Inspiring Kitchen, Author at InspiringKitchen.com - Page 22 of 32

Feb 09
0

Baking With Nielsen-Massey Vanilla

Posted by | Favorite Finds, Foods, Recipe, Recipes | 14 Comments

Vanilla. Fresh. Fragrant. Rich. Sweet. There is nothing as delicious to me as adding a splash of pure vanilla to dishes to accentuate the flavors of the recipe.

When making a recipe with just a few ingredients, using the highest quality  is always your best decision. There are no masking flavors when a dish has just 4 ingredients. I discovered a brand of vanilla that has wowed me with their depth of flavor, variety of vanilla extracts and family story. It is what I have used for many years and what I want to share with you now.

Baking with Nielsen Massey Vanilla

About 5 years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Beth and Matt Nielsen from Nielsen-Massey Vanilla at an event in the housewares industry.… Read more

Jan 20
2

Celebrating National Cheese Lover’s Day with Cabot Cheese

Posted by | Favorite Finds, Foods, Recipes | 23 Comments

Did you know today is National Cheese Lover’s Day? In honor of this special day, we are going to celebrate with two recipes using the delicious cheese made by Cabot. The more you learn about this brand, the more you understand the commitment to high quality products that the 1200 Dairy Farm Families in NY and New England who own Cabot, promise their customers.

They are a cooperative owned and operated by their members, dairy farmers and families throughout New England and Upstate New York. Their offerings include yogurts, butter, dips, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream and whipped cream.… Read more

Dec 29
1

How to Make Light as Air Popovers

Posted by | Bakeware, Baking, Housewares, Recipe, Recipes | 64 Comments

Cold and dreary day means time for some comfort foods. Today I made a dish that both my Mom and Grandmother made as we were growing up. Popovers.

Inspiring Kitchen Comfort Foods Popovers

If you have never had them before, they are light and airy with an eggy interior and a delicate outside.

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So simple in terms of ingredients but so many uses for it:

  • Brunch
  • Breakfast
  • With a salad or soup
  • Side to main courses
  • Filled with light ingredients – tuna, chopped fruit, diced vegetables

Inspiring Kitchen Comfort Foods Popovers

The recipe is filled with items you already have in your kitchen. The biggest trick is having the right pan.… Read more

Dec 28
0

Instant Party with Vitani Martinis

Posted by | Alcohol, Favorite Finds, Foods | 27 Comments

I admire people who see a need for a product or service and make it happen. Especially when we are talking martinis! That is exactly what Vitani’s founders, Eric and Jackie Gichner, did four years ago when they created craft martinis in a ready-to-go design.

After meeting with Jackie to hear what inspired her to launch this brand as well as what she and Eric wanted consumers to know about Vitani martinis, I left with the following insight. It really all started very simply. Jackie’s go to drink is a Dirty Martini. Making them at home just didn’t happen due to (in)convenience and taste.… Read more

Dec 04
0

Shopping for Holiday Gifts at the One of a Kind Show

Posted by | Favorite Finds | One Comment

If you are in Chicago or want to come for a weekend visit, now’s the time to do some serious holiday shopping. The 15th annual One of a Kind Show is happening this weekend at the Merchandise Mart. You will find more than 600 talented exhibitors showcasing their works of art. These unique pieces may include art (paintings, glass, wood work, photography, sculptures), gourmet foods, jewelry, clothing (women’s, men’s and kids), kitchen and home decor, and so many other gift ideas. Various activities are going on throughout the show including artist demonstrations, crafting workshops, fashion shows, live music and the opportunity to speak directly with the artists.… Read more

Dec 02
0

The Ultimate Gift Guide for the Cook

Posted by | Favorite Finds, Gifts, Holidays | 55 Comments

Finding gifts can be overwhelming to some and an awesome challenge to others. With the holiday spirit in full force, Inspiring Kitchen is sharing our favorite gift ideas for anyone who enjoys cooking and entertaining. You will find everything from top quality Kobe beef gift sets to stunning hand blown stemware to 3 different types of cookbooks to spirits for your bar to the newest in wine openers to the most useful in serving platters to ways to stay organized to documenting your bucket list and to the newest in flatware. There is something for everyone on your list.

Inspiring Kitchen ultimate holiday gift guide for the cook

Inspiring Kitchen Ultimate Holiday Gifts for the Cook

Snake River Farm

For any meat lover, this is THE gift to give and receive.… Read more

Nov 23
1

Culinary Events Celebrating Jackson Chance Foundation and LuxeHome Chill

Posted by | Culinary Event, Education, Entertainment, Fundraiser, Trends | 20 Comments

There are so many reasons in life for food to bring people together: Celebrations of birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, friendship, family, and holidays to name a few. Probably the most generous reason is when businesses, causes and people gather to raise money for organizations to help those in need.

I recently had the opportunity to participate in two such experiences that just showcase how we all come together to aid those in our community. The Jackson Chance Foundation and the LuxeHome Chill event took place within this past month. While each had a different purpose, they both brought together people who wanted to support the efforts of each fundraiser.… Read more

Nov 21
0

Mediterranean Quinoa with Kalamata Olives and Roasted Broccoli

Posted by | Holidays, Recipe, Recipes, Side Dishes | 15 Comments

When it comes to finding delicious holiday recipes for sides dishes, it’s easy to run out of ideas. In my family, we try to create flavorful yet healthy options to go with the sometimes, decadent meals we eat this time of year.

Mediterranean Quinoa with Kalamata Olives and Roasted Broccoli

Instead of using rice or pasta, I’m using quinoa, which doesn’t fill you up as much. Plus, it is filled with wonderful protein that is always good for you. Starting with Mezzetta’s Kalamata Olives, I began adding ingredients to the quinoa that offered different textures, tastes and colors to make the dish so visually appealing that you will want a big serving.… Read more