Kristina Vänni

Internationally recognized culinary authority Kristina Vänni is a well-known food writer, engaging TV host, award-winning recipe developer, food stylist, and photographer. In addition to writing for industry-leading websites including Better Homes and Gardens, The Spruce Eats, and Food52, she has been a featured expert on national media such as ABC News’ “World News Tonight” and CBS’ “The Talk” and has served as a spokesperson and recipe developer for national brands such as Finlandia, KitchenAid, Post Foods, Baileys, among many others. Kristina is currently writing her first cookbook, an exploration of the traditional and seasonal cuisine from her family's dairy farm in Finland. Kristina enthusiastically shares her creative content, behind-the-scenes peeks, and industry expertise with food enthusiasts on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
The Secret to Unbelievably Delicious Green Beans: Your Air Fryer
The air fryer has become the latest indispensable appliance and is now a staple in many home kitchens. Besides making your favorite foods perfectly crisp without using much oil, air fryers are also incredibly handy for quickly roasting vegetables in a matter of minutes. It is a great tool for when the stovetop and oven are occupied with other dishes, or for those times when you just don’t want to heat up the kitchen. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Kristina Vänni
1 day ago
White Gravy Is the 3-Ingredient Sauce Your Biscuits Are Missing
In a matter of minutes, you can whip up white gravy in a saucepan for the perfect creamy, savory topping for your favorite dishes. This basic sauce is prepared with ingredients you likely already have on hand: butter, flour, milk, salt, and pepper. For a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne can be added as well. I suggest trying your first batch spooned over a homemade buttermilk biscuit. The creamy gravy pairs perfectly with the warm, fluffy layers. It’s a Southern classic.
Kristina Vänni
Aug 10, 2024
The Secret Ingredient to the Most Flavorful Potato Salad Ever
It's probably in your pantry.
Kristina Vänni
Jul 24, 2024
Turns Out You Don’t Need a Quarter for Aldi’s Shopping Carts If You Have This Instead
The thing that finally put an end to my “Aldi quarter” stress.
Kristina Vänni
Jul 18, 2024
The Old-Fashioned Southern Recipe I Make Every Summer
Fresh watermelon is one of the most delicious delights of summer. After enjoying watermelon slices, a watermelon salad, or your favorite smoothie, the thick rind is all that’s left behind. This old-fashioned Southern pickled watermelon rind recipe is a zero-waste solution that repurposes the part that is usually discarded and transforms it into a treat that can be a great complement to an appetizer spread, or a unique addition to a salad or wrap.
Kristina Vänni
Jul 15, 2024
The “Cute” $10 Amazon Gadget That Instantly Strips Corn (It Literally Takes Only Seconds!)
Shopping
It removes kernels so easily.
Kristina Vänni
Jun 28, 2024
These Color-Changing Mugs Are the Best Thing to Happen to Your Morning Coffee (Perfect for Nature Lovers!)
It’s such a thoughtful gift!
Kristina Vänni
May 14, 2024
The $35 Find I Bring to Every Party I'm Invited To (It's So Versatile!)
Shopping
My days of squished aluminum trays and spilled food are over.
Kristina Vänni
May 8, 2024
These “Stunning” National Park Cups Make the Perfect Gift for Everyone (And They’re Only $20!)
Shopping
Perfect for anyone who loves the great outdoors — and a great drink.
Kristina Vänni
May 2, 2024
The “Gorgeous” Personalized Glasses I'm Giving as Gifts to Everyone I Know
Shopping
It’s such a thoughtful gift!
Kristina Vänni
Apr 25, 2024
This Vitamix Is What Finally Got Me to Start Composting In My Kitchen
There's zero mess!
Kristina Vänni
Apr 24, 2024
My 2-Ingredient Brownies Are Irresistibly Light and Fudgy (and Flour-Free!)
And they’re a breeze to make.
Kristina Vänni
Jan 5, 2024
If You Make One Thing this Holiday, Let it Be this Twice-Baked Potato Casserole
You had me at crispy bacon and gooey cheese.
