Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

I'm really enjoying this series of posts. I'm not vegetarian or vegan, but I'm a pretty conscious meat-eater. (I shop at a coop that tries to source local meats, I use meat in meals as a garnish, etc.) This is making me think more about the animal products that I do eat, and it's encouraging me to opt for some vegan choices. For example, this morning I used avocado rather than butter on my toast, which I've never tried before, but will definitely eat more often from now on. And I'm opting for more vegetables rather than empty carbs throughout the day.

I'm not sure if this was the intent, but it's been a great healthy-eating kick-in-the-pants. Thanks!

I agree with the people who say you'll have some time - as long as you're not immediately going back to work. Everything takes longer with a newborn, but I enjoyed taking the time to cook because it helped me feel more like "me", especially in those early days when I was barely leaving the house. Ask someone to shop for you and plan a few things that can be done quickly (like homemade pizza or hot sandwiches) and a few things that can be done in advance (like a soup or a braise).

On pizza, with figs.

A bacon chocolate. Yes, I love bacon too much.

I don't think I'm familiar enough to name a favorite, but I ate a lot of good barbecue when I visited Memphis.

Bacon. No contest.

On pizza!

Anything salty...

Not a clue. In my part of the country, good barbecue is really hard to find.

On pizza!

Tamales. I'll make a batch for family, and to share with more family and friends.

My favorite is filet, only because it's so rare to get it.

Fried rice wouldn't be nearly as magical without Sriracha.