Now I Get It! {Recipe: Biscoff Biscotti & “Keep Warm” with Frigidaire}

by Kristen on January 26, 2012

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I finally get the love people have for Biscotti. I honestly didn’t understand it before. Why was there such adoration for a crunchy type treat that seemed to be having an identity crisis? Is it a cookie or is it a biscuit? Besides that, all the Biscotti I had in the past seemed dry and way too crunchy for my taste.

Once I started drinking coffee, it finally sank in. Biscotti is the perfect, dip in your coffee or eat alongside a hot cup of tea kind of treat. The sweet, crunchy texture of the biscotti and a warm beverage are the ideal combination.

There are so many different Biscotti recipes out there. When I was looking through my pantry trying to decide what kind of Biscotti to make with my coffee, I found a jar of Biscoff spread. How about Biscoff Biscotti? If you love Biscoff cookies and love Biscotti, then Biscoff Biscotti is one tongue twister sure to please your taste buds!

On a side note – one other thing I discovered about Biscotti is that I love it best when warm. A warm Biscotti alongside a warm cup of coffee is perfection in the morning. My Frigidaire Symmetry Double Oven just so happens to have a “warm” feature, which I use all the time (it very well might be my favorite feature of the oven). I turn one of the ovens on to “keep warm” and keep pancakes and waffles warm, warm up homemade bread and now… I warm up my Biscotti in the oven which keeps it nice and crisp, just the way it should be!

However you like your Biscotti… warm, cold, hot or don’t care, if you love Biscotti and you adore Biscoff cookies, you will really enjoy this recipe!

Recipe: Biscoff Biscotti

  • 2 3/4 cups flour
  • 1 3/4 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1  teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 1/3 cup Biscoff spread
  • 1/4 cup water
    1. Preheat oven to 350°
    2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together eggs, Biscoff spread and water. Slowly add flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Mix until well incorporated.
    3. In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
    4. Divide the dough into two portions, and form each into a log approximately 3 inches in diameter. Place the logs on the cookie sheet about 3 to 4 inches apart and flatten them slightly with the palm of your hand.
    5. Bake in preheated oven until light brown, about 40 minutes, take out of oven; turn oven down to 300°F; let logs cool for 10 minutes, then cut at angle into 3/4-inch thick slices; Place slices, cut side down on cookie sheet and bake until crisp, about 20 minutes, enjoy.

Disclosure: This post was written as part of my participation as a Frigidaire Test Drive Mom. I was given a Frigidaire Symmetry Double Oven Range to keep to facilitate my review. All opinions expressed are my own.



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Banana Sticker Moments

by Kristen on January 25, 2012

When my sister, Kathy, and I were little, we used to take the stickers off of Dole bananas, tear them into tiny pieces and put them all over our cheeks. The one of us who wore the “sticker” freckles got to play Ginger from Gilligan’s Island while the other got to be Mary Ann. We coveted those banana stickers like nothing else, and each time a new bunch of bananas came home from the grocery store ensured my mom several hours of peace and quiet while my sister and I would act out scenes from our favorite television show.

We had a very full life growing up…lots of vacations, friends, family events…but the banana sticker freckles is one of my clearest and fondest memories. Something brought on by an everyday object / moment is still cemented in my mind, today.

When you have three daughters, like I do, you get a pretty neat opportunity to see creative genius at work…every.single.day. Not a day goes by that I don’t have some little person coming to me and asking if I want to see their newest play, gymnastics routine, rock concert, modeling session, etc. Sometimes, when I’m extra lucky, I even get a big ticket to a “very special show”.

I never really quite figured out the plot of today’s show… something about Leah being a big, mean bear…lots of screaming, panic and then giggling…then as always, ending in a big song and dance production.

And, as I do with all of the “big, special shows”, I wonder… “Is this going to be a banana sticker moment for them?”

