really well written as a YA novel. 
What I’m watching: 
we watched The Post which was fantastic. Free press is so crucial.

Rice Bowl Round Up

I just saw a request for meals for families that can be prepped ahead. Grain bowls are definitely a go-to for me and I’ve shared a bunch! I liiiive for meals prepped ahead to speed dinner time up and eat foods we like. They’re so conducive to leftovers and allow for some individual customization. To celebrate this busy time of year or this busy stage of life, here are my fav grain bowls plus my formula!

Grain + protein + veggies + sauce + something fun = the best grain bowls! I start with a theme and strive to hit a bunch of the following elements.

Bahn Mi Bowl - The Three Bite Rule

Grains: I tend to go with brown rice. I strive for a healthy one especially since it isn’t the highlight in these anyway. Brown rice in the pressure cooker is so fast, and is fluffier than I can even describe. I also like cracked wheat or bulgur. I’ve also done couscous, rice pilaf, orzo, and quinoa.

Protein: Pre-cooked ones speed it up like meatballs or chicken sausages. We’ve done his & hers by using some shrimp since they cook so quickly (hers) and reheated leftover steak (his). Falafel baked in advance is handy to just warm too!

Veggies: go for some raw and some cooked. These bowls are a good use for any leftover or small amounts. The raw ones allow for come warm/cold contrast and freshness and the cooked ones make these bowls filling. Herbs are great in these two if you have some around from anything else!

Sauce: I love a drizzle across the top of sauce or dressing. I’ve done pesto, honey mustard salad dressing, teriyaki, salsa, hummus, creamy caesar dressing, etc. Make your own or buy it. Sometimes I doctor up another condiment (like ranch + cilantro + taco seasoning or like sriracha + mayo). It ties it all together or can be good as a little dip.
sausage_arugula_bowl_dress_590_390

Something fun: my best grain bowls have something extra. Something we don’t have every day, or always with dinner makes it exciting like crispy wontons, toasted nuts, black sesame seeds, etc. Fruit can be great or some special cheese is always appreciated.

I find them more filling than salads and more fun than the same things on a plate as separate entities. These are also a go-to since the little one loves rice and when chopping stuff for him, it is easy to do the same for all of us. He’s 3 so we give him all the foods we’re eating, though he tends to eat them separately and sauce is sometimes for dipping versus drizzled on top.

Bahn Mi Bowl - The Three Bite Rule

My favorites:
Sausage, Arugula, Walnuts, and Apple Rice Bowls
Teriyaki Chicken, Edamame & Pineapple Rice Bowls
Pork Bahn Mi Bowls
Chicken, Bacon, Avocado Rice Bowls
Burrito Bowls with Mexican Street Corn
Italian Meatball Rice Bowls
Falafel Rice Bowls

Some runners up:
This one could have used more ingredients, but had good flavors: Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowls
This one could use a touch more variation in texture, but gave great variation: Chicken & Sweet Potato with Peanut Sauce Rice Bowls

The Three Bite Rule - Italian Grain Bowl
I may incorporate weekly grain bowls into the rotation once we have an infant and toddler in just about 10 weeks! These might be a fun way to intro some lesser-consumed veggies at your house. If this format feels daunting, start with favorite flavors- think: BBQ chicken; cobb salad ingredients with ranch or blue cheese dressing; or taco fillings to start!

The Three Bite Rule - Burrito Bowl

These are kind of the anti-casserole. While I enjoy a lasagna, pot pie, layered casserole, these are easier for me, and don’t need a hour in the oven. Plus, they feel appropriate for any season instead of winter-worthy foods. Our toddler doesn’t love foods all cooked together…it also feels like all my eggs in one basket so I reserve those for my favs: chili or pot pie.

April 2018 Recap

April didn’t quite feel like spring here in New England so I used it as an excuse to get some last of the winter meal repeats in. I didn’t blog quite as much as usual, but maybe this is the new usual. I had a cold that really wiped me out and seemed to last almost 2 weeks. This pregnancy has made me miss nyquil! Tonight Mr. J and I are heading to the event I used to work on and I’m psyched to get to eat the food!

He did all the demo of the basement for that to become play-space/lounge-space/office area/laundry room. We figured I shouldn’t really be around the drywall dust so I was on toddler duty. Mr. J literally tore it down to the studs and carried out 4,440 POUNDS to the dumpster-that’s a weight from the dumpster disposal people! I cannot wait for it to really move along.

