Happy What I Ate Wednesday.
It’s my turn to host this little shindig of Jenn’s, and I thought what better way than to share my road trip turned family dinner eats. I like a little variety in my food and in these posts. Since I’m fairly certain you feel the same, I’m bringing you my Saturday edibles, which started in Cleveland and finished in Buffalo. Multiple state meals: bring it on!
My first and unfortunately only breakfast that day was a fruit and kale filled smoothie, which I inhaled about five minutes into our three plus hour road trip.
An hour or so later, I tapped out of driving and into the passenger seat so I could munch on my new favorite snack: Cheez Its and raspberries; sweet and salty perfection. I ate about half the bag of Cheez Its and three-quarters of the berries. The only reason I held back was so I would have some for the way home on Sunday.
In Pennsylvania, we stopped at a friend’s house for a few minutes, long enough for me to snag a piece of pumpkin raisin bread. Yes, even I will consume pumpkin when famished.
By the time we got to New York, my little brother and his finance were getting ready to host family dinner.
They had some snacks out, which I happily helped myself to again and again and again. There were very few pickles and pretzels left by the time the rest of the family arrived.
Dinner was a themed event: Oktoberfest and while I turned down the eight plus varieties of sausage, I did house some roasted cauliflower soup, half a plate of buttered spaetzle, warm cinnamon applesauce and rye bread with more butter, of course. Butter is my jam, not to be confused with actual jam.
Dessert was a piece of mixed berry pie with a crumb topping alongside a couple spoonfuls of fresh fruit.
While the food was fantastic and it absolutely was, the best part of the entire meal was the company. Plus I took selfies with the dog; totally normal.
Your turn.
Looking for other link up parties? Check out my Week In Review shenanigans here. We get our list on and link up every Monday. Hope to see you there.
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
October 28, 2015 at 6:34 AMI think you should have mailed me at least one of the 8 sausage varieties! I love family dinners and parties, and I think the best part is the snacks. Those pickles are calling me and it’s not even 7am 🙂
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…What I Ate Wednesday: Some Old, Some New
Meghan says
October 28, 2015 at 7:10 PMI sent you a picture on Instagram of all the sausage. You would have loved it.
Meghan recently posted…WIAW: The Family Dinner Edition
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine says
October 28, 2015 at 6:42 AMLots of good food- especially for a travel day! I think I would have filled up on those snacks…but of course I would have had to save room for that dessert!!
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine recently posted…DC Weekend Recap + Food
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
October 28, 2015 at 6:57 AMDo you think that anyone would notice if I took allllll the pickles?
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Wow! Grand Rapids Vacation Eats and Day 2 Recap #wiaw
Meghan says
October 28, 2015 at 7:12 PMI’d totally notice if you took all the pickles. In fact, I have to steal them from you. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…WIAW: The Family Dinner Edition
Faith VanderMolen says
October 28, 2015 at 7:14 AMPretzels and pickles…I’m IN!!!
Faith VanderMolen recently posted…WIAW: Another sick day
Kate says
October 28, 2015 at 7:20 AMMust have road snacks!! Or at least a giant coffee followed by a giant diet coke. I like the ones you picked because you can munch on them as you go. My favorite is popcorn.
I love family gatherings so much and it helps when you have people in your family that can REALLY cook.
Kate recently posted…Snacks for better milage (WIAW)
Meghan says
October 28, 2015 at 7:15 PMPopcorn is a great road trip snack! Thanks for the idea.
Meghan recently posted…WIAW: The Family Dinner Edition
melissa says
October 28, 2015 at 7:33 AMLooks like a fun day and great job documenting a road trip! I love pickles and probably would’ve enjoyed some sausage 🙂
melissa recently posted…WIAW #36 – A Few Days (and Meals) in New Orleans
Khushboo says
October 28, 2015 at 7:37 AMOh gosh I forgot Cheese-Itz even existed…I used to love them as a snack growing up! i’ll have to try and see if I can get my hands on them in Bombay! As much I love gourmet cheeses, there’s something about the flavour of processed cheese that is too delicious ;)! Oh an just for the record, your selfie game is on POINT :D!
