Hello, and happy Friday!
Cooking on KCCI went well, although I noticed 5 minutes before we went live that coffee had been dribbling out of my mug and down my blouse the entire morning – BLERG! Thankfully it dried seconds before I made Raspberry Vanilla Cheesecake Bites and Hot Pepper Jelly Dip on air!
Fun way to start the day!
Favorite oh no she didn’t: Salty Caramel Oat Bars. If someone could just go ahead and show up at my house with a batch of these right about now, that’d be great, thanks.
Favorite Kitchen Find: West Elm Modern Bowls. So whimsical, and I love the size!
Favorite fantasy: Thalassini Church in the Grecian Cyclades Islands. There was a church that looked almost exactly like this in Praiano on the Amalfi Coast that I just adored. I love the nearly 360 degree view here though!
Favorite dinner idea: Herbed Risotto with Chicken and Caramelized Onions. Seriously, like, all my favorite things on one plate.
Favorite holiday hairstyle: Simple Gibson Tuck. Someday!
Favorite stocking stuffer: Jennifer Aniston’s perfume. I’m not a big perfume girl – it’s usually way too strong – but this is a perfectly light and pleasant scent.
Favorite easy holiday decor: Knitting Needle Tree. You have GOT to click over to see this – so incredibly easy, and I just love the look!
Favorite drool-worth photo: 100 Layer Lasagna. Oh to have just one bite!
Favorite bag: J Crew Marceau Hobo. This is everything I’m looking for in a purse. I may just splurge and get it!
Favorite foodie gift: Cuisinart Mini Food Processor. This baby is my saving grace in the kitchen. I use it for chopping onions, garlic and veggies, and mixing batters like for the cheesecakes. A must-have item for any home cook!
Favorite funny: Hilarious animal expressions. I dare you not to laugh out loud!!!
Favorite piece of jewelry: MXMJewelry Initial Ring. I think this is unique and sweet.
Favorite do I dare?!: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Grapes & Walnuts. Ok, sounds totally nuts, but my Mom said a friend’s daughter made it and it was awesome!
Favorite ‘if only’. Haaaaa!
Favorite slurp: Spicy Tomato Soup. We all know how I feel about tomato soup, but this looks so dang good!
Favorite sweet sip: Starbuck’s Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. I tried a sample of this last night and OMG – it was amazing. They even sprinkle salt on top! Tip: order it “short” which is just 8oz. That’s all you’ll need of this rich drink.
Favorite photos: National Geographic’s 2011 Photo Contest Roundup. Super cool!
Favorite Friday night activity: Watching The Hangover that just came out on DVD – whee!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Sarah 12.16.2011
I’m going to have to watch the video when I get home tonight, I love that you’re a “regular” on TV now! I’m so bad about spilling on myself on important days – but have yet to spill IN the actual important meeting. One of the senior directors was telling me yesterday about spilling a full mug of coffee right in the middle of a meeting with the CFO, head legal counsel, etc…and it started pouring out the hole in the middle of the table for phone cords – onto everyone’s knees!!! Thankfully it wasn’t a fresh cup and no one was burnt – but can you even imagine?! I’d be mortified!
Em 12.16.2011
So fun to see your recipe segments! Way to go! You rocked it. And super cute gold necklace.
Love you Friday favs…I am going to try and make that fun tree!
Melinda 12.16.2011
Loved the video of you and those cheesecake bites are just perfect!! :)
Susie @ Foodie fabulista 12.16.2011
Love that lasagna & salted caramel hot chocolate! Happy Friday!!
Anna @ Food Fitness Frolicking 12.16.2011
Hahah I love the picture of the dog in the towel! The best part? That’s the kind of dog I have!! But, when she has her bath, she looks quite the opposite, ha!
adam 12.16.2011
Wow, it seems like ages since I’ve watched Iowa news, it doesn’t seem like it has changed much in 20 years, but you did a wonderful job and I will certainly be trying that dip. I have to tell you I roast just about every vegetable you can think of, but I’ve never thought about adding fruit to it. Are you up for making a savory bread pudding? I was thinking wild mushrooms and Gruyère cheese, but that is as far as I’ve gotten.
Jane 12.16.2011
Urggghh, I think I’ve bookmarked every initial item you’ve posted!!!! They are so cute :)
PS-voted for your brother too :D
shelly (cookies and cups) 12.16.2011
I’ve always wanted to come to Iowa! I’ll be right over :)
Colleen 12.16.2011
definitely agree with the salted caremel hot chocolate – it is sooo good and rich.
Britni 12.16.2011
My son woke me up this morning in time to see your segment! You did great!
Now you have me craving a Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate…never had one, but I’m definitely wanting one now!
By the way- thanks for your great blog. You inspire me to cook more for my family and to have FUN while doing it!
katie@newmamamac.blogspot.com 12.16.2011
congrats you did great and looked so cute!
Amanda 12.16.2011
What a rockstar! ;) Love these Friday Favorites! Have a lovely weekend!
Cristy 12.16.2011
I love Fridays!!! Big bowl of happy to see your list. You looked awesome on the segment!!!! Have a great weekend, Kristen!
Ashley @ coffee cake and cardio 12.16.2011
Omg 100layer lasagna? Crazy! I tried the salted caramel hot chocolate last year and loved it! Happy Friday!
Machelle 12.16.2011
i’m making your moms Party Potatoes tomorrow for a christmas party at my favorite dive bar. i’m not even gonna make a sample batch to try them out first (which i ALWAYS do with something i’ve never made before) cuz i just know they will be wonderful! i’m going to double (maybe triple?) the recipe and use the crock from my BIG crock pot to bake them in, in the oven. i think they should bake up ok….don’t you? might have to bake them a little bit longer since it will be a big, deep batch.
Iowa Girl Eats 12.16.2011
Oo good question! I bet the potatoes would cook, but I’m not sure how crispy the cornflakes would get. Maybe you can bake the cornflakes separate and then sprinkle them on top?!
Bethany @ More Fruit Please 12.16.2011
Your Friday Favorites series are my absolute favorite! I end up pinning about half your post. I love the ornament tree using a knitting needle! I think that’s going on the list for decorations next year. Congrats on another successful TV appearance!
Natalie 12.16.2011
Not sure how you come up with all these – your Friday finds always seem all over the place (in an AWESOME way!). Thanks for the good tips, recipes, finds, etc. Happy Friday!
Sarah 12.16.2011
I love the shirt you wore for your TV segment. Where did you get it??
Iowa Girl Eats 12.16.2011
Thanks! It’s from Ann Taylor Loft!
nicole @ I am a Honey Bee 12.16.2011
that ring… going on my wish list! Love!
Candice @ Sailing on Paper 12.16.2011
You look so great on the video! And I LOVE those bowls–thanks so much for sharing.