These Marsala Mushroom Toasts were probably my fav thing I cooked this month.
The Three Bite Rule - Marsala Mushroom Toasts
A Snickerdoodle Latte at home is so good, and surprisingly easy since I don’t have a fancy milk frother or anything!
The Three Bite Rule - Snickerdoodle Latte

I was pretty psyched to pop these Chicken Parm Turnovers together in advance so when I got home from work they went into the oven to heat/melt the cheese.
Chicken Parmesan Turnover - The Three Bite Rule
I don’t have much planned ahead for May. I plan to relish the spring weather, likely grill more, and envision there are lots of ice cream cones ahead for me! I have a bunch of breakfast ideas so maybe I’ll work on them for May. I thiiiink I have Mr. J’s birthday burger idea for June so that frees up the rest of my burger-topping lists for the rest of the spring/summer!

The Little One:

He’s so fascinated with the basement demo Mr. J did and the “workers” (aka, contractor & plumber) and the dumpster etc. I’m amused how often he’ll tell us he needs to do some work and uses the plumbers first & last name. He likes what he calls “workin’ pants” that have pockets. I say go as long as possible in comfy pants, especially when you nap in them! I’ve really paid attention to his hope that weekend days are “home days”, that he has less desire to leave the house on the weekends than I do, and after a busy day of fun at preschool he relishes solo-play with his stuff when we get home. Food-wise, he continues to eat pretty much everything, sometimes in mass quantities. He loves over-easy eggs and wants to be the one to break the yolk. Avocado, PB&J, feta cheese, rice, bell peppers, and pasta are still favorites. He’s been into salami and eating the yogurt right from the container/cup. Meat is hit or miss. He takes a few bites but usually doesn’t want to have to chew it much.

Bump Update:

I’m into my 6th month, about 26 weeks along. I feel pretty good. While I’m so thankful to be pregnant and feel as though I shouldn’t really complain, I don’t enjoy being pregnant and am counting down to full-term-ness. Sleep is hit or miss. I feel enormous already but am on track according to the midwife. I’ve been hungry a lot of the time but trying really hard not to eat too much. With spring-ish weather I got back into smoothies for breakfast and have made a lot like this PB&J Smoothie but with a green base or green base + random frozen fruit. Getting dressed for work is becoming a struggle. Finding work clothes that aren’t $100 per piece is so hard. Gap & Loft maternity sections seem to think a white knit tee shirt is work-wear.

This Year’s Goals:

Year of the candle: I had saved this gardenia soy candle from my birthday to enjoy in April. It is subtle but nice for spring!   
Cook more appetizers/snacks:
I didn’t really make an app, but think these Marsala Mushroom Toasts would be perfect as tiny crostini and these Chicken Parm Turnovers could easily be miniaturized as an app!  
Taking time to blog thoughtfully:
I’d say I hit my goal on the Marsala Mushroom Toasts. More daylight is so helpful!
Journal the cute moments of my little one: I overheard him tell Daddy from the top of the basement stairs that he was impressed Daddy could run up the stairs without a railing. It was so sweet. 
What I’m reading: 
 at bookclub we read The Handmaid’s Tale. I didn’t love it, and won’t watch the TV series. Maybe I’m guarded reading it while pregnant, or because of the hype, but it wasn’t my fav. 
What I’m watching:
we watched I, Tonya and I loved it. Allison Janney can do no wrong in my book, and I loved how they captured kind of “the other side of the story”. TV hasn’t really have anything making me feel hooked. I rediscovered The Office reruns and absolutely crack up when I need some veg time.

Uses for all the Hard Boiled Eggs from Easter

If you have a whole bunch of dyed eggs around, here are my fav uses for any hard boiled eggs! I eat them plain as a snack, or egg salad, but that may only take you so far. I’ve actually dyed un-boiled eggs when I wanted to play with the color but not have a dozen hard boiled eggs around. That was without a toddler!