Khushboo recently posted…Healthy meals on the fly
Meghan says
October 28, 2015 at 7:14 PMCheez Its are so bad, yet so good. I’m having a moment with them. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…WIAW: The Family Dinner Edition
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
October 28, 2015 at 8:06 AMRaspberries and cheese its… Now that’s a combo I have not tried!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…WIAW…Not My Normal Flare
Kelly @ Kelly Runs For Food says
October 28, 2015 at 8:08 AMI take way more selfies with my dog than necessary and most of them never end up posted anywhere. I used to be obsessed with white cheddar cheez-its. I don’t know what they put in those things (probably don’t wanna know), but it’s basically impossible to stick to a normal sized helping!
Kelly @ Kelly Runs For Food recently posted…Green juice and veggie soup {WIAW}
Meghan says
October 28, 2015 at 7:16 PMYeah it’s best not to look at the ingredients on Cheez Its. Ignorance is bliss. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…WIAW: The Family Dinner Edition
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
October 28, 2015 at 8:15 AMThat family dinner sounds so good!! I love that it was thened. I’ve been dying for Cheez Its Duos lately – so good!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood recently posted…What I Ate Wednesday: Avocados on the Cheap
Hannah @CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
October 28, 2015 at 8:17 AMAnd now I want some Cheez-Its!! I wonder if I can find a Paleo version 😉
Hannah @CleanEatingVeggieGirl recently posted…What I Ate Wednesday: October 28, 2015
Heather@hungryforbalance says
October 28, 2015 at 8:40 AMI would be sad to just have one breakfast as well. At least there were cheez its and raspberries.
Your brother and his finance”s dining room is so pretty! I love the chandelier!
I think a selfie with the dog is totally necessary, especially when the pup is that cute!
Heather@hungryforbalance recently posted…WIAW: Easy meals and Halloween fun
Meghan says
October 29, 2015 at 5:55 AMDog selfies should totally be a thing. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…WIAW: The Family Dinner Edition
Lilly says
October 28, 2015 at 8:49 AMThough I have no idea what “spaetzle?” is… that dinner looks like the epitome of comfort. And mixed with your company of family… mm.. heaven right there. Glad you got out to join your family!
Lilly recently posted…WIAW: The gym was closed… so I made pesto (recipe)
Meghan says
October 29, 2015 at 5:57 AMSpaetzle is tiny dumplings, also known as pillows of heaven. Alright, I made that last part up. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…WIAW: The Family Dinner Edition
Sara @ Oats & Rows says
October 28, 2015 at 9:25 AMOh my god.. That dinner! It looks sooooo good. Cheez Its are the best!
Sara @ Oats & Rows recently posted…My First Year of Blogging: My Experience Told by Kristen Wiig
Juli @1000lovelythings says
October 28, 2015 at 9:29 AMIt’s always fun to see all the stereotypes about Oktoberfest. I was so baffled when I saw practically every brewery having an own brand of Oktoberfest beer in the US whereas in Germany this is something very Munich specific. And the rough Munich can be very possessive about their beer 😉
Nevertheless I have to say that though not Bavarian the Spätzle look pretty darn perfect. I am glad you had a good time with your family 🙂
And I think I have to try cheez its with raspberries!
Juli @1000lovelythings recently posted…Week in Review – Drink Coffee, be Awesome
Meghan says
October 29, 2015 at 5:59 AMWell then I identify with Munich because I can be very possessive about my beer. 🙂
I’m hooked on the combo lately.
