Inspiring Kitchen, Author at InspiringKitchen.com - Page 27 of 32

Apr 17
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How To Choose Tile For Your Stairs

Posted by | Design, Education, Home Design, Remodeling | No Comments

In my house, remodeling a space is always on my mind. That may mean a small or big project involving the floors, walls, furniture, appliances, lighting, bedding and the list goes on. I love being creative, teaching myself about new techniques, materials, illusions, colors and designs. Over the last couple of years, I have been moving from room to room updating, improving and designing new spaces.  This post is to share a quick lesson on how to choose tile for your stairs. 

The entry to my home has stairs that were tiled and then a landing that was carpeted. While the tiles made sense, the carpet definitely didn’t as it accumulated all the dirt from shoes coming in from outside.… Read more

Apr 06
0

Favorite Finds 2015 Housewares Show

Posted by | Favorite Finds, Housewares, International Housewares Show, Trade Show | 12 Comments

In Chicago, March is the time of year where retailers, brands, manufacturers, media, chefs, and restauranteurs travel to McCormick Place to attend the International Home and Housewares Show. It is a show that people like me love! Three buildings filled with the latest kitchen, dining, laundry, garage, bathroom and closet finds. Miles and miles of cooking equipment, tools and gadgets; dinnerware, flatware, glassware, barware; gadgets, tools, cutlery, cutting boards; electrics from rice cookers to espresso machines to air fryers to water purifiers and beyond; food storage containers, bakeware, pepper mills, linens and the list continues. So much to see, to admire, to want.… Read more

Apr 02
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Expert Tips Wood Cutting Board Maintenance

Posted by | Cutlery, Cutting Boards, Education | 5 Comments

As someone who sells high quality kitchen knives, there are a handful of questions I get asked on a regular basis. This post is going to answer one for you that is critical in the maintenance of your knives.

When you make an investment in kitchen cutlery, it is so important to do your part in taking caring of your knives. And by that I am referring to the cutting surface you are using. I cringe every time a customer or client tells me they are cutting on plastic, glass, granite or any other type of stone. They are causing such damage to their blades by using these materials.… Read more

Mar 30
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No Guilt Sweet Gummy Candies

Posted by | Candy, Dessert, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthy, Retailers, Vegetarian | 2 Comments

Isn’t there always that moment in the day when you just must have a sweet snack? A little treat that isn’t loaded with calories, ingredients you can’t pronounce and yet still fulfills that need for something sweet. Personally, I love chewy candies. My challenge though is that I don’t want to eat anything made with traditional gelatin as it is made with animal products.

 Inspiring Kitchen goody good stuff candy

So, when I learned about Goody Good Stuff all natural gummy candy, (http://goodygoodstuff.com/en/), I was excited to try them (especially since that sweet tooth just doesn’t go away!). What I like about this candy is that not only did they remove the gelatin issue for me, but they also created candy with only natural fruit and vegetable extracts, nothing artificial.… Read more

Mar 17
0
Inspiring Kitchen Ace of Cakes colorful cake

How to Make a Tie-Dye Cake

Posted by | Baking, Celebrations, Dessert | 10 Comments

In the housewares world, March is the time of year when those of us who live and breathe this business get to attend the International Home and Housewares Show held in Chicago. I will be doing a post coming up to showcase my finds from this year’s show, but I did discover one creative item that I had to highlight for those who love to bake.

Duff Goldman, the Ace of Cakes, from Charm City Cakes was showing his baking tools and equipment at the show. I was fortunate to be able to bring home one of his colorful mixes – perfect timing as I was having a very special guest for the week to bake with.… Read more

Mar 02
0

Luxury Dining at Casa Velas Hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Posted by | Luxury, Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, Restaurants, Travel | 34 Comments

When you think of an international culinary experience, do you think of Mexico? How about Puerto Vallarta? If you answered “no”, then you are missing out on a wonderful experience. I recently had the pleasure of dining at the lovely Emiliano’s Restaurant located in the Marina area of Puerto Vallarta. This Four Diamond restaurant is nestled in the luxury all-inclusive Casa Velas boutique hotel.

 Inspiring Kitchen Casa Velas Mexico entrance dining

 Entering the grounds of Casa Velas sets the mood for what the evening will be like. The meticulous landscaping, gracious staff, peaceful ambience and attentive service begin when you first enter the property and continue through out the night.… Read more

Feb 09
0
Inspiring Kitchen Veggie Patties

Veggie Burger 101

Posted by | Foods, healthy eating, Vegetarian | No Comments

Ordering a veggie burger at a restaurant is always a bit of a risk. You are never quite sure what you are going to get in the end. Will it be more beans than vegetables? Bland tasting?  Unappetizing in appearance? Have you ever seen an appetizing looking black bean burger???? Or what about buying them at your local grocery store? Do they really look like the picture on the box? Well, I have just tried a new brand, Veggie Patch, and their Mediterranean Patties. And all I can say is, Yum! They are made up of Mediterranean spices, spinach and chickpeas.… Read more

Feb 03
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Potato and Scallion Soup

19 Inches of Snow Potato Shallot Soup

Posted by | Appliances, Housewares, Kitchen Tools, Soup, Winter Recipes | 3 Comments

You have all seen the news that Chicago and other parts of the Midwest have been buried in a snowstorm. Official totals as of this morning bring the snowfall to 19 inches. Beautiful, white snow. Until you have to leave the house. So, my solution is to make a warm, comforting pot of Potato and Shallot soup. Inspiring Kitchen snow storm

 Step 1: saute onions:

Inspiring Kitchen Potato Scallion Soup

Like most of the recipes that I offer, variation is the key. Personalizing to fit your tastes, time and available ingredients makes this a super easy meal. If you have read any of my other blog posts, you will see that I am a fan of Penzey’s Spices.… Read more

Jan 27
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Escape to Sunny Puerto Vallarta

Posted by | Luxury, Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, Tourism, Travel | 28 Comments

The best part of winter in Chicago is escaping to a place where the sun shines bright, warms you all the way through, the water shimmers while the waves crash on the beach and you are welcomed by the locals who want to share their home with you. For me, that is found within the beauty of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. 

Inspiring Kitchen Escape to Glorious Puerto Vallarta

As someone who has been fortunate to travel for both work and pleasure, finding a warm weather vacation spot is always a bonus. And Puerto Vallarta, or P.V. to those frequent visitors, is a small piece of heaven.

Traveling from Chicago to PV is relatively easy if you are able to grab the one or two airlines that offer direct flights.… Read more

Jan 06
0

Comfort Food: Slow Cooker Healthy Breakfast Recipe

Posted by | Breakfast, Healthy, Recipes, Slow Cooker | 2 Comments

Welcome to 2015! The new year always sparks the resolution to eat healthier, doesn’t it? With that in mind, I want to share an easy and delicious slow cooker steel cut oatmeal recipe to help you keep your New Year’s goal. Most people use slow cookers for making chili and soups but there are so many uses for this multi-tasking machine. Sauces, desserts and breakfast recipes are just a few ideas to consider. 

Slow Cooker Overnight Oatmeal with Apples and Cinnamon

The beauty of this recipe is it is adaptable to your tastes and what you have in your kitchen. I make it with steel cut oatmeal as it is hearty and gets creamy versus mushy.… Read more