Remember…it doesn’t always have to be the biggest, most grandiose moments in life that become special occasions. Life, the every day, in between, simple banana sticker moments… those are often what memories and special occasions are made from.

What is a “banana sticker” moment from your life? What everyday moment is cemented in your memory as a special occasion? I’d love to hear it in the comments section!

I’m honored to be partnering with Hallmark in 2012 as part of their “Life Is a Special Occasion” campaign. As always, all opinions are my own.

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The Runner’s Diet {Recipe: Spring Salad with Orange Vinaigrette}

by Kristen on January 24, 2012

In 80 days, I’ll be running my first 5K – not walking, but R-U-N-N-I-N-G.

As I’ve mentioned, I’ve officially gotten off my sedentary butt and have taken to going to the gym 4-5 times a week since the new year. I have also been exercising at home on my off days. I’m working with a really awesome running trainer who is teaching me how to work within my heart rate zones to run most effectively. He also kicks my butt with strength training and core exercises, which makes me actually look forward to the running portion of the session!

I don’t think I’ve shared this on Dine & Dish yet, but my motivation for finally getting back on the running bandwagon (after about 10 years of being off) was this inspiring blog post by Karen Russell. It’s a long one, but read it. Afterwards, if you aren’t inspired to get up and move, there might be something wrong with you ;)

So, here I am now.. with 80 days left to train… I have my fancy, handy, dandy new Purple Polar Heart Monitor (love it), all the right running clothes, a team of friends working with me towards the same goal, and I feel great. So what’s the problem?

Well, as most people already know, I’ve discovered that exercising and running is not enough. My eating habits are horrible and my will power is even worse. Although I have come to enjoy my daily run (I NEVER thought I would say that) I’d like to have the added benefit of dropping a few pounds along the way. It’s not going to happen if I don’t figure out how runner’s eat… because I’m pretty sure it isn’t this, this and this!

I’m inspired by the following bloggers who run and love food as well: Courtney from A So-Called Runner, Johnna from 52 Sweets, Jenna from Eat, Live, Run, and Ruthanne from Eclectic Whatnot. If you know of any other bloggers who love food yet manage to stay fit with exercise and balanced eating, please let me know.

In the meantime, I’m doing what I know is necessary… increasing my greens and enjoying more salads. We love salad around here and know that it is good for us – so I don’t know why I feel like I’m “missing out” on something when salad is on the table.

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This Spring Salad with Orange Vinaigrette was a recent meal. A filling salad with plenty of protein and flavor… I honestly didn’t feel like I was being cheated of anything (except maybe bread) when I was finished eating it. If you have a favorite healthy type recipe or salad recipe, I’d love if you’d share in the comments section.

(And don’t worry… Dine & Dish isn’t going to turn into a health food, no sweets, no carbs, no good stuff kind of blog. I just would love some of your tips to help me get this “running me” in better shape, all around!)

Recipe: Spring Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

  • Zest of 2 oranges
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 10 ounces pre-washed Dole spring mix salad
  • ¼ cup shredded Jarlsberg cheese
  • ¼ cup crumbled, cooked turkey bacon pieces
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  1. In a large bowl, combine orange zest, orange juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, Kosher salt, black pepper and extra-virgin olive oil. Whisk until well blended and smooth.
  2. Place lettuce, cheese, walnuts and bacon pieces on each individual plate. Drizzle with the blended orange vinaigrette dressing.

 

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Project 365 2012 – A Photo A Day Journey – Week 3

by Kristen on January 22, 2012

Week 3 of 2012 has passed and it was a fairly low key week around here, which I always love. Even though it was low key, it seemed to fly by. Is anyone else in awe of the fact that we are entering the last week of January? Crazy, right?

Here’s a look back at our third week in January, through my Project 365 photo journey. As always, outtakes and additional pictures can be found on Flickr and Instagram!

January 15th, 2012:  My grandpa was a collector. He collected just about everything, but I look back and fondly remember the dishes he collected as well as flatware. Things that, now, as someone who does food photography, I wish I would have paid more attention to.