Meghan recently posted…WIAW: The Family Dinner Edition
Miss Polkadot says
October 28, 2015 at 9:52 AMWhat are dog selfies called? Delfies? At least to my knowledge these specific selfies all ‘need’ their own names [if you ask me: ridiculous]. That aside, I do enjoy seeing your happy family weekend-face :). I hope it was as relaxing as the food looks delicious. Spätzle – you know it! I was actually thinking I should tell you to have some cheese spätzle because it seems like THE perfect dish for you.
Miss Polkadot recently posted…Are protein bars actually fuelling your recovery?
Meghan says
October 29, 2015 at 6:02 AMWait…there’s cheese spätzle too? I feel gipped. I need a do over. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…WIAW: The Family Dinner Edition
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
October 28, 2015 at 9:53 AMIt’s been a while since I’ve taken a selfie with my dog — need to get on that. Normally I just take pictures of her being a creeper. Remind me to share my latest one with you 😆 And was that box of Cheez Its that we got at Target what opened up Pandora’s box? Because if it was… I take no responsibility for it 😛
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…. baked egg stuffed sweet potatoes .
Meghan says
October 29, 2015 at 6:07 AMTechnically the Cheez It addiction started the week before with the Hubby’s parents, although I take full responsibility. I also told the Hubby NOT to buy me a box this week. I need to get out of this phase. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…WIAW: The Family Dinner Edition
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me says
October 28, 2015 at 9:57 AMCheez-its… man those take me back to childhood! If my mom wanted to brighten my day as a second grader, there would be Cheez-Its or Goldfish in my lunch.
Thank you for hosting WIAW this week. 🙂
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…WIAW: Ice Cream Night!
Suzy says
October 28, 2015 at 9:57 AMI’m starting to think that you’re rubbing in the fact that we don’t have Cheese Its up here. They’re my favourite food. One time I brought them home from Arizona in my suitcase and crushed them on top of a pizza. It was divine.
Suzy recently posted…Woozy Wednesday: Lady Luck
Meghan says
October 29, 2015 at 6:03 AMI didn’t know Cheez Its are your favorite. You know, in this day and age, it’s totally possible for me to ship you a box from time to time. Just sayin’.
Meghan recently posted…WIAW: The Family Dinner Edition
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
October 28, 2015 at 10:19 AMDinner parties are a great way to spend time with people at home, rather than out at a loud restaurant. Although dinner parties can get loud too. I’m intrigued with the pumpkin raisin bread. Yum central. Thanks for hosting, Meghan! Happy WIAW to you! 🙂
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West recently posted…“What I Ate Wednesday” food talk and pictures
AnnaMarie @BeautyandtheBeets says
October 28, 2015 at 10:26 AMI am with many others who have commented here- Cheez-Its! and raspberries? Hmmmmm……I am going to have to try this combination or my life will never be complete.
AnnaMarie @BeautyandtheBeets recently posted…St. Louis Eats – What I Ate Wednesday
Meghan says
October 29, 2015 at 6:07 AMIt’s sweet and salty perfection.
Meghan recently posted…WIAW: The Family Dinner Edition
Danielle says
October 28, 2015 at 11:16 AMCheck you out! I’m all about the dog selfie: at least one creature is gonna be cute. Im speaking for myself of course, my dogs out cute me every time. But you always got it goin on like donkey kong. What?! Snap snap twirls.
Family get together me are seriously my favorite. Whatever and whomever you call family, it’s the special peeps in your life that matter.
And I LOVE themed meals!!! We need to throw a dinner party together. Hey, virtual dinner party with a theme? Can that be a thing? A theme thing
Danielle recently posted…Week in Review: Planking with Muffin, Mane Change, and Randomness
Meghan says
October 29, 2015 at 6:13 AMWe should totally do a virtual themed dinner party. I love the idea. You bring the wine and the sauce?
Meghan recently posted…WIAW: The Family Dinner Edition
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
October 28, 2015 at 12:15 PMYOU ate pumpkin bread?! Are you feeling ok? 😉
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…Peanut Butter Flax Protein Pancakes #Recipe + Fit Body Bakery #Giveaway!
