KITCHEN THERAPY | KATIE LEE BIEGEL

It's all about the approach to food whether you're making it or enjoying it. We've been fans of Katie Lee Biegel for a number of years as we love how she simply enjoys telling her story through food. With a hectic holiday season upon us, we wanted to chat with her to talk about her love of food, being a co-host on The Kitchen, partaking in Kitchen Therapy as a form of self-care and her thoughts on her bestselling book being turned into a film on the Hallmark channel!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you realize you wanted to work in food?

KATIE LEE BIEGEL: I don’t consider myself a chef, I consider myself a home cook that likes to share what I know. I grew up in my Grandma’s kitchen. I’ve always been cooking my whole life and I realized that I could make it a career, probably 20 years ago when I was in college. I started thinking that this was what I wanted to do and I have been fortunate enough to be able to make it my life’s work and it’s also my hobby and I love to cook!

AM: Which is awesome and we always love seeing you in different shows as you make food so approachable. Love seeing you on The Kitchen, what drew you to want to be on that show?

KLB: Oh gosh, The Kitchen is a dream come true! We’ve been doing that show for almost 10 years now! It’s the best thing that ever happened to me professionally. Those are my people and we have such a good time, we have become family. But it’s also our viewers as well. We have such a loyal following and I love hearing from our viewers on social media. Especially at this time of year, the holidays are when everyone is in the kitchen, everybody is cooking and it's our busiest time. I really believe in making and cooking with an enjoyable experience with people. It doesn’t have to be stressful. I teamed up with Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove for this Kitchen Therapy initiative which I am so into. I like during the holidays to carve out some me time and to go to the kitchen. It's actually my form of self-care by having those moments of peace in the kitchen when everything else about the holidays can be chaotic.

AM: I love that you say that. I never thought of self-care happening in the kitchen so when I heard about it, I knew that I wanted to know more about this as we’re all about wellness and bringing self-care to other areas, so why not here? Tell me more about your partnership with Sub-Zero, Wolf & Cove.

KLB: I learned that 95% of Americans find cooking to be calming. That actually surprised me because you hear a lot of people getting stressed out about food and what they are cooking. I think when it comes to holiday cooking especially, it’s about making a game plan and carving out that time in your schedule as opposed to waiting until the last minute. I always wait to the last minute to buy gifts and then I’m totally stressed. I got the kitchen part down, I just need to get the gift buying part down and maybe I would have a stress free holiday!

I think that when you can carve out that time and get in the kitchen, whether you’re putting on your favorite music or turning on a holiday movie that you love to watch while you cook or open a bottle of wine if you like. It’s about having that time that’s yours. For me, I get that sense of contentment that I am cooking for my family and loved ones. It makes me feel good, especially if I’m not in a rush.

AM: Why do you think it’s so important that we all need to find ways to do Kitchen Therapy?

KLB: Well I mean, food is what nourishes our bodies right? When you’re taking the time to cook good nourishing food, I think that you’re going to feel good about it. I just did a renovation and I’m here in my kitchen in NYC.

AM: Which is beautiful!

KLB: Thank you! I got my favorite appliances. I got my Sub-Zero fridge, I got my Wolf Range Oven and my Cove Dishwasher. I think that having those appliances that really do their jobs effectively and efficiently makes me feel a sense of ease as well in the kitchen.

AM: Well how can we make cooking an escape from the stress? What are tips that you suggest? Someone such as yourself has already adopted it, but what can people do that makes it a lot easier for them?

KLB: I’m a big believer in making lists. If it’s not written down, I don’t remember it. So I write out my menu, I write out everything that I am going to need to buy at the store and I shop in advance. I know that the refrigerator is going to keep things fresh so I do a lot of cooking in advance as well. Whether it’s making my dressing a couple of days ahead of time and storing it in there. I have a bread pudding back there on the stove. Bread pudding is a fantastic dessert to make in advance, to keep it in the fridge and then to pop it in the oven before dessert time. I can’t stress enough to plan ahead before the holidays.

AM: What are some of your favorite recipes to make especially with these amazing appliances that you have?

