Inspiring Kitchen, Author at InspiringKitchen.com - Page 23 of 32

Nov 17
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Top 10 Hostess Gifts for the Cook

Posted by | Favorite Finds, Gifts, Hostess Gift | 18 Comments

With temperatures dropping and leaves changing colors, we know that we are very quickly entering in to the holiday season. It is also the time of year when we are being invited to the homes of friends, family and colleagues to celebrate happy times over good food and conversation. When you get that warm welcome invitation, you may wonder what host or hostess gift would be a nice show of appreciation for their hospitality.

This year, Inspiring Kitchen is going to help you find that perfect hostess gift. After doing some extensive research, we have found unique and exciting gifts for you to give to your hosts.… Read more

Nov 09
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Exploring the World of Food Tours

Posted by | Education, Entertainment, Tourism, Travel | 21 Comments

You know the expression “be a tourist in your own city”, have you ever done that? I haven’t and am just now realizing all that I am missing by not taking advantage of the awesome services, tours and events that go on in my own town.

Inspiring Kitchen Exploring the World of Food Tours

I recently had the pleasure of learning about an experience that any one interested in the culinary scene must investigate: food tours. No matter where you live, your town has a food personality and history all its own. Living in major cities where dining out is a big part of our entertainment, it never occurred to me to learn the history of restaurants, chefs, and products sold in my backyard.… Read more

Oct 28
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Beer and Pretzels are a Perfect Mix

Posted by | Favorite Finds, Foods, Kitchen Tools | 18 Comments

When you are in the mall and you start smelling that sweet, salty baking aroma coming from Auntie Anne’s pretzel store, have you ever stopped to ask yourself: “why can’t I make these at home”? Well, you can now! And Boardwalk Food Company makes it so easy.

They offer three different varieties of pretzels to make: Original, Cinnamon Sugar, Rosemary and Sea Salt. The secret ingredient is just what you would think of when you have a pretzel….beer! Yes, you add your choice of craft, domestic or imported beer to give that extra boost to the already yummy pretzels. If you prefer to not use beer, you can choose a carbonated soda like Sprite for a similar effect.… Read more

Oct 26
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Take the 7-Day Switch Up with Viva® Vantage®

Posted by | Education | 20 Comments

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This post is sponsored by Viva® Vantage®. All comments are exclusively my own.

 

Are you like me and buy the same paper products each time you go to the store? If so, you should join me in the 7-Day Switch Up event that Viva® Vantage® is throwing. Here’s our chance to try their paper towels and see what we think. I even had the opportunity to attend a Viva® Towels party to learn more about the brand and the Viva® Vantage® benefits.

Inspiring Kitchen Viva Vantage 7 Day Switch Up

During our gathering, we had experimented with different ways we might use paper towels in our daily life.… Read more

Oct 16
1

How to Build a Home Bar

Posted by | Bar, Education, Entertaining, Entertainment, Favorite Finds, Housewares | 16 Comments

Making cocktails for your friends and family doesn’t need to be intimidating or complicated.  You are all set in the kitchen with your ingredients and cookware, but what about your home bar? Do you have everything you need? Or is the question, do you know what you need? Having the basic components and equipment available is a really good start. Knowing how often we like to entertain this time of year, it seems appropriate to showcase how simple it is to build a home bar.

Inspiring Kitchen How to set up a home bar

I recently had the privilege of speaking with Mixologist Extraordinaire, Lynn House. Lynn shared her recommendations on what you might want to consider for your home bar.… Read more

Oct 09
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Snacking with The Laughing Cow®

Posted by | Entertaining, Foods, Recipes | 21 Comments

I am an official brand advocate for The Laughing Cow® in 2015. While I receive compensation for participating as a brand advocate, opinions are my own.

 

I admit it. I am a snacker. I work really hard to make smart choices when it comes to snacking though. So, when I was  invited to The laughing Cow® Love Your Local event, I welcomed all that was shared with me.

What I found particularly intriguing about The Laughing Cow® cheese brand is the multitude of ways that you could use the different cheese varieties.  In addition, those prepackaged wedges make it super convenient to grab and go.… Read more

Oct 01
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Culinary Heaven Chicago Gourmet Food n Wine

Posted by | Culinary Event, Education, Festival | 19 Comments

Chicago’s grandest food and wine event, Chicago Gourmet, took place this past weekend. Whether you are local or a tourist, dining in Chicago is always a fun and sometimes adventurous experience. For the eighth year, Chicago Gourmet was held in the heart of the city’s Millennium Park. The in-demand tickets sold out well in advance of the first day’s activities. (Heads up if you want to go next year!)

This culinary heaven showcases Chicago’s greatest chefs, restaurants, Master Sommeliers, wine, spirit and beer makers. In addition, celebrated chefs like Emeril Lagasse, Lorena Garcia, and Jean-George Vongerichten just to name a few, hosted cooking demonstrations on Bon Appetit’s Main and Culinary Stages.… Read more

Sep 24
0

How to Buy Fresh Eggs

Posted by | Education, Foods, Healthy | 10 Comments

How much do you know about the eggs you buy at the grocery store? I will admit to knowing not nearly enough! I thought words like “farm raised” and “healthy” were what I needed to hear. That is until I learned about a company called Blue Sky Family Farms and their philosophy on caring for the hens that provide us with the eggs we eat.

Their tagline, which truly is represented in how they do business, is “Ethical Eggs for the Humane Race”. With a 120-acre homestead in Port Washington, Wisconsin, Blue Sky Family Farms raise hens that live naturally with plenty of room to roam, enjoying the fresh air, green grass and sunshine.… Read more

Sep 18
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Kitchen Remodel Technical Details

Posted by | Education, Home Design, Kitchen Design | 13 Comments

When it comes to remodeling your kitchen, there are more details to consider than just the choice of counter tops, flooring and appliances. Some of the intricacies include working with subcontractors. This third post in our kitchen remodel series is going to address a few topics in this area with Interior Designer Jack Ovadia, offering his expertise.

Inspiring Kitchen:

Jack, who are the subcontractors that we might expect to be working on our project? And is it possible to have just one contractor do all the work?

Jack:

The most ideal situation is to have contractors working on the areas that they specialize in, as they will be able to handle potential obstacles that can arise in the process of working within structures.… Read more

Sep 10
0

A New Way To Remember Your Vacation

Posted by | Favorite Finds, Tourism, Travel, Vacation, Wedding | 22 Comments

The moment I begin planning a vacation is when the anticipation of escaping reality begins. And if I am honest, when the countdown begins! So, when I finally get to my vacation spot, I am  just brimming with happiness. There is no way I will think of my return home until the very last second of the vacation. All those days of carefree lounging on the beautiful sandy beaches of wherever I am with the waves crashing peacefully in the distance will not go wasted by a reminder of the traffic, work and chaos of everyday life.

Inspiring Kitchen Jewelry Sand VacationAnd yet, within the deep recesses of my mind, I know that day is going to come.… Read more