Meghan says
October 29, 2015 at 6:14 AMI didn’t love it, if that helps.
Meghan recently posted…WIAW: The Family Dinner Edition
Brittany says
October 28, 2015 at 12:26 PMI used to eat cheese its like no other, so that combo legit kills me. So does that bread, and pie, and….you.
Kelly @ The Fit Skool says
October 28, 2015 at 12:34 PMThat pumpkin bread looks fantastic, and I love the dog selfie pics, too cute!
rachel @ athletic avocado says
October 28, 2015 at 1:20 PMraspberries and cheeze-its sound surprisingly good together, it must be the salty and sweet combo!
rachel @ athletic avocado recently posted…Flourless Apple Pecan Muffins {GF, Paleo + Vegan Option!)
Meghan says
October 29, 2015 at 6:14 AMYep, sweet and salty for the win!
Meghan recently posted…WIAW: The Family Dinner Edition
Carlie says
October 28, 2015 at 2:18 PMOh darling I can’t decide who is more cute, you or the dog. Have you been to Pittsburgh? It’s about the same distance for both of us if you’re ever up for another Sunday Funday. 🙂 Or Saturday, or anyday…
Meghan says
October 29, 2015 at 6:18 AMI haven’t been to Pittsburgh in years and years. My college roommate was from there. I like the sound of a road trip though.
Meghan recently posted…WIAW: The Family Dinner Edition
Tara says
October 28, 2015 at 6:35 PMMmm, spaetzle. My mom used to make that when I was a kid but I haven’t had it in forever. Love the name card too! Your family knows how to throw a party.
Meghan says
October 29, 2015 at 6:19 AMI know, the name cards were a lovely little touch. It was my baby brother’s finance. She is skilled in these things.
Meghan recently posted…WIAW: The Family Dinner Edition
Jen @ Chase the Red Grape says
October 28, 2015 at 11:19 PMLoving the doggie pictures! Ahh I wish I could have one so badly! (Alas the no pet clause in our rental…).
I’m glad it’s not just me who likes eating pickles as a snack out of the jar… Maybe it’s more common in the states but pickles in the UK are just something that people pick out of their macdonalds burgers and I haven’t seen any in Australia yet apart from Oktoberfest… And the ones in my fridge 🙂
Jen @ Chase the Red Grape recently posted…What I ate Wednesday!
Meghan says
October 29, 2015 at 6:21 AMThere are always pickles in my fridge, including some made with my CSA cucumbers. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…WIAW: The Family Dinner Edition
Chelsea @ Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen says
October 29, 2015 at 7:55 PMAwww puppy!!!
The best part of Oktoberfest food is totally the applesauce! And actually I’ve never had spaetzle before, but if it’s carbs there’s a 90% chance I’ll like it (only 90% because angel food cake and papaya – yuck).
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Meghan says
October 30, 2015 at 7:31 AMYou would adore spaetzle then. It’s lovely little dumplings of magic.
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
November 4, 2015 at 6:53 PMUm. Best theme ever.
Also. Raspberries paired with cheeze-its? I wonder if I should try that out tomorrow. Actually, after I return the low fat failures.
Also. Octoberfest- PORK bloody KNUCKLE!!!!!!!!
Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…3 Ingredient Flourless Banana Bread Cookies
Meghan says
November 5, 2015 at 6:15 AMI should send you the sausage picture. You would have been in heaven.
Meghan recently posted…Blueberry and Cream Cheese Buns (In The Oven)
Melissa @ Mango About Town says
November 11, 2015 at 11:02 AMSpatzle is my favourite – I would love to learn how to make it!
Melissa @ Mango About Town recently posted…Friday Favourites: The Gloomiest Week Edition
Meghan says
November 12, 2015 at 7:06 AMThis wasn’t homemade spaetzle but I still loved it. I want to make homemade pasta though.
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