A Christmas Tradition: Panettone

January 5, 2024January 5, 2024 | kristencastillo

Christmas is a season of sweets and my family and I are loving Panettone, an Italian sweet bread from Italian bakery Olivieri 1882. This fruitcake is a light, sweet and soft pastry.

Thanks Olivieri 1882 for sending me this classic Christmas bread to savor over the holidays. It features Australian raisins, candied oranges and bourbon vanilla in every bite.

This bread is made in Italy at a family-run bakery that’s been making panettone for over 140 years. Made with raw ingredients in a four-day production process, these sweet breads are authentically Italian and quite delicious. They’re shipped straight from Italy and delivered in the U.S. within 48 hours. You can also find the breads at Goldbelly and Italy stores.

**The bread arrives in this sturdy and stylish box.**

Their special occasion breads are available throughout the year, including Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Easter. Their bestselling flavors include Apricot and Salted Caramel and Triple Chocolate.

Guilt-Free Holiday Treats

December 22, 2020May 20, 2021 | kristencastillo

Indulge your sweet tooth this Christmas season without the guilt. My Creators Syndicate article has recipes for healthier holiday desserts.

Thanks Wholesome Yum, Heather Barrett and the North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission.

Here’s an excerpt:

Healthified sweets are the ticket to indulging your sweet tooth without the guilt this holiday season. Whether you serve them after a holiday dinner or nibble on them as a yummy snack, these recipes look great, taste great and can be made without a lot of fuss.

Kicking off the Christmas Season with “Klaus”

November 2, 2019December 12, 2019 | kristencastillo

It’s only November 2, but who can pass up the opportunity to hang out with Santa? 🎅🏻

Today my family and I attended a sneak peak of the new Netflixfilm’s movie, which premieres November 15 on the streaming service.

This cute holiday movie has lots of heart. The theme? Every good deed sparks another good deed. My kids, my husband and I really enjoyed it. 🎅🏻 These festive Klaus cupcakes were delicious too!

Review: “The Grinch”

November 9, 2018November 10, 2018 | kristencastillo

Getting ready for Christmas? There’s nothing like a holiday movie to get you in the mood to celebrate the season.

The other night, my sons and I got a sneak peek of “The Grinch,” which opens today.

This animated movie by Illumination, which is based on Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is the latest iteration of the Grinch, chronicling a cranky green guy who hates Christmas.

This Grinch isn’t portrayed as mean, evil or even very spiteful. Instead he’s a loner, who seems more sad, than anything else. (In a fun moment, he wallows in self-pity, playing “All By Myself” on the organ, next to his beloved dog, Max.)

His Who-ville neighbors are far too happy about the holiday and Grinch just wants the jolly season to end. Grinch, voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, decides to pose as Santa so he can steal Christmas. His plan backfires when the town’s little darling, Cindy-Lou Who has a special request for Santa. The theory is that Grinch’s heart is two sizes too small. After his encounter with Cindy-Lou Who, Grinch’s heart grows.

Grinch is a loner, who seems more sad, than anything else.

Cindy-Lou Who (Cameron Seely) gets ready to mail her letter to Santa in “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” from Illumination.

Narrated by Pharrell Williams, “The Grinch” has an impressive cast. We enjoyed Kenan Thompson as Mr. Bricklebaum, the over-the-top Who-ville neighbor who loves to decorate; and Rashida Jones, who plays Donna Who, Cindy-Loo’s overworked single mother.

Kenan Thompson voices the Grinch’s closest neighbor, the relentlessly cheerful Bricklebaum, in “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” from Illumination.

This “Grinch” was a fun start to the season. www.grinchmovie.com

Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Rated: PG

Valentine’s Day Date Tips for Couples & Families

February 9, 2018February 19, 2018 | kristencastillo

Valentine’s Day is coming up! Stumped on what to do? I’ve got some great ideas on how to spend Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart.

Since I’m a writer for San Diego Family Magazine, I had the opportunity today to share some Valentine’s Day date tips for couples and families with Renee Nelson at ABC 10News during a FacebookLive. We talked about specific places to go in San Diego; things to do on a budget and to splurge; ways to keep love sizzling, and more.

Get more Valentine’s Day ideas in the February issue of San Diego Family Magazine, which is available for free at Albertsons, Ralphs, Party City and local libraries, as well as online.

Here are some behind the scenes photos from the shoot.

L-R Michelle Hancock, Marketing Director for San Diego Family Magazine; San Diego Family Magazine writer Kristen Castillo, and 10News reporter Renee Nelson.

February issue of San Diego Family Magazine

Cheers to Thanksgiving!

November 22, 2017November 22, 2017 | kristencastillo

Setting the table for Thanksgiving is always so much fun. On the table this holiday: these two sparkling wines from Alsatian winery, Dopff & Irion.

They’re made from different grapes, like Pinot Blanc and Pinot Auxerrois, in a traditional champagne method. These well-balanced sparkling wines have fine and lasting bubbles.

The Brut Blanc de Blancs NV, is ideal for dinner and even dessert. It’s light and bubbly with green apple or lemon aromas. The Brut Rosé NV, suited for cocktails, has a red berry fruit taste.

Thanks to Dopff & Irion for sending me these wines to try! I’m looking forward to sharing them with my guests this holiday. Happy Thanksgiving!