KLB: Oh some of my favorite recipes! I’ve got so many! I always look forward to making my Thanksgiving turkey. Some people are intimidated by the turkey, we always joke that it’s a big chicken! Again, allow yourself some time with the turkey.If you have a frozen turkey, allow yourself 1 day for every 5lbs to thaw in your refrigerator. Then I like to do an herb butter under the skin and I do a dry brine and put it back in the refrigerator and then I let it sit out for an hour to come to room temperature before putting it in the oven. Then it’s going to need a good hour to rest after it has come out of the oven. So think about what time you want to start serving your Thanksgiving dinner and work backwards from there.

AM: What plans do you have for the holiday season and what does Katie Lee’s kitchen serving and doing?

KLB: We’ve got a jam packed holiday season! We moved into our new place in the city and we invited my husband’s family to come for Thanksgiving. He has a big family and we’ve got a lot of plans! So, I definitely have to cook in advance. We’ve got plans to go to the Museum of Natural History, we’re going to do a pizza party at one of our favorite places the night before Thanksgiving so that I’m not cooking the night before Thanksgiving. We’re going to the Thanksgiving Day Parade and then we’ve got plans to see the Radio City Rockettes. We’ve got all kinds of plans. We’re going to do a Chinatown night – super excited for it! But I’ve been thinking a lot about our meal and how I am going to time that out. I’m actually going to start cooking on Mon of Thanksgiving week.

AM: Wow! That’s smart!

You’re also the Executive Producer for the Hallmark film, Groundswell which is based on your bestselling debut novel. How exciting has this been for you to be part of this and to see your book become this whole other thing?

KLB: I enjoyed working with Hallmark so much. It was really a dream come true to see my book become a film and it had been a really long time. That book came out in 2011 and I certainly wasn’t expecting that in 2022, to have it become a movie! So it just goes to show that anything can happen!

AM: Exactly!

What are you excited about for the upcoming year as we’re closing this one out which seems crazy to say! Is there anything that we should keep an eye out for?

KLB: I’m really focused on my daughter, I have a 2 year old and she’s going to nursery school this year, so I’m really enjoying all of the things with her school and participating in holiday events with her. As far as professionally, continuing on with The Kitchen, we are in production all year long so I’m constantly writing recipes for The Kitchen and I’d like to do something again in the scripted world. So we’ll see if it’s another movie or if I start writing another book. I’m not exactly sure, but I want to be able to get those creative juices flowing again! I think that when we first become moms, it’s like that part of your brain turns off, because you’re so focused on your child, your baby and now she’s getting to the point where I can begin to start thinking of other things!

AM: Does she help you in the kitchen as well?

KLB: She loves to be in the kitchen and she definitely helps a lot in making messes!

AM: Every little bit helps and that’s why you plan as you know there will be 20mins of “uh-oh!”

KLB: There’s definitely some extra clean up, but it’s so worth it and so much fun!

Katie Lee Biegel is known for having the perfect recipe and especially during the holiday season, she wanted to share her Pumpkin and Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding that she was talking about that could be made ahead and then heated up when friends and family come over for holiday festivities!

PUMPKIN AND CHOCOLATE CROISSANT BREAD PUDDING

Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray, for the baking dish

• 6 large eggs

• 3 cups half-and-half

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 6 chocolate croissants, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)

• Hot fudge sauce

• Caramel sauce

Directions:

1. Spray an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, half-and-half, pumpkin, sugar, salt, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and vanilla. Add the croissant pieces and chocolate chunks and toss to coat. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Press the mixture down into the pan. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to overnight to allow the liquid to be absorbed.

3. Preheat the oven to 350° F.

4. Bake until golden brown, 40 to 45 minutes. Serve hot with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired. Drizzle with hot fudge sauce and caramel sauce.

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@subzeroandwolf

PHOTOGRAPHY COURESY | Katie Lee

Read the NOV ISSUE #83 of Athleisure Mag and see KITCHEN THERAPY | Katie Lee Biegel in mag.

THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS

A new study by Hallmark shows that in a digital age, people are craving authentic connections and with texts and social media being a common everyday occurrence, a greeting card stands out as a more meaningful way to communicate among other things. In fact, most consumers agree that they would prefer a card over a text message regardless of their age. We wanted to find out more about the power of these actions and how we can manage these personal connections in an age of instant gratification. We chatted with psychiatrist, Dr. Vania Manipod to find out more about this and how we can achieve this balance.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What are the benefits of using the digital tools that we have to stay connected especially when our lives cause us to be on constant on the go mode?

DR. VANIA MANIPOD: Social networks can be useful to some extent as we use it to keep up with people’s lives, because they are posting what they are up to. People also rely on it to keep them up to date on news; however, I want to emphasize that these types of experiences are a lot more passive and fleeting. The latest survey results found that as humans, we tend to desire more of those deeper meaningful more impactful connections with others. So when it comes to fostering these types of relationships, it’s truly quality over quantity in a way that social media can’t match.

AM: Why do these digital tools become a barrier to communication?

DR. VM: Social media is designed that we spend as much time as possible on it. Even the way that we communicate is via text message or using instant messenger. That’s meant to make it easier for us with one click of the button; however, it’s truly the more deeper meaningful gestures that are simple like just making a phone call – which goes above and beyond in taking time out of our busy daily lives to foster these connections. For example, making that phone call to someone that you haven’t talked to in awhile instead of sending a text message, inviting them to lunch or sending them a handwritten card, these are gestures that have a lot more meaning and foster these connections. Ultimately, it increases happiness.

AM: With social media as well as a 24-hour news cycle, that is difficult to turn off, how does this actually hamper positive communications that we want to have with others?

DR. VM: What’s happening is that it gives us this illusion and it makes us want to have more of an instant gratification. So when we get that like, we like when that action happens or that someone gave us a comment. That sends a positive reinforcement in our brains that are kind of like gambling. When you see the sounds and hear the lights, it makes you feel very excited and gratified, but those things are very short lived. Ultimately, those don’t foster the deeper and emotional connections that we want with people. So that’s why I suggest, social media in moderation only – social media detox is also great because it gives us a different perspective and makes us realize that spending so much time on social media could be making someone feel lonely, isolated and depressed. So social media in moderation, social media detox - setting boundaries around it, is so important.

AM: When we can’t connect in person with the people that we care about, do you have any tips on how we can keep it personal – when it is still digital?

DR. VM: Well, the survey results found that when given the option (with consumers at all ages), receiving a text message or a greeting card that had the exact same message, they found it to be much more meaningful and impactful. Millennials interestingly enough, who we know are so used to communicating digitally – they found that receiving a card was much more meaningful and made them feel more noticed. It’s as simple as that in addition to reaching out and making gestures that show that you took the time to show them that you cared.

AM: With the summer coming to an end, the fall makes us think about gatherings where we come together and of course, the holiday season. What are ways that we can ensure that we keep connected in a healthy way. You just mentioned specifically when we’re not in person that we can send a hand written note or card – how do we keep the communications healthy with people that we care about whether it’s a text or a card?

DR. VM: That would be trying to reach out to them, sending them a greeting card and not just on a holiday or a birthday when it is expected. Doing it just because is nice as the survey also shows that even though we do send cards during expected times, the ones that are sent just because have been received as more meaningful. This is why, we encourage people to not just do this during the big occasions, but even spontaneously because it boosts your relationships with people and ultimately boosts happiness.

AM: In terms of the psychological connection, how do you connect with people that are of a different age like your niece versus your grandparents.

DR. VM: Again, it’s about going above and beyond. I think that my niece would definitely be into her emojis and all that, but it’s about spending more time with them. Whether it’s your grandparents or little niece. It’s about spending time and that shows that you are investing in the relationships, connecting with them on a deeper level and you’re taking the time to build upon these relationships that already exist.

AM: For ourselves, when we’re taking a break from digital media do you have tips or suggestions that we can do for escapism from these moment by moment interactions?

DR. VM: There are 3 tips that I would suggest to keep in mind. 1. Set boundaries with social media. Make sure that no one has their phones when they go out to dinner and that people are having conversations. 2. Having a social media detox because it’s not until we’re away from it that we realize how much time we spend on social media that can help change our perspective and ultimately lead to the 3rd tip which is to invest more time into fostering and nurturing our personal connections that already exist. This leads to increased happiness and decreased happiness.  

