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 love those bowls and purse you posted! And I voted for your brother too!
So love the Gibson tuck! I’m totally wearing it right now! It was super easy and something even I could do! YAY!
And BTW I am bringing the dip to my sister’s next weekend. :)
You were so great on TV, such a natural! I was very impressed. I am going to make those mini cheesecakes for my holiday party tomorrow night!
I clicked on the link for that spicy tomato soup and realized that I had every single ingredient in my fridge/pantry (love when that happens). I made it this afternoon, and it is SO GOOD! I don’t like Campbell’s tomato soup either, but this is really more like a minestrone.
I set some aside for my toddler before adding the red pepper flakes, and she devoured it too. Try it – so good!
Ok, so I posted my comment after I watched your food segment video and saw you using a food processor.
I just finished reading your Friday Favorites post from today, and I saw that you listed a food processor. Is that the brand and size you have?
Yep! :)
Hi! I used to shudder at cooking and trying out any new recipes, but I have your blog to thank for stepping out of my comfort zone over a year ago and starting to cook/bake. Thank you so much for your blog, ideas, and recipes!
I do have a question for you. With the holidays rolling in, I am putting a food processor on my Wish List. Do you have a size that you would recommend? All I have now is a mini (one-ish cup size) processor, and I am looking at a bigger size. What would you recommend? What size do you have?
I have a 4 cup mini one: I LOVE it – perfect for all the ends and ends chopping I need to do!
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!
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!
Loved the video of you and those cheesecake bites are just perfect!! :)
Love that lasagna & salted caramel hot chocolate! Happy Friday!!
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!
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.
Urggghh, I think I’ve bookmarked every initial item you’ve posted!!!! They are so cute :)
PS-voted for your brother too :D