I think Crostini is one of the best little appetizers, ever. It’s so versatile and tasty… and who doesn’t love an appetizer with bread?

When the folks at The Wine Bar asked me to create an appetizer recipe that would pair well with Stark Raving Merlot Wine, I knew I wanted to do a Crostini. And what better ingredients than fresh mushrooms, some Great Northern Bush’s Beans, Italian Herbs  and a little garlic and baby swiss cheese? In my opinion, that’s one of the best combinations of flavors there is. Yum!

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I am currently on a little 8 day detox / cleanse trying to rid myself of some of the bad food habits I can’t seem to kick myself from. I’m on day 4 (so half way through) and it’s going really well! The good thing about this detox is, even though I have had to eliminate sugar and carbs for a few days, I am getting to enjoy a moderate amount of protein. As long as I can have my favorite beans, I’m good to go.

I’ll let you know how things went at the end of 8 days. I can tell you this much… being a food blogger and being surrounded by all the temptation on the web is the toughest part. However, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and all that, right? (more…)

I didn’t end up creating a menu plan last week because we were out of town over the weekend and I just didn’t get it done. I can tell you that our wallets and waistlines both saw just what failing to plan does… I spent more money eating out and I’m sure that equaled more calories and junk being put in our bodies. I am convinced that planning our menu weekly is definitley the way to stay on track!

Here’s our menu plan for this week, and below that a recipe for Mesquite Taco Soup that I threw together today. It was so good!

I hope you’ll share what’s on your menu as well!

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I recently realized I do everything a bit backwards on my blog. While everyone has been posting their favorite super bowl recipes, I wait until the day after to share what I brought instead of what I would bring. I must be such a disappointment to those of you who plan ahead and scour the internet for the current trends.

I’m apparently trendless around here… only participating once things seem to be well out the door. This is not on purpose at all… it’s just how my life works. I have no need for a house full of Super Bowl appetizers unless I’m actually going someplace that requires appetizers. Just like you probably won’t see a bunch of Valentine’s recipes around here until after our big Valentine’s dinner. The last thing my thighs need is to be tempted by some of my favorite foods,  simply to provide SEO related content for you. (more…)

First of all, it bothers the absolute heck out of me that I can’t take a straight picture to save my life. I swear my house must be crooked. Anyway…

This week I’m sharing our menu plan for this coming week as well as the recipe for Bush’s Black Bean Tortilla Chili that was a hit from last week’s menu. Here is what we have planned for this coming week: (more…)

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! I didn’t mean to be gone from blogging all week, but sort of unconsciously decided to unplug some and it felt really good. In fact, I still have to open my inbox from ignoring it all week. I am not looking forward to doing that tomorrow. I hate to see the mountain of monstrosity waiting for me once I do.

Speaking of unplugging, over the break I thought a lot about what my 2013 word of the year will be. For 2012 I chose Connect, which has been great, but I think my focus for 2013 will be “Simplify”. I’m still tossing it around in my thoughts, but right now that’s what I think I want and need to focus on in 2013. We’ll see if I change my mind between now and the first of the year! Have you given some thought to your focus for 2013?

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My goal was to have a brand spanking new Dine & Dish to show you this week, but it’s not happening quite yet. Soon…very soon.

I told myself I wasn’t going to post again until the new design was live, but I can’t do that to you! I can’t keep this delicious, comforting, one pot meal from you any longer.

What do I love about this dish? I love that it is streamlined, simple and not complex. It’s a dump it all in and pretty much forget about it until it’s done, then gobble it up kind of meal. (more…)

A little girlfriend therapy can go a long ways in getting your mind, energy and spirit back on track.

That’s how I felt after spending last weekend with my friend, Amy. Late nights with wine, good conversation, laughter and great food. Really, really great food. And, really great conversation. And probably too much wine, but that’s ok, right?

Amy and I spent the weekend at her house simply lounging, chatting, cooking, and vegging. It was everything I needed to re-charge. Her southern hospitality made it really hard for me to not go grab my family and move to South Carolina right away. It was a perfectly perfect weekend in every way.

And of course, since Amy and I are both part of the Bush’s Beans Team, it was only natural that we’d get busy cooking together in the kitchen, whipping up some Bush’s Beans recipes.

Amy’s dog Jake, giving Duke a bit of run for his money, joined us in the kitchen as well!

Amy began with Bush’s Beans Cucumber and Chickpea Salad while I chose to make their White Bean Bruschetta. Both recipes were amazing… like “skip the crackers and bread and just give me a spoon and I’ll eat the whole bowl” kind of amazing. The fresh herbs and vegetables from Amy’s garden were the perfect touch for both dishes.

If you are looking for a couple of great recipes for the upcoming 4th of July holiday, both the White Bean Bruschetta and the Cucumber and Chickpea Salad would make great statements for your summer table.

And, if you are looking for a quick re-charge for your soul this summer, I suggest getting in your kitchen and cooking with friends. It’s sure to do the trick!

As a lifelong fan of Bush’s Beans, I am proud to be a brand ambassador for them. All opinions expressed are my own.

Kristen Doyle

Freelance Writer, Food & Lifestyle Photographer, Mom

Kristen Doyle is the creator of the award winning website, Dine & Dish. Since early 2006, Kristen has been sharing her favorite recipes, photographs and life stories with an ever growing audience of engaged readers.

Kristen has expanded her reach to include working with major brands (Bush’s Beans, Green Mountain Coffee, Hallmark, Zatarain’s…just to name a few) as well as providing editorial content and direction for nationwide print publications and websites. Her freelance writing career spans working with magazines on a local and national level as well as creating valuable web content for a variety of sites across the web.

Kristen is a busy mom of 4 young kids, loves to entertain, has a passion for photography, and believes in keeping things simple. An avid reader, a kind of runner, a horrible gardener, and the wife of an outstanding man, Kristen’s ultimate life goal is to connect and create meaningful relationships with others.

Kristen is available for editorial and photography projects, speaking engagements and ambassador partnerships with your brand. If you are local to Kansas City, give me a ring & let’s meet for coffee! I hope we get the chance to connect!

You can connect with Kristen by email at kristen <at> dineanddish.net or through Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Google+.

I’m going on another year as a brand ambassador with the team from Bush’s Beans. We have always really loved Bush’s Beans around here, but I always felt a bit limited in how I used them. I had in my mind that certain beans go with certain foods, and I never thought to switch things up some.

Once I started working with Bush’s Beans I was introduced to how versatile their beans can be. Black beans don’t only have to be for your favorite Mexican dish. White Northern Beans aren’t just for White Chicken Chili. There are so many ways to use beans in dishes you might not have thought to use them in otherwise.

One great example is this Steak and Bean Fajita recipe I adapted from the Bush’s Beans recipe database. I never in a million years would have thought to add Pinto Beans to fajitas! You can bet, after trying this recipe, we will never have fajitas without beans again.

What are some of your favorite ways to use beans in recipes? I’m looking to be inspired!

As a lifelong fan of Bush’s Beans, I am proud to be a brand ambassador for them. All opinions expressed are my own.