<a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/IMGP7655-2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1012" alt="mushroom gravy" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/IMGP7655-2.jpg" width="360" height="500" /></a>

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<p style="text-align: center;">Thinking spring in this week's edition of the Boston Globe.  Pictured here is my photo that accompanied my recipe for <a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/04/01/recipe-for-slow-roasted-eye-round-with-mushroom-gravy/kOhR0dgmXnMtyCWYK8iAGK/story.html">slow-roasted eye of round with mushroom gravy</a>.  Not quite gluten-free, but there is only about 1 tablespoon of flour in the whole dish.  I love this shot partly because of the items that are a part of the setup.  The boards in the background came from my father-in-law's deck.  He saved the weathered wood for me after replacing a large section of the deck himself.  The genuine silver flatware belonged to his mother who passed away last year.  The napkin was found at my mom's house on a foraging trip for new styling items.  Lastly, the floral china belonged to my dad's mother (who passed away while I was still in high school); this was her every day set.  I love the idea of casual, daily meals served on something so elegant.  One of the many reasons I love my job is collecting pieces like this and knowing the story of how it all came together.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/IMGP7538-2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1013" alt="quinoa and brown rice pilaf" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/IMGP7538-2.jpg" width="363" height="500" /></a></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">As a side to some lean protein, this <a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/04/01/recipe-for-red-and-black-quinoa-pilaf-with-brown-rice/ypDlu0hhonb0xTs2hYx74N/story.html">quinoa and brown rice pilaf</a> would fit in nicely with my fertility diet.  Grains are ok, but you have to remember to keep the portion size down.  Love this silver pitcher with all of it's tarnish and patina.  It was a gift from my editor, Sheryl Julian, after O was born.  She opted to skip the traditional baby garb and give us something we could use in the years to come.  When the diapers and onesies are long gone, we'll have this in our collection to remind us not only of our newborn O but also the wonderful, caring lady who made it possible for momma to stay home with O while still working.</p>