Friday Favorites

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 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!