Inspiring Kitchen, Author at InspiringKitchen.com

Dec 30
0
wreath on tray with rosemary

Cranberry Brie Rosemary Wreath Appetizer

Posted by | Appetizer, Holidays, Recipes | No Comments

When it comes to hosting parties – dinner, cocktail, holiday – serving a variety of appetizers is my favorite thing to do. I enjoy being creative in the kitchen and offering bite size selections to my guests allows everyone to try different things. This Cranberry Brie Rosemary Wreath appetizer is beautiful when shared during the holidays with the vibrant red and green colors. Taking advantage of fresh cranberries and the fragrant sprigs of rosemary makes for festive presentation.

Cranberry Wreath 

Yet, what I really love about this recipe is the ability to adjust the flavors using different jams, spreads or cheeses.… Read more

Dec 18
0
chocolate peppermint cream brownies

Chocolate Brownies with Peppermint Cream and Chocolate Ganache

Posted by | Desserts, Holidays, Recipes | No Comments

The holiday season (or any time of year) calls for a memorable sweet treat in taste and appearance. I have just the recipe for you that is a showstopper! These Chocolate Brownies with Peppermint Cream and Chocolate Ganache are rich and decadent. They sound complicated but only you will know how easy they are to make. You will even impress whomever you are serving them to with your baking expertise. 

chocolate peppermint cream brownies

Plus, there is a twist. If you don’t want to bake the brownies from scratch, you can use your favorite box mix and then top with the peppermint cream and chocolate ganache.… Read more

Dec 17
0
holiday gift guide title

2025 Holiday Gift Guide for the Hostess

Posted by | Foods, Gift Guide | No Comments

Heading to a holiday party and want to bring a special treat as a thank you? Here are 10 items that show thoughtful, festive and delicious gift ideas.

Culinary Gifts

Jam Vino 


Jam Vino

Jam Vino is a luxurious, family-friendly, all-natural, wine-infused jam, perfect for holiday food and wine lovers. It’s crafted in small batches with 100% real fruit and comes in three decadent flavors:

  • Blackberry Merlot
  • Raspberry Moscato
  • Strueberry Blanc (Strawberry+Blueberry)

Jam Vino has been celebrated by tastemakers and featured on “GMA”, “Vanity Fair” and “The View”. Use Jam Vino on charcuterie boards, in festive cocktails, pastries, or stirred into yogurt.… Read more

Jul 13
0
view from hotel room at Renaissance

Where to Stay When You Visit Chicago: Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel

Posted by | Chicago, Hotel, Travel | No Comments

You’re coming to Chicago, but you don’t know which hotel to choose. I can help! I just stayed at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel and left feeling rested, relaxed and reminded of how truly beautiful this city is. This was the view from my hotel room. Gorgeous!

Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel Location

Located in the heart of the city, with incredible views, steps from Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park, the theater and business district, shopping, restaurants, the Chicago River for boat rides and to wander the Riverwalk, this modern hotel offers the perfect place to call home while you are visiting Chicago.… Read more

May 25
0
welcome to the national restaurant show signage

2025 National Restaurant Show Highlights

Posted by | Restaurants, Trade Show, Trends | No Comments

The 2025 National Restaurant Association Show was held last week in Chicago at McCormick Place. The Show runs from May 17-20 taking over three full halls at the convention center. The latest in culinary innovation, foodservice technology and operational strategy along with so much more was shared throughout the Show.  

The best way to learn about this industry? Walk all three halls! You will be introduced to every aspect of what it takes to be in the food service space now and anticipating future trends, opportunities and challenges. The convergence of AI, automation, sustainability, and flavor innovation is all around you.… Read more

Apr 22
0
coopers hawk wines for blind tasting

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant Celebrates 20 Years with Special Wine Tasting

Posted by | Chicago, Restaurants, Wine | No Comments

In celebration of Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant’s 20th anniversary, they have launched Behind the Label. This blind-tasting challenge is designed to transform the traditional wine experience into a gamified event. Join the fun by visiting any of the 68 locations across the country throughout the month of April.

behind the lanel

Cooper’s Hawk was founded in Orland Park, Illinois, in 2005 by Tim McEnery. What sets this restaurant apart is their modern causal style with winery experience. Napa-style tasting rooms along with experiential dining plus a specialty market make for an engaging, delicious and entertaining restaurant ambience.  

