I quietly instituted Meatless Mondays at our house. I sort of regularly planned or scheduled a meatless meal during our week but back in November I consciously planned them for Mondays and tried to keep them varied. I mean, pasta seems like the easiest & fastest dinner without meat and is a favorite food of mine so I might have been happy to eat pasta every Monday night! There were still a bunch of pastas on my Mondays but everything has felt different so far! Summer definitely seems like an easier season but it is a good habit I hope to keep up.

The verdict? So far so good! They don’t have to be Mondays necessarily, but I did totally find it helpful for speedier meals to start the week! I’ll keep at it and maybe it’ll stretch me to be more creative. We could definitely eat more veggies.

Here have been some of my favs:

Fall Fettuccine with Roasted Squash, Sage, & Alfredo

Baked Falafel Bowls

Bean & Cheese Quesadillas/Burritos – I froze a few burritos with beans, 2 cheeses, brown rice, and corn for lunches too!

Kale Pesto over Gnocchi

Shakshuka

Spaghetti w/ Tomato Sauce- I was solo parenting and had strep- the worsttttt. A 2-ingredient dinner was perfect- using my fav Kitchen Ready Tomatoes of course.

Grilled cheese & Tomato Soup – this may have been the first time the little one ate soup. He was into it!

Bfast for Dinner: eggs & hashbrowns

Veggie Calzone with Fire-Roasted Tomatoes

Tortellini

Fish tacos with Pear Pomegranate Salsa

Sesame Noodles & Edamame

I think that’s been most of them so far. It was also refreshing for a busy season to rely on many tried and true favs and not focus on new concepts and blogging all of them.

A bunch of my lunches tend to be vegetarian- quiche, soup, crostini, jazzy grilled cheeses, etc but it was good to be mindful to focus dinners around the theme.

A few other ideas that’ll hit next are some pizzas/flatbreads, Mexican things, more soups, and eggplant. I’m just not craving salads while it is 10-degrees around these parts. Any other cold-weather meatless meal ideas for me? Fish & mushrooms aren’t always favorites for all of us at our house.

I really like the between Christmas and New Years. I don’t feel the post-celebration blues I hear so often. I like the hubbub of Christmases we have celebrating twice and then I like the quietness of NYE. I’m looking forward to sliders and milkshakes that have become our tradition to ring in the new year! As much as I LOVE LOVE LOVE holiday decor I also like the getting back to usual with the tree down etc. I also switch from Christmas/Santas/etc to Snowmen and lights so it still feels festive.

So. much. food. in. December! I hosted Christmas Eve and Mr. J and I made fresh spinach pasta, alfredo, these crockpot meatballs, caesar salad, and chocolate mousse. It was soooo good and the right amount of easy/special foods.

My fav thing this month was an apple, caramelized onion, and boursin crostini. So perfect for a snack, lunch, or cocktail party food.

I also really loved this cheesy-veggie calzone with fire roasted tomatoes.

January should be tasty! I have a few posts to work on during my break from work that I’m excited to share. I got some new kitchen toys so I’ll be sure to break them in as well! I made a yogurt cake which instilled a touch of confidence for baked goods.

The Little One:

Christmas was so magical for him! He was feeling shy to sit with Santa, but he did talk to him and asked for a Construction vest. Santa delivered, also with safety goggles which he barely took off since. He couldn’t believe the cookie crumb mess Santa left on the plate! He was quite well behaved and very happy opening presents. I wasn’t sure if he’d have zero attention span since all the family members showered him with so many gifts!

In just a few weeks he’ll be 3! I cannot wait to post his bday celebration!

This year’s goals: 

Year of the candle: 
Grocery store re-invention: Ehh. I might just nix this – it never seems to happen! 
Cook more appetizers/snacks: Bacon & Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms were from November, and Apple/Boursin/Caramelized Onion Crostini was December! 
Taking time to blog thoughtfully: I might have added a touch more style this month.
Journal the cute moments of my little one: 
What I’m reading:  I read The Day the World Came to Town, so uplifting! and I read Talking as Fast as I Can which was cute & enjoyable. 
What I’m watching: I fulfilled my Christmas-movie needs by catching some/part of my favorite ones – Elf, The Holiday, Love Actually, Miracle on 34th Street, Christmas with the Kranks & Christmas Vacation. I didn’t see Home Alone which I was missing.

