Inspiring Kitchen, Author at InspiringKitchen.com - Page 20 of 32

Jun 19
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mango watermelon mozzarella

Contemporary Caprese with Fresh Mozzarella and Watermelon

Posted by | Foods, Recipe, Recipes | 40 Comments

This contemporary version of a Caprese salad is made with Stella Fresh Mozzarella, mangos, watermelon, basil and balsamic vinegar and is a perfect appetizer for when guests drop by unexpectedly.

One of my favorite things to make when entertaining is appetizers. I love the creativity in mixing flavors, colors, sizes and texture to arrive at a unique combination that everyone enjoys. Today, I am sharing a well-loved and traditional recipe using Italian style cheese that I have updated to include fruit. In every Caprese salad, using only the highest quality, fresh mozzarella cheese will have the best outcome. For me, that means using Stella Fresh Mozzarella cheese to create a contemporary version of a Caprese salad only in appetizer form.… Read more

Jun 16
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Cast Iron Skillet Mac and Cheese

Posted by | Recipe, Recipes | 31 Comments

There is nothing like making your favorite comfort food when you are having a busy or stressful week. Plus, add cheese and lots of it, to the dish, and your day suddenly improves.

This easy to make Mac and 3 Cheese recipe will become a staple in your home as it is so adaptable to the cheese you have available in the fridge or simply what you like to eat. Should you want to doctor it up with meat, vegetables or truffles, it’s all up to you.

Cast Iron Skillet Mac and Cheese

What I also really want to share is why making this recipe in a Lodge cast iron skillet is just the icing on the cake.… Read more

Jun 13
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Caffeine Crawl Visits Chicago

Posted by | Coffee, Festival | 9 Comments

As you know, I am a coffee addict or enthusiast if you will. So when I heard about the Caffeine Crawl I knew I had to jump on the (caffeinated) bandwagon!

Inspiring Kitchen Caffeine Crawl Crawls Through Chicago

Originally started in Kansas City in 2011 by LAB 5702 (a Kansas City-based beverage marketing company), the Caffeine Crawl has since expanded nationally. Each crawl is “built around the (host) city’s personality, culture, traffic structure, and local event flow”. This year was Chicago’s second annual Caffeine Crawl. It contained 11 different routes over the course of a weekend. Each route explored five different local coffee or tea shops in the Chicagoland area.… Read more

Jun 08
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Fresh Made To Order Hamburgers At Meatheads

Posted by | Restaurants | 12 Comments

When I hear the word “summer” I tend to think of long, sunny days by the pool and bonfires with friends. But as many of you know, summer days are not always relaxing; some days you just need to get things done. And when those hectic, nonstop days of running errands or driving kids from activity to activity roll around, cooking dinner can seem like another chore on your already long list.

On those never-ending days of hustling from one thing to the next, I’ll admit that nothing sounds better than grabbing a quick bite from the nearest fast-food joint. When I hear people say “fast-food” I used to think fast, inexpensive, and unhealthy.… Read more

May 31
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Trends from the Sweets and Snacks Expo 2016

Posted by | Education, Trade Show | 5 Comments

img_9663The 2016 Sweets and Snacks Expo was held at McCormick Place this past week. Expanding to two halls this year to accommodate the more than 750 exhibitors showcasing their products, the show welcomed over 16,000 industry professionals from over 90 countries.

img_9668

Trends from the Sweets and Snacks Expo 2016

There were a number of themes that stood out this year with healthy options standing out more than anything. Whether it’s the main ingredient or a flavor contribution, brands are now using quinoa, kale, chickpeas, broccoli and beans to name a few. 

sweets-and-snacks-2016-chips-picm

Mango coated in dark chocolate and coconut found in many varieties throughout the show.sweets-and-snacks-healthy-fruit-picmOrganic options, rice and vegetables crackers and seeds continue the expansion of healthy choices. … Read more

May 18
1

Alzheimer’s Association 29th Annual Gala Results Just In

Posted by | Fundraiser | 21 Comments

Time is of the Essence. That was the theme of the 29th annual Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth Gala. Held on May 7, this beautifully designed event welcomed guests to the Chicago Hilton’s International Ballroom for an evening of dining, dancing and honoring those who so generously give of themselves for this organization’s mission. Live and silent auction bidding on some fabulous items from dining to sports to jewelry to travel to wine and spirits to cooking experiences created friendly sparring to help in the fundraising efforts. There was something for everyone to bid on in the end!

inspiring kitchen alzheimers gala chicago

 

inspiring kitchen alzheimers gala chicago

It is thrilling to share that with over 820 guests, more than $1 million was raised for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.… Read more

May 11
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Create Your Wedding Registry Part Two

Posted by | Wedding | 32 Comments

Congratulations on your wedding and engagement! Such an exciting time in your lives! Last week, we started our discussion on what items you should consider adding to your wedding registry. It is very easy to get carried away when you walk into your favorite stores and are given a scanner or are using your cell phone along with the store’s app to zap away at anything and everything. A registry is your wish list after all. However, it is important to be strategic when doing your registry.

Inspiring Kitchen wedding registry continues

There are a number of important points to keep in mind when registering as are mentioned on Inspiring Kitchen’s wedding menu as well as throughout my previous post on registering.… Read more

May 06
2

How To Create Your Wedding Registry

Posted by | Wedding | 15 Comments

This next post may seem like a departure from what Inspiring Kitchen typically shares with you. But, it isn’t! I actually created Inspiring Kitchen at the insistence of wedding registry couples I was working with who appreciated the kitchen knowledge I was sharing with them. No matter where you are in life, having a kitchen appointed with all that you need makes cooking that much more fun. That’s why in the next two posts, you will find all that you need to create a wedding registry that is designed just for you.

Inspiring Kitchen Wedding Registry

You said, “Yes”! How exciting! So many details to be taken care of in preparation for “The Big Day”.… Read more

Apr 29
1

Shop The One Of A Kind Show In Chicago

Posted by | Gift Show | 20 Comments

If you are looking for something fun to day this weekend and happen to be in Chicago, than check out the One of a kind Show. It is held at the Merchandise Mart on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

Inspiring Kitchen Shop one of a kind show chicago

Hours are:

Friday, April 29: 11 – 8 pm

Saturday, April 30: 10 – 7 pm

Sunday, May 1: 10 – 5 pm

Ticket prices are $10 per person and provide admission for all three days of the show. Children 12 and under are free. Tickets are on sale in the first floor lobby.

Inspiring Kitchen Shop one of a kind show chicago

The show has been held for the last 15 years around the holiday season at the Mart.… Read more

Apr 26
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2016 Mother’s Day Gift Guide Food and Luxury

Posted by | Gift Guide | 27 Comments

May 8, 2016. Mother’s Day. The day we show the Mothers (any definition of Mom counts on this day) in our lives how much they mean to us by treating them as special as possible. With the big day just two weeks away, I have curated a list filled with fun, delicious, creative and pretty gift ideas for you to choose from in this 2016 Mother’s Day gift guide.

mothers day guide 2016 choc Twist of the Month picm

 

heading cook healthy

Hurom Juicer

Trying to choose healthier options can be challenging in our busy lives which is why Hurom Juicers make such perfect gifts for our Moms. Instead of running out to the health food store to buy an expensive juice, treat Mom (and the family) to this high quality juicer where you can create recipes that suit your personal tastes and lifestyle.… Read more