When you hear about Cooper’s Hawk, what might first stand out is the community they have created within their brand.… Read more

Mar 12
0
me in front of anniversary sign

The Inspired Home Show: Favorite Finds, Trends and New Products

Posted by | Celebrity Chefs, Home Design, Housewares, Trade Show | No Comments

The 125th The Inspired Home Show, formerly known as the International Home + Housewares Show, concluded last week after three action packed days at Chicago’s McCormick Place.  While I have been attending this Show for many years, this year was special.

I had the distinct pleasure of being invited to be an Ambassador for The Inspired Home Show along with seven other Social Media Influencers from across the country. This was a role that I was thrilled to be a part of as someone who loves the houseware and home design industry. After all, this is how Inspiring Kitchen originated!… Read more

Feb 04
0
Rosemont Restaurant Week Chocolate cake

17 Restaurants to Visit for Rosemont Restaurant Week

Posted by | Chicago, Restaurants | No Comments
Get ready, foodies! The Village of Rosemont Restaurant Week is set to return Sunday, March 2 through Saturday, March 8, 2025. Diners can indulge in specially curated prix fixe, three-course lunch and/or dinner menus at a variety of participating Rosemont restaurants.Rosemont Restaurant Weel tortilla
“Rosemont Restaurant Week has become a highly anticipated annual event, bringing guests back year after year,” said Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens. “With so many outstanding restaurants participating again this year, it’s a fantastic opportunity to discover new flavors, revisit favorite spots and enjoy Rosemont’s exceptional dining offerings at a great value.”
 

2025 Rosemont Restaurant Week participating restaurants include:

  • Bub City
  • Carlucci
  • Carmine’s Rosemont
  • Crust Brewing
  • Fat Rosie’s Taco & Tequila Bar
  • FLIGHT
  • Giordano’s
  • Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse
  • Land & Lake
  • McCormick & Schmick’s
  • Moretti’s Rosemont
  • Morton’s The Steakhouse
  • Saltwater Coastal Grill
  • SLYCE Rosemont
  • The Ashburn
  • Thorn Restaurant & Lounge
  • Truluck’s
Rosemont Restaurant Week menus and dining reservation information are available to view here.
… Read more
Dec 30
0
Homemade Bailey's Irish Cream

Homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream

Posted by | Beverage, Holidays, Recipes | No Comments

One of my favorite ways to celebrate the holiday season is to design special gifts that I make in my own kitchen. I have created everything from baked items to infused oils, candies and bottled drinks. Today I am sharing my recipe for Homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream. 

This rich and decadent liqueur is the perfect gift as it is a drink that you indulge in on special occasions. it is also the way to elevate your hot chocolate! Hint hint! 

The first time I ever made Homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream was many years ago when my friends were all gathered in my kitchen trying to come up with a way to gift everyone that mattered to us during the holidays.… Read more

Oct 09
0
countertop post title page

DIY Countertop Renovation Done with Ease

Posted by | DIY, Home Design | One Comment

Making a house a home is the beauty of home ownership to me. It is also a constantly evolving process as needs and trends are always changing. A recent project was to update a bathroom without actually replacing the countertop. Thanks to Marble Dreams Resurfacing Kit by Daich Coatings, I was able to easily redesign the space with a modern feel.   

If you have ever gotten to where you want to remodel a space in your home but the timing or budget isn’t right, I have just the solution for you.  I discovered a DIY method to updating your countertops without needing a plumber or spending all that money to buy and install new ones.… Read more