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!
I’ve always wanted to come to Iowa! I’ll be right over :)
definitely agree with the salted caremel hot chocolate – it is sooo good and rich.
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!
congrats you did great and looked so cute!
What a rockstar! ;) Love these Friday Favorites! Have a lovely weekend!
I love Fridays!!! Big bowl of happy to see your list. You looked awesome on the segment!!!! Have a great weekend, Kristen!
Omg 100layer lasagna? Crazy! I tried the salted caramel hot chocolate last year and loved it! Happy Friday!
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.
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?!
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!
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!
I love the shirt you wore for your TV segment. Where did you get it??
Thanks! It’s from Ann Taylor Loft!
that ring… going on my wish list! Love!
You look so great on the video! And I LOVE those bowls–thanks so much for sharing.