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!
Michelle 12.18.2011
Next year I am making that needle ornament tree fo sho! Also just voited for your brother :D
Allison 12.18.2011
The tomato soup looks very slurp-licious! Reminds me of spaghettios but all “grown up”!
Wendy B 12.17.2011
Your segment was great! I am always looking for something quick and relatively easy for work potlucks. Had to make the hot pepper dip today because anything with cream cheese and sour cream can’t be wrong. The cocoa is awesome too, had to get one after errands this morning. And the bars are on the agenda for tomorrow. Loved this post (can you tell??)!!
Alicia 12.17.2011
Great job on KCCI and that pic of Ryan Gosling cracked me UP!!!!! Oh and I voted for Justin….hope he wins!
Brenda 12.17.2011
Great job! How do you get your hair so shiny??
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn 12.16.2011
Hangover fans, unite! I would eat Ryan Gosling. Just saying.
Mary 12.16.2011
Hi, Kristin! I just discovered your blog through Pinterest, and I absolutely love it. Well done! It’s looking like we might be moving to Iowa in about 2 years due to my hubby’s job, and I’m trying to learn as much as I can about the food scene in Iowa, among other things. Thank you for a delightful new read!
Karla 12.16.2011
Voted for Justin–hope he wins! And you were fantastic again on KCCI, Kristin. (I think they should just give you your own cooking show already—it would be the best!) :) Love the Greek yogurt trick to lighten up the cheesecakes.
dawn 12.16.2011
So Cute this morning! What is the charity of your brothers choice? Would love to vote for him.
Iowa Girl Eats 12.16.2011
His charity is The Move Project:
dawn 12.18.2011
Wonderful, He got my vote! Awesome!
Imwaytoobusy 12.16.2011
Congrats on another TV spot. You are awesome! I can’t wait until you are on the Food Network ;) It will happen! Great Friday list…as always.
thatShortchick 12.16.2011
bookmarked that tomato soup recipe! thanks!
Meredith @ DareYouTo 12.16.2011
ohmygosh that PUPPYYYYYYYY. :)
Lisa @ Fit in the Midwest 12.16.2011
You are a professional on TV! So fun to watch that and the recipes sound delicious.
My favs from above include that food processor and the salted caramel hot chocolate too. Good tip with ordering the short size as I agree, it is quite rich.
Lauren 12.16.2011
I seriously cracked up so hard when I saw that picture of the dog it looks EXACTLY like my dog and he loves to be dried off. So funny! And I’m craving hot chocolate now….
Erin 12.16.2011
I love those bowls and purse you posted! And I voted for your brother too!
Heidi 12.16.2011
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. :)
Mattie 12.16.2011
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!
JennP 12.16.2011
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!
Jocelyn 12.16.2011
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?
Iowa Girl Eats 12.16.2011
Yep! :)
Jocelyn 12.16.2011
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?
Iowa Girl Eats 12.16.2011
I have a 4 cup mini one: I LOVE it – perfect for all the ends and ends chopping I need to do!