November was full of all the fall flavors: sweet potato; sage; thyme; maple; and dijon! It was a busy month, but also so different than Novembers had been in recent years. I’m loving my new job and have been so appreciative of the chance to do this work. It feels weird to be new and not have all the answers or know style preferences. My team has had successes and I’m so glad to be busy. November wasn’t my healthiest month – separately having strep and a stomach bug put some dampers into my weekend plans twice! I blame the dentist for the stomach bug – prob not their fault, but it was the same day and I hate going so why not?!

#GrilledCheesePlease was a series for November with some of the most fun grilled cheeses! 
Turkey & Pear Grilled Cheese
Sweet Potato & Sage
Pancetta & Cheddar in Truffle Butter
Grilled Cheese Lorraine

My fav dish this month, maybe this season, is Fall Fettuccine– with butternut squash, alfredo, and sage. I need to make this again.

Burger season isn’t over here – this Asian-Inspired Burger had flavors of teriyaki, sesame, pineapple, and sriracha with crunch from wonton strips and cucumber!

The Little One:

He was so good when Mr. J was gone. Also, while I had strep at the same time. Ugg. No fun, but he was very well behaved and we ate toddler greatest hits so I didn’t have to extend too much energy: spaghetti; quesadillas; and leftovers. He and I are each struggling with how early it gets dark, but I’m loving how much pretend play he’s into- especially with toy animals, dinosaurs, and dress up. He got to watch TV for the first time to see the Thanksgiving Day Parade! He loooved it. I never noticed how many interviews there are until I watched with a toddler who just wanted to see marching bands and balloons. Every long stick he finds outside becomes a leaf blower so that’s been a lot of our November play! We’re getting into the holiday spirit – I’m all in, 98% of my spirit is already there! It makes me smile every time he refers to “Santa Closet”.

This year’s goals: 

Year of the candle: I had some spruce/tree scented ones with a bit of life but got a cinnamon-y candle that seems festive!
Grocery store re-invention: Ehh. Not so much in November. 
Cook more appetizers/snacks: I made one that I’ll blog in December. Stay tuned! 
Taking time to blog thoughtfully: I squeezed a photo into the morning, aka daylight so bam. Done!
Journal the cute moments of my little one: I justttt started. Mostly because I want to always remember him saying “Santa Closet”.
What I’m reading:  I finished When Breath Becomes Air & Small Great Things 
What I’m watching: the Law & Order True Crime series about the Menendez Brothers was soooo good. Also, This is Us. I miiiiight have gotten suckered into a Gilmore Girls replaying of all the episodes, in order- perfect on some sick days.

The Three Bite Rule is 7 years old. I cannot believe it. Sevvvvven. Happy blogaversary! When this timing rolls around it feels like a good time to stop, reflect, and look forward….moreso than January even does. I share some stats/superlatives and …. wait for it…the new goals for the year.

Thanks for sticking around, popping over, and for the love. I do this for fun and I’m still glad to be doing it. I have taken breaks and tweaked along the way but I’m glad to share ideas, what I’m eating, and be part of a food community. Stay tuned for year 8! I’m not out of new recipes yet!

Superlatives!

My personal fav post: these crockpot meatballs were so unbelievably good, and I totally need to make them again. ‘Tis the season for the comfort foods! They were easy, and also are my favorite because I made ’em for the little one’s 2nd birthday dinner. He loves pasta & meatballs!

Best Burger: you know what, this gouda, bacon & peach burger was just so good it inspired a full category to win.

Most on-trend food: grain bowls. Give me all the foods that coordinate, on a bed of hearty grains, with a fun drizzle on top and I’ll be ohh-so-happy. This chicken sausage, apple, arugula and honey mustard hit all the flavors and textures.  See other winners like: Italian Grain Bowls, Falafel Grain Bowls, and Burrito Bowls.

Best photo: this Cast-Iron Skillet Pizza in garlic oil was the picture of crispy perfection – and the crunchy crust was what it is all about. 