He passed away when I was a senior in college, and in a tiny house without room to “inherit” such treasures. Of course, I didn’t realize back then how treasured those items would be to me in the future.

January 16, 2012: I overheard my 5 year old in the bathroom singing a song about how pretty and fancy she was. When I peeked around the corner, this is what I saw! Pretty and fancy, indeed.

January 17th, 2012:  A few months ago, I made the decision to turn our dining room into our home office. My friend, Terri, is a talented interior designer, home staging professional and furniture painter.  She has been instrumental in finding the perfect pieces to make my space mine. (If you are in the Kansas City area and need someone like her, let me know. She does incredible work!)

It is still a work in progress, but I love the space so very much!

January 18th, 2012: My husband came home yesterday with this bouquet of beautiful, mini yellow roses. Perfect timing as my  “Just Because” bouquet I bought myself on the first was losing life.

I am always surprised at how happy it makes me to have fresh flowers in the house.

January 19th: Happy National Popcorn Day! (iPhone pic of the recipe I blogged about here.)

January 20th, 2012: We have a neighbor couple who are empty nesters. Every year, around Valentine’s Day, they invite us over to decorate gingerbread houses with valentine’s candy. It’s an event we look forward to each year.

We live on great block with some truly awesome neighbors!
(Taken with my iPhone.)

January 22nd, 2012: I was totally uninspired today but knew I needed to get my camera out and take a picture for today.

It’s amazing how just simply walking through your house can bring inspiration you didn’t realize was there. I had a hard time choosing which photo to use in the end of my little inside photo walk!

I hope you enjoyed our week 3 of 2012. Remember to get take your camera and capture life, before it speeds by. Have a great week!



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Happy National Popcorn Day {Recipe: Buttery Brown Sugar Popcorn}

January 19, 2012

Pin It Today is National Popcorn Day…who knew, right? When I first started blogging, I had what I thought was a brilliant idea. I’d do my blog posts each time it is a National Food day. Oblivious as I was to the fact that every single day is a “national food day” of some sort. [...]

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Oh, Bananas {Recipe: Banana Gelato}

January 17, 2012

Pin It Three ripe bananas were sitting in our fruit basket, taunting me with options. Should I make banana muffins?  How about sour cream banana pancakes? Banana Crumble was a huge hit around here… maybe I should use these ripe bananas to make that recipe. Undecided, I went about my business for the day, still [...]

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Project 365 2012 – A Photo a Day Journey – Week 2

January 15, 2012

Week 2 of Project 365 – photos I didn’t go with for the week can be found on my Instagram and Flickr accounts. January 8th, 2012: My baby boy turned 10 today. My parents have been here for 2 weeks and also left to return back to South Texas today. I was happy to capture [...]

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It’s a Wrap {Recipe: Buffalo Chicken and Black Bean Wrap}

January 14, 2012

Swanson’s chicken challenged me to create a recipe to solve the 5 o’clock dinner dilemma. My biggest challenge with dinnertime is to remember to set out the meat from the freezer. Nine times out of ten I have a plan, but if that plan requires simply removing the meat from the freezer, my mama brain [...]

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Blue Bunny Impromptu Ice Cream Party!

January 12, 2012

CONNECT is my focus word for 2012 and I had another opportunity to do just that this past week. Blue Bunny, the makers of fantastic ice cream and novelty treats, recently sent me a cooler with a variety of ice cream goodies in it (don’t I have one of the greatest jobs in the world?). [...]

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The Best Brownie Recipe & Using the Frigidaire Symmetry Oven Convection Feature

January 11, 2012

Pin It I will admit, I am a bit of a brownie snob. I like milk chocolatey brownies with no add-ins. I don’t want nuts, chocolate chips or candy messing up my brownies. Plain and simple is the best. My brownies must be soft and chewy and have that perfect, soft, top crust. I like [...]

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