Kristina Vänni
Dec 21, 2023
No-Bake “Christmas Trash Treats” Will Make You Extra Merry
They're a new tradition.
Kristina Vänni
Dec 21, 2023
My German Christmas Bread Is the One Thing I Make Every Year
It was only a few years back when my mom first decided to bake stollen for Christmas morning. Traditionally, she baked her signature coffee cake after stockings, but with a house filled with more holiday guests than usual, she decided to expand the morning menu.I can still remember her kneading the dough on the 23rd, and when I later walked past the countertop, I encountered the most supple, glistening dome of dough I had ever seen.
Kristina Vänni
Dec 15, 2023
I’ve Perfected My Thanksgiving Margaritas, Thanks to This Pantry Staple
They'll become an annual tradition.
Kristina Vänni
Nov 21, 2023
Stuffed Caramel Apple Cookies Are Irresistibly Gooey
Every fall party needs a batch.
Kristina Vänni
Oct 30, 2023
The Only Gin and Tonic Recipe You'll Ever Need
Is there a more classic cocktail?
Kristina Vänni
Sep 22, 2023
Apple Fritter Cake Turns the Classic Donut into a Dreamy Fall Dessert
All of the flavor, none of the frying.
Kristina Vänni
Sep 14, 2023
"Cowboy Butter" Is the Secret Sauce of Your Dreams
The better way to compound butter.
Kristina Vänni
Jul 19, 2023
How to Make Perfectly Fluffy Strawberry Pancakes
Treat yourself and your loved ones to these indulgent pancakes!
Kristina Vänni
May 15, 2023
This Loaded Potato Salad Is the Only Side I’m Making All Summer
It has crispy bacon and shredded cheese.
Kristina Vänni
May 13, 2023
This Ingenious Tool Transforms My Grill Into an Outdoor Pizza Oven
Pizza night will never be the same!
Kristina Vänni
May 12, 2023
Use Fresh Strawberries for the Fruitiest Spring Mimosa
Your next brunch won’t be complete without it!
Kristina Vänni
May 10, 2023
The $25 Organizer That Keeps Eggs From Getting Squished in My Tiny Fridge
Shopping
Or, should I say, it’s egg-cellent.
Kristina Vänni
May 3, 2023
I Use This Sheet Pan Almost Daily and Never Want to Use Another
Shopping
To all the sheet pans I’ve loved before.
Kristina Vänni
Apr 25, 2023
My Great-Grandma's Christmas Cookies Are My Favorite Holiday Tradition
It's the perfect recipe for little helpers.
Kristina Vänni
Dec 20, 2022
Grinch Punch Is the Most Festive Holiday Drink
You just need three ingredients to make it.
Kristina Vänni
Dec 16, 2022
These Crispy Fried Oysters Will Transport You to New Orleans
With a variety of dipping sauces, it's the perfect party app.
Kristina Vänni
Nov 30, 2022
Bourbon Balls Are an Easy and Fun No-Bake Grown-Up Treat
It's the perfect bite-size dessert for the holiday.
Kristina Vänni
Nov 14, 2022
Cinnamon Roll Casserole Is an Impressive and Foolproof Breakfast
It's the most decadent thing you can do with two cans of canned cinnamon rolls.
Kristina Vänni
Nov 8, 2022
This Cranberry Fluff Salad Is Unabashedly Retro
Sweet, creamy nostalgia.
Kristina Vänni
Sep 27, 2022
This Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole Is the Ultimate Make-Ahead Meal
It's the perfect back-pocket recipe for when you're hosting overnight guests.
Kristina Vänni
Sep 27, 2022
One-Pot Chicken Paprika Is a Weeknight Winner
All the flavors of chicken paprikash in an easy one-pan meal!
Kristina Vänni
Sep 20, 2022
Take a Break from Butternut and Try Kabocha Squash Soup Instead
It's creamy, velvety, and perfect for sweater weather.
Kristina Vänni
Sep 17, 2022
This Is the Quickest Way to Cook Acorn Squash
A versatile, fail-proof side dish.
Kristina Vänni
Aug 17, 2022