About Kristen

Kristen Doyle is a mom of 4 young children and the face behind the food blog, Dine & Dish. Sharing recipes that are quick and simple to get on the table, Kristen’s goal is to provide a resource for others looking to simplify their lives in order to reconnect with their family, one meal at a time.

by on December 12, 2012   •   26 Comments Bakeshop

Peppermint Swirl Sugar Cookies

Photo by Kristen of Dine & Dish

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the abundance of holiday baking happening everywhere. It seems like everyone embraces their inner baker during the holidays… homemade cookies, fudge, candy and more are coming out of kitchens everywhere. As someone who loves to give and receive gifts of food, this time of year makes me really happy.

When I shared the Tie-Dyed Sugar Cookie Recipe on Dine & Dish, I knew then I wanted to create something for the holidays using the same method. I pictured swirly red and white dough and a hit of peppermint flavor, all wrapped up in one soft and chewy cookie. [Read more…]

by on October 19, 2012   •   9 Comments Kids in the Kitchen

On Apples and Fall {Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Crisp}


All photos by Kristen Doyle of Dine & Dish

As I sit by my window, watching the vibrant-colored leaves slowly drift to the ground, I feel completely wrapped in fall. The aroma of apple crisp, simmering away in my slow cooker, enhances the experience. To me, fall equals apples and pumpkin…warm fragrances and aromas… orange, yellow and reds. Most of all, fall equals comfort.

There is something about this time of year that pulls me to wrap up in a light blanket, with candles burning around me, and a great book in my lap. More comfort. [Read more…]

by on August 15, 2012   •   27 Comments Pantry & Spotlight Ingredients

Back to School Breakfast {Recipe: Pancake Mix}


Photos and article by Kristen Doyle

I am one of those moms who likes to hold on to summer as long as possible. I love it when my kids are home and dread sending them out of the nest each fall for another year of school. Don’t get me wrong… I appreciate their education, but I also love the slower pace, more relaxed days that come with school being out.

With four kids, school mornings are hectic. Getting everyone up and dressed, hair and teeth brushed, backpacks packed, and everyone well fed takes some planning on my part. We set clothes out the night before, have backpacks ready and sitting by the door before bedtime and hope that advance planning will help with a smooth school morning. It works sometimes, but not always. There’s always one who is resistant to getting a move on in the morning and pokes around, causing stress on the rest of us. [Read more…]

by on June 27, 2012   •   34 Comments Quick Bites

Tips for Growing Fresh Basil {Recipe: Cucumber Basil Bites}

Written by Kristen of Dine and Dish.

I don’t have a green thumb. I’ve tried and tried gardening throughout the years but for some reason, it’s not a skill I can seem to grasp.

With that said, I am probably not one who should be sharing gardening tips with you, however, I have found one thing I can grow really well and if I can grow it, I know you can too. Fresh basil!

Fresh basil is one of life’s little pleasures, in my opinion. It grows big and plentiful, has a most wonderful aroma and can add the perfect amount of garden fresh flavor to your recipes. Every variety of basil I’ve tried to grow has succeeded without a lot of extra attention from me. Low maintenance, easy to grow, and high on yield… that’s my kind of plant! [Read more…]

by on May 9, 2012   •   23 Comments Quick Bites

Served Warm or Cold – Creamy Black Bean and Corn Salsa Recipe

Written by Kristen of Dine and Dish.

It’s the time of year for neighborhood parties, impromptu driveway get togethers or back on the deck wine chats with friends. Friends and neighbors are officially out of hibernation from the long winter days and gathering together, outside, is once again on everyone’s minds. It is this time of year when I make certain to have a repertoire of quick and easy appetizer recipes on hand, as you never know when a quick “hello” with someone might turn into a late night evening of friends and fellowship.

Two of my favorite ingredients to use in the spring and summer are corn and black beans. With these two ingredients on hand, the possibilities for quick and easy snacks are endless. You can make Black Bean Burritos, Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas, Black Bean Dip, Sweet Corn Relish, and more! Most of the recipes can be whipped up in a matter of minutes, so you won’t miss out on any of the outdoor social time. [Read more…]