1) Use hard boiled eggs for all the deviled eggs!
They are such a hit at a party…often vegetarian (I made my bacon ones obvious by topping them with bacon so there weren’t surprises), often dairy-free, often gluten free…depending on the variety! They’re a small bite without silverware and don’t require reheating! Make just a few and serve them with dinner or lunch at home. You don’t even have to wait for a party! Are you surprised I have more variation ideas I just haven’t made yet??
Sour Cream & Onion Deviled Eggs
Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs
Taco Spiced Deviled Eggs
Greek Deviled Eggs
Caesar Deviled Eggs
French Onion Deviled Eggs

The Three Bite Rule - Greek Deviled Egg


2) Use hard boiled eggs for the to-go option where you might have another egg!

Breakfast Risotto I made had white cheddar, bacon, everything bagel seasoning and was served with an egg for the runny yolk. When I packed leftovers for work, I heated the risotto and chopped a cold hard boiled egg to go on top just before eating (with extra everything bagel seasoning).
The Three Bite Rule - Bfast Risotto
Avo & Egg Toast with Everything Bagel Seasoning would speed up immensely if the egg was a chopped hard boiled one!


3) Use hard boiled eggs to amp up the protein on a veggie side dish!

Caesar Asparagus was a springy feeling side that was just so easy: roasted asparagus, MYO caesar dressing, and top with some hard boiled eggs and plenty of salt & pepper!
The Three Bite Rule - Caesar Asparagus

4) Use hard boiled eggs for Cobb Salad themed anything! 
I made a cobb salad inspired burger. I’ve made a Cobb Salad Dip! Make a cobb salad chicken sandwich! Make it a regular cobb salad! Make it a cobb salad crostini appetizer! Bacon, chicken/turkey, eggs, lettuce/cucumbers/tomato, and blue cheese is always a welcome combo!
The Three Bite Rule - Cobb Salad Burger

5) Use hard boiled eggs for topping on a breakfast pizza!
This breakfast pizza from back in the day had cream cheese with chives spread onto the crust then topped with shredded cheddar, breakfast sausage, hard boiled eggs, and everything bagel seasoning. This is the foolproof way to do eggs on breakfast pizza if you are cooking for a crowd and don’t want to test the baking time needed for an egg cracked onto a pizza!
The Three Bite Rule - Breakfast Flatbread

March 2018 Recap

Wooo! March wrapping up makes me think spring must be coming. Right? I’m pretty over the snow and I’m itching for local produce. Our chives are peeping through so let’s go! My birthday month was fun, and delicious. I redeemed a free birthday sundae just in time even though it hardly felt like ice cream weather! I’m excited for a quick Easter trip to Maine. Stay tuned for a post I prepped for your Easter leftover uses…you might need it!

My fav this month was this sausage burger with peppers and mustard. The pretzel bun makes it.
The Three Bite Rule - Sausage Pretzel Burger
I made a 15 minute, 5 ingredient flatbread with pesto and roasted tomatoes.
The Three Bite Rule - Pesto Flatbread
Everything Bagel seasoning is sold in stores…or maybe just Trader Joe’s, but I make my own. I sprinkled it onto over easy eggs. Day. Made.
The Three Bite Rule - Everything Bagel Seasoning

The Little One:

He’s seeming so big! Sometimes listening the first time isn’t happening, but we’re working on it. He’s still eating pretty much anything. He loved a take on these Peanut Noodles with Purple Cabbage & Edamame. Gnocchi has been a hit. We’re loving a few minutes to play outside when we get home. I’ve been totally on the dinner-prep-in-advance game so we can get out just for a few minutes. We have done a lot of play-doh and magna-tiles this month and boots crunching in the snow is his fav. We all built a snowman together during the last big storm and check on the melting process regularly. He got to spend a sleepover into a snow-day at the grandparents’ house so that was pretty exciting. We got a new kitchen table and chairs so we swapped him out of the high chair and into a booster on a real chair. Life in the crib is going strong 😉

This year’s goals: 

Year of the candle: This Salted Grapefruit one is so amazing!  I saved another birthday one for April. Stay tuned! 
Cook more appetizers/snacks: 
I whipped up just a few French Onion Deviled Eggs. Yum! 
Taking time to blog thoughtfully:
this speedy Pesto Flatbread was a chance to take-over the train table for some natural light.
Journal the cute moments of my little one: I realized jotting them into my phone was handier and getting them into the cute journal later is the way to go. He was adorably mystified when we lost power for a half hour. 
What I’m reading: 
 Ordinary Grace was so-so, and I’m onto my next. 
What I’m watching: 
American Crime Story Gianni Versace was fascinating, though the timeline was confusing. Project Runway All-stars is wrapping up soon and I’ve loved this bunch of designers.