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, SWEENEY

Alison Sweeney has literally grown up on TV from her first commercial at the age of 5 for Kodak, various shows and then in 1987, she came to the soap opera, Days of Our Lives which she spent over 2 decades as Samantha Brady. She is also known for her roles as the host of NBC's Biggest Loser, Hallmark's Murder She Baked and more. This Daytime Emmy and Soap Opera Digest Award winner and nominee continues to share her love of life in Food Network's Kid's Sweet Showdown as a host (she has hosted and co-hosted various Food Network specials).

We took a moment to sit down to talk with this Soap Opera queen to chat about her Food Network special, how she keeps a healthy mindset, what she's up to for the holidays and her personal style.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We've been fans of yours for a long time as we got our first glimpse of you as Sami! How have you crafted your career to take on so many roles and opportunities beyond those of just the Soap Opera world? 

ALISON SWEENEY: Thank you for being fans! Growing up on a soap opera, where we learned so much dialogue each day, taught me how to be in the moment and how to plan. That upbringing has helped me throughout my life as I now tackle various roles. I make a point to continually push myself, but always to keep it manageable with a schedule and to only look at what’s next on the list. By focusing on what I’m doing in the moment, I’m able to give it my undivided attention before moving onto whatever is next. Plus, as my kids are getting older, I’m able to accomplish much more during their hours at school and with after school activities.
 
AM: We're Food Network fans for sure, how did Kid’s Sweets Showdown come about and what can we expect from this show?

AS: As followers of mine on social media know, I love to cook at home and I’m a big fan of Food Network. I’ve hosted several specials for the network so when they asked me to host Kid’s Sweets Showdown for the holidays, I jumped at the opportunity. 

AM: Being healthy is a mindset, but it's also about making a time commitment, how are you able to do this during the holiday season especially with children and so many other responsibilities?

AS: My family and I are incredibly active and we view the holiday season as a time to get out and do so much more because we don’t have limitations with work, school and other responsibilities.

Whether it’s taking a hike or skiing down the mountain, it’s a great time of year for us to have fun while still being healthy

AM: Outside of the holidays how do you stay healthy from favorite meals, workouts, etc that you do?

AS: I love cooking at home and with my kids helping me. I think by making our own meals, we’re more aware of what we’re eating. Our go-to favorites are shrimp and veggie kabobs that my kids and I prep and my husband grills. For workouts, nothing beats a long run with good music and it’s a great way to explore neighborhoods or cities if I’m traveling.
 
AM: How did the partnership with Arm & Hammer Spinbrush come about and why are they a perfect stocking stuffer?

AS: I’m a big fan of Arm & Hammer products and believe in having a strong and confident smile so when Arm & Hammer approached me about working together to raise awareness of their Spinbrush and toothpaste, it was an organic fit as they’re products I already used and a daily routine my family and I are committed to. Plus, who doesn’t love a fresh toothbrush for the new year! It’s a great stocking stuffer and one that my kids look forward to each year.
 
AM: With the holidays, it's literally almost 6 weeks of so many activities - do you have any traditions and how will you be spending it?

AS: My family and I always disappear to the mountains for some time in the snow. We love being first on the chair lifts and last off the mountain before curling up by a fire. 
 
AM: What's your holiday style suggestion from what you would wear to a holiday brunch, holiday activities with your kids, Christmas and New Year’s Eve - do you have any go to staples?

AS: I love to have a sparkly top or shoes to be extra festive over the holidays. I also learned a great tip years ago which is to carry a handbag so one hand is always full, providing less opportunity to
graze the food at holiday parties.
 
AM: When the holidays are over, how will you bring some much needed zen and centering back into your life as you embark upon the new year?

AS: My family and I are creatures of habit so the first day of school is the first day we return to our normal routines and get back in the mode of school and work. The holidays always give us a great time to take a break so when the day comes, we’re ready to tackle life again in the new year and to make every day count.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Food Network