Inspiring Kitchen, Author at InspiringKitchen.com - Page 31 of 32

Jun 10
1

Father’s Day Gift ideas

Posted by | BBQ, Coffee, Cookbook, Cookware, Foods, Gift Guide, Grilling, Housewares, Knives, Spices | 10 Comments

Sunday, June 15, 2014 is Father’s Day. The list of Father’s Day gifts for Dad can literally go in all directions: sporting goods, clothing, electronics…..

Since Inspiring Kitchen is all about finding and recommending items for your kitchen, we thought we would offer our favorites.

1) Nespresso VertuoLine

vertuo_experience_main_media

 

 

Start his day off right….coffee! Whether your Dad’s preference is espresso or a traditional cup of coffee, this machine covers both bases. You may already be familiar with the Nespresso machines and know how good their coffee/espresso varieties are. What’s unique with this dual capability machine is each pod has a bar code on it identifying the brew style for the contents so each cup turns out rich and delicious.… Read more

Jun 04
1
homemade bread

Homemade Bread & Le Creuset

Posted by | Cookware, Housewares, Recipes | 17 Comments

Oh, the smell of fresh homemade bread baking in the oven. Nothing like it. Imagine that cup of coffee and the warm, delicious bread with butter melting over the slice just sitting on the plate waiting for you to enjoy it.

Inspiring Kitchen Le Creuset bread dutch oven

But running to the bakery just doesn’t fit into your schedule and making it from scratch is well, way too hard. Right? Wrong!

The Chef from the cookware manufacturer, Le Creuset, shared this delicious recipe with me. It is so easy to make. Plus, once you make it the way the recipe says the first time, you will find yourself being creative and adding herbs, seasonings or fruit like rosemary, basil, garlic, tarragon, cheese, cinnamon, or raisins to your next batch.… Read more

May 27
0

Whiskey Cocktail Battle

Posted by | BBQ, Cocktails, Iron Chef Competition, Recipes | 2 Comments

We all know what Iron Chef Competitions are these days, right? We watch them on TV, have been able to participate in them ourselves with our friends or compete against our colleagues in corporate team building events. Well, this evening was a twist on what is an always, exciting evening of food competitions. Sponsored by Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, World Food Championships and Yummie Nation, 6 competitors created a cocktail made with Larceny Whiskey that was to be paired with BBQ dishes made by our restaurant host, Chicago q.

signage bottles

The participants were 5 restaurants/bars and 1 caterer that were competing in two different whiskey-pairing categories: main course and dessert.… Read more

May 21
2

National Restaurant Show Favorites 2014

Posted by | National Restaurant Association, Restaurants, Trade Show | 13 Comments

This week, I had the opportunity to attend the National Restaurant Association Show as well as the International Wine, Spirits and Beer event in Chicago. These trade shows are intended to showcase products, operational equipment, services, food and beverage items from over 1800 exhibitors for those who have some connection to the restaurant space. As someone who is very familiar with the International Housewares Show, this show offered me a different perspective on the world of cooking and housewares.

 

Here is my list of items that I found while walking the show that you might find delicious/enticing/helpful and just fun to have.… Read more

May 14
0

How to make your non-stick cookware last longer

Posted by | Cookware, healthy eating, Housewares, wooden tools | No Comments

Having just talked about the need to use the right tools for your ceramic and non-stick cookware in my previous post, I wanted to share with you a brand of wooden tools that I found made by a Canadian company called Timbers.

Now, we can find wood tools at any store these days, right? What I found so lovely about these products is that they are well-made and attractive to the point that they can be used for both cooking AND serving. You always need wood spoons for mixing on and off the stove. Wood is easy on your cookware whether it is non-stick, ceramic or even stainless.… Read more

May 10
0

Mother’s Day Ideas

Posted by | Dinnerware, healthy eating, lotions, Mother's Day gifts, mugs, Spices, tea, wooden tools | No Comments

Mom’s favorite day is fast approaching as Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11. Yes, that is just two days away. Have you found that special something that will show your Mom how much you appreciate all she has done for you? Well, in case you are past the age where giving those lovely noodle art pictures is acceptable, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite kitchen items that may just make your Mom happy.

In my family, we are always trying to cook healthy dishes. This means finding new ways to make vegetables interesting not just from a taste perspective but also in presentation.… Read more

Apr 29
0

Swiss Diamond: Non-Stick Cookware

Posted by | Cookware, healthy eating, Housewares, Spices | One Comment

A classic non-stick fry pan is key to every kitchen for preparing egg dishes, delicate fishes, and healthier meals. The ability to use less or no oils or butters is a major perk when your goal is to cook and eat healthier. Well, we all know about non-stick pans and have probably tried at least 5 different brands over the years as the ones we have been using fall apart. We may have even used a cooking spray in the pans and discovered a gummy residue left behind no matter how diligently we washed the cookware. So, if any of the above sounds like you, you are going to like what I am sharing with you next.… Read more

Apr 24
0

Best Stainless Steel Cleaner Ever!

Posted by | cleanser, Cookware, Housewares | 12 Comments

How frustrating is it when you begin the clean up phase of the meal and staring right back at you are your formerly brilliant, shiny stainless steel cookware looking anything but shiny? Well, if you are not already familiar with Bar Keeper’s Friend, you will soon make it your best friend.

Bar Keeper’s Friend is a non-abrasive cleanser for your stainless steel products. This is not just your cookware. You can also use it on your stainless steel fridge, sink, outdoor grill and even your ceramic cooktops. There are other uses for it too listed on the can.

The way I use this product is to first use my dish soap and sponge to clean out the cookware.… Read more

Apr 16
0

Cooking on Green Pan Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware

Posted by | Cookware, Housewares | 17 Comments

Have you heard about this kind of cookware with non-stick capabilities using a ceramic surface instead of the black, non-stick materials we are used to seeing? Since I was intent on learning more about this cookware, I  knew I had the perfect opportunity to be educated on the subject while at the 2014 International Housewares Show.  While roaming around the show, I learned about a company called The Original Green Pan or Green Pan.

Inspiring Kitchen ceramic Original Green pan

The Original Green Pan has been in business making ceramic cookware since 2007. They have a variety of cookware styles along with different metal exteriors and handles.… Read more

Apr 03
0

Glossed and Found: Wedding Issue

Posted by | Wedding Magazine | No Comments

Inspiring Kitchen is thrilled to have been asked to work with the very talented D. Graham Kostic, Host and Creative Director for Glossed & Found, an on-line video magazine, on their wedding edition.

Glossed & Found gives you the inside scoop straight from the leaders and experts in the beauty, fashion and lifestyle industries. Stacey Koerner-Roney, founder of Beauty on Call and Haute PR, teams up with former Modern Luxury Magazines Style Editor and Rue La La Art Director D. Graham Kostic who plays Host and Creative Director.

Always candid, casual and off-the-cuff, G&F takes you behind the scenes and introduces you to the best of the best of the industry.… Read more