Packing Lunch

I had a really awesome perk of lunch provided at my last job so I’ve re-entered the lunch packing world in this new role. Plus, the little one eats more and more for lunch now so here’s a round up of our favs. My lunches always seem to be some-assembly-required. I need more ideas. What am I missing?

For me:
leftovers- especially my beloved rice bowls that are sometimes paired down when in lunch form.
sausage_arugula_bowl_dress_590_390

Mexican-ish lunches- rice, corn, salsa, half an avocado, quesadillas are always things I look forward to mid-day. Trader Joe’s tamales & 60-second grain packs make easy-to-pack lunches.

I’ve stashed these soups as a handy back up and then pack up hummus & crackers, a biscuit, etc.

Quiche is pretty handy for a few days worth. I haven’t made one in a while, but need to!
The Three Bite Rule - Mushroom & Sun Dried Tomato Quiche

Discovering a toaster oven in another office kitchenette was game changing for a quesadilla, panini, individual pizza etc. The key is foil since who knows what others have warmed up!

For the three-year-old:
We found these Bento-ish boxes on Amazon that have made packing lunch easier. He eats it all cold so it all gets packed together. We were surprised & impressed by the quality.

He often has leftovers of a few things…quite similar to his dinner plate.
Bahn Mi Bowl - The Three Bite Rule
Sandwiches of salami/turkey or cream cheese & jelly or pita with hummus or a quesadilla. Or a bunch of things maybe some leftovers, some beans, with a cheese stick or yogurt put into a pouch

Plus a veg like tomato/carrots/tomato/edamame/broccoli and fruit like apples/strawberries/blueberries/clementines etc.

He can’t have peanut butter so that is his lunch of choice on the weekends at home. Wednesday is Pizza Day at daycare and is a wonderful mid-week break from packing up.

Mr. J is on his own for lunch but has his own pizza-day from his fav food truck.

What are go-to lunches for you or for a little one? 

February 2018 Recap

February felt like the last stint of true winter around here. A few warm days has me thinking spring is ahead. I’m sooo ready for more and more daylight after work! Also…the beginning of March brings my birthday! Bring on the cake!

But first, I’m fitting in all the wintry meals on my list. I made this Breakfast Inspired Risotto with bacon, white cheddar, everything bagel seasoning, and an egg. I loved this and will likely make it again asap!
The Three Bite Rule - Bfast Risotto
#MeatlessMondays have continued and these Tomato Basil Polenta Bowls were a big hit, especially with the toddler! I cooked most of this in advance which made for an even faster weeknight meal. It’d be a great one to make for a crowd or for 1-2 servings.
The Three Bite Rule - Tomato Basil Polenta Bowls
I made another hot chocolate that was like a turtle candy with nutella, salted caramel, almond extract, and chopped pecans. Yum!
The Three Bite Rule - Turtle Hot Chocolate
I have a few recipes lined up for March. Stay tuned for another deviled egg variation, another souped up hot chocolate, a smoothie, a burger, and we’ll see what else. I haven’t made too many things just to pack as lunch so maybe I’ll do that too.

The Little One:

Feb was kind of rough for getting outside. We ended up with some rain and snow. Days he can get outside are always better. He’s very into puzzles so we got some for his rewards for potty training. He really likes them! I made a crock pot chicken & dumplings dinner that he really wasn’t interested in. We didn’t make it a big deal and eventually he tried it on his own and ate enough to be dinner. Phew! I know he doesn’t love dishes where everything is cooked together but I was really proud that we didn’t prod him and he tried it, and liked it enough, when he was ready. This month he ate more eggs than usual and still loves pb&j. He’s been doing this funny thing when we start talking about breakfast that he wants meatloaf. I have no idea when he last saw it!

This year’s goals: 

Year of the candle: I got this cool geometric ceramic one
Cook more appetizers/snacks: 
I made Caprese Sliders
Taking time to blog thoughtfully:
lack of daylight is rough.
Journal the cute moments of my little one: I didn’t capture too many this month. 
What I’m reading: 
 I read Miller’s Valley and am into my bookclub book. 
What I’m watching:
All Olympics, all the time.