Most loved food insta: Build a Better Charcuterie post about a cheese board was a hit

peanut butter, nutella, and banana smoothie continues to top the charts, for several years. I made a healthier version, but to no avail , the favorite is the original.

The 2018 goals:

I’ve repeated some for several years which was what my gut told me I wanted to do, but 2 years was too long to think it’d get me to do it…I’m looking at you ‘cook more fish’! I love a monthly look to hold my self accountable. I have a mid-month pop up reminder on my phone and the recap prepping is another nudge to see if they’ve happened.

Year of the _____: I got such ahhh-mazing ideas on social media. I loved them all. I’m drawn to a year of candles (thanks Sarah!)! They’re a budget-friendly treat, I have definite scent preferences, they can be a nod to seasonal decor, annnd I have a passionate disdain for cheap ones I can’t seem to smell! I was interested in shoes, bags, etc, but thought they might be categories of wanting a few good ones versus 12 affordable ones 
Grocery store re-invention: grabbing something and using it unexpectedly
Cook more appetizers/snacks: plus, apps for dinner are also SO FUN
Taking time to blog thoughtfully: that means daylight- when possible; more attention to get a variety of shots; striving for more style
Journal the cute moments of my little one: I did a little gratitude journal when the baby blues hit me and I needed to look for the good. Now I just want to remember when he says funny things.  
What I’m reading:
What I’m watching:

Happy Halloween!! Eat all the orange foods and then pass on over all the pb cups you find. Sounds like balance to me! October was a biggie for me. I wrapped up my former job and am settling into the new one. I didn’t take much time between since I had justtt gone on vacay but it was good to have a few weekdays with the little one. November was always the busiest of the year in my previous role, so I honestly have never looked forward to November as much as right now! The fall is glorious and I couldn’t be happier.

First things first, we had a yard sale. It’s a great feeling to let go of things. Also, I’m psyched to take the little one trick-or-treating! We bought a tool-belt toy since every stick we find outside is a pretend tool. I’m hoping November can include a day-date hike with Mr. J now that Zion has us prepared for all terrain. I also have a fun fall theme that was suggested to me to blog annnnd I have lots of fall food inspiration to come – definitely including flavors like cider, butternut squash, pork, sage, & pears.

This fall inspired breakfast sandwich is definitely me living my best life. A local everything bagel, maple sausage, egg & sharp cheddar, apple, and maple dijon spread. It cannot be topped.

This Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese had us feeling is this, or isn’t this healthy? Take your own stance, but the squash gives that pop of orange with minimal cheese. I had some leftover sauce and froze it…it sounds ideal before trick or treating!

There is also plenty of time for more Salted Caramel Apple Smoothies.

The Little One:

I can’t get over what he can remember! He’ll make connections to a book we haven’t read 1-million times, or something we saw 1 time and it takes me a second to get there. He just told Mr. J about a his best friend at daycare. I didn’t know he knew that concept -it was really sweet! When he sees 2 of something he counts it as one for him and one for his cousin Nate. Food wise, this month he’s been wanting bagels, though his love for waffles hasn’t gone anywhere. He hasn’t gravitated to meat as much lately but I was thrilled to see him eat chili. Sometimes he hasn’t been into foods cooked all together, even when he likes the components – think: chili, pot pie, baked pasta. All fruits and all veggies are still a-go. He liked getting edamame out of the pods too. In October he ate at a few more restaurants than usual and other diners commenting on the volume he can put-away!

2017 Goals:

Year of the seasonal decor: I am stocked for Halloween and fall so I used October to prep for Thanksgiving to grab this cure Thankful sign. Thus, no photo yet.
do more dinner prep more in advance: Yup! The crockpot got some action with chili!
read more (and always carry my book on me): I am mid-way through 2 books. Stay tuned for a big November recap! I’m super excited for a pajama storytime I’m taking the little one to!
watch more movies: we watched The House which was funny – Amy Poehler is so amazing.
cook more fish: ummm, nope
focus on clothes that I really like: I have purchased so many work pieces, though I’ve been good about returning anything I’m not 100% into…which included 2 blazers & a sweater. I should be good for work clothes until after I’ve done holiday shopping!