Hello, hello!
Well, the time has finally come – my first live cooking demo is tonight at the Iowa Beer, Wine & Food Expo here in Des Moines! If you would have told me a year ago that I’d be doing a live cooking demo in front of a crowd of people, as I am THE biggest introvert, I would have (gingerly) thrown rocks at you. That said, I’m not sure why I’m not more nervous right now.
Possibly because I’ll be on-stage with an awesome women-for-beer advocate, Ginger Johnson, who does demos like it’s her job (well, it kind of is her job,) but also because I’ve made the Butternut Squash Gnocchi Two Ways, which I’ll be featuring tonight, about 20 times over the past two weeks.
If my skin has a slightly orange tint to it tonight, you’ll know why… ;)
Anyways, besides demos, the expo’s got dozens of craft beers, wines, and food to try, so purchase your discounted tickets (both general admission, and beer & wine tasting ticket levels include the demos,) and come see me tonight then stay to sip and sample your heart out. I’ll be cooking from 6:15 to 7:15pm, and seats in the 40 person theater are first come, first serve. I hope to see some of you there!!!
Click here for discounted tickets >
In the meantime, I hope you have an awesome weekend (supposed to be 74 here tomorrow!) and please enjoy my favorite finds from around the web in today’s Friday Favorites!
Favorite woah: Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes with Italian Meringue Buttercream Frosting. Ha. BaHA! OMG! If you think the buttercream frosting is impressive, wait ’til you see the inside of these cupcakes!
Favorite project: Holiday Woodland Wrapping. Not only is this a super cute way to wrap holiday packages, but I also think it’d be really cool to “wrap” different sized shoe box lids or cheap frames then prop them on the mantel for the holidays.
Favorite indulge: Butternut Squash Mac n’ Cheese. I’ve seen tons of BNS M&C recipes floating around the interwebs, but this is one of the creamiest, and most decadent sounding. Totally worth it!
Favorite place: Barcelona, Spain. My brother got to go to Barcelona in high school, and I’ve always been a little jealous. I love the mix of old and new in the beautiful city.
Favorite wake-up: Coconut Chai Coffee Cake. I have a serious soft spot in my heart for any and all types of coffee cake. I love the warm chai spices, and hint of coconut in this unique take on the breakfast treat.
Favorite pop: J Crew Bubble Earrings. Isn’t this pop of dreamy turquoise the best?! These babies come in lots of different colors too.
Favorite homemade: Peppermint Whipped Cream. After eating 130 Peaches ‘n’ Cream Cupcakes earlier this summer, I can confidently confirm that homemade whipped cream is one of the most life-changing foods on the planet. I cannot wait to dollop a big ol’ scoop of this homemade holiday-flavored whipped cream onto a mug of hot cocoa this winter.
Favorite wall. I know, I know – what have Friday Favorites come to when I’m featuring a WALL in the wrap-up, but I’m going crazy for this gorgeous feature, which would satisfy my craving for a cozy mountain-lodge home in middle of Iowa! :D
Favorite sip: The Bourbon Bomber. These remind me of the Ginger & Apple & Bourbon cocktails I enjoyed allthetime last fall and winter, except they’ve got a few more fresh ingredients to liven things up.
Favorite furball. Do you understand that if this were my dog, I would never be able to leave her, EVER?
Favorite combo: Brussels Sprout Mac & Cheese. Two of my very favorite things – roasted brussels sprouts and mac & cheese – in one!
Favorite DIY: Gold Painted Jars. What a gorgeous accent vase for a party or event!
Favorite bite: Oreo Funfetti Cake with Oreo Cheesecake Filling. Cookies. Cream. Funfetti. ‘Nuf said.
Favorite party. Gorgeous combo of gold and sparkles in this girly arm party. :)
Favorite mouthful: Green Chili Cheeseburgers. Oooo I wish I still had some Sam’s No. 3 Kickin’ Green Chili to smother down over a juicy cheeseburger! This looks SO awesome!
Favorite snuggle. This WILL become my winter weekend uniform. Just need that vest!
Favorite cozy: Cinnamon Bun White Hot Chocolate. This is soooo happening the next time Ben declares a fire day.
Check out past Friday Favorites >
Have a great weekend, you! :D
I’ve always loved looking at your blog :) just curious, do you know where the sweater is from that you posted?? It is adorable!
You’ll do great, and that festival is making me wish I lived in Iowa! It’s not meant to be…I live oh-so-far-away. ;) LOVE those gold dipped vases!
My brother in law made butternut squash Mac and Cheese a few years ago for Thanksgiving and it was to DIE FOR!
gah. your Friday Favorites post are always amazing. I always think I’m nearly done pinning things for the morning, then…nope! now I have to open 87 more tabs because I LOVE EVERYTHING YOU POST IN THESE LISTS :P
I’m trying to get my husband to put in a fireplace with built-ins in our living room. Love the look of that one with the stone all stacked up. Terribly jealous of all the people who got to check out your cooking demo. I love your skillet dishes and have made a few of your recipes. They are husband and kid approved.
Love the outfit and the cocktail! Think I could convince my husband and ten-year-old to actually eat that brussel sprout mac n’ cheese. BTW, we had frenchies for years – best dogs in the world!
I’m kind of dying over the simplicity of that peppermint whipped cream. And I want to put it on hot chocolate – like now!
I love the wrapping idea! It’s so wintery :D
And the doggie is just adorable!
do you own that sweater or one like it? I die for that.
I have a similar zip up one from Old Navy that I got last year!
They are pretzels coated in Butterfinger OMG crazy good
You have to try these, found them in the grocery store today and tried them AMAZING
Oooh, good luck tonight! Wish I lived closer, that whole event sounds perfect! Another wonderful FF installment. I think I might just have to do some Christmas decoration woodland wrapping tomorrow!
Where is that sweater from on the snuggle section…love!!
Polyvore didn’t have a source :( I have a very similar zip up one that I got from Old Navy last year!
Always LOVE your Friday Favorites posts, so many great finds! Thanks for including my mac n’ cheese! :)
How is it that your Friday favorites are always my Friday favorites!?
If you haven’t already, you’ve got to check out Very Jane and Groop Dealz. They always have J Crew and Anthro knock-offs just like those bubble earrings. I have 3 bubble necklaces that I got for $15 each!
BTW, love the Friday Faves posts!!
I wish I could wear that outfit to work everyday. That would probably mean I was at my ideal job.
And that puppy GHAHHDSAHDJhskjahdlkajshd I want one!
Good luck!
Molly
That vest is from H&M? I think I’m going to have to walk over there and make a purchase. Vests are a staple in my winter wardrobe.
Good luck on your cooking Demo!
I hope I’m not saying this twice, computer malfunctioned.. but, I really love your Friday Favorites. I always look forward to them. Also, that sweater. I love it and I want to buy it but I can’t figure out HOW!