InspiringKitchen.com Desserts Archives

Nov 30

Easy Homemade Caramel Corn

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Desserts, Foods, Recipes | 16 Comments

This post was sponsored by Truvia® Sweet Complete®. All opinions expressed in my post are my own.

As soon as the weather has a chill in the air, my baking equipment comes out of the cabinet. Pantry shelves become filled with different varieties of flours, chocolates and nuts. And of course, I need a sweetness to make my desserts decadently good. Which is why I am sharing my first recipe of the season for my Homemade Caramel Corn using Truvia® Sweet Complete® Brown Sweetener.

This zero-calorie per serving sweetener adds a warm brown sugar flavor using plant-based stevia. When you use it in your recipes, it measures cup-for-cup making it so easy to replace traditional brown sugar in your creations.… Read more

Sep 25

Grandma’s Orange Sponge Cake with Coconut Whipped Cream

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Baking, Desserts, Recipes | 22 Comments

Food and family go together in my world. Memories of happy times come from special meals or dishes cooked by my Mom, Grandmothers, Aunts and Cousins. While many recipes remind me of those days, it is this Orange Sponge Cake with Coconut Whipped Cream that simply “takes the cake”.

Grandma’s most requested dessert to honor a birthday or occasion. We were wowed by the presentation. Served on a pedestal platter from her china collection. A candle-lit white cloud of sweetness with pieces of coconut trailing her along the floor from the kitchen to the dining room table. The slight citrus smell arrives once the cake is sliced.… Read more

Jul 30

Eli’s Cheesecake: A Sweet Story of Dessert and Generosity

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Chicago, Culinary Event, Desserts | No Comments

When people talk about what food Chicago is famous for, the first thing mentioned is “deep dish pizza”. Well, another Chicago food tradition (and a personal favorite) actually started back in 1966 with the opening of Eli’s the Place for Steak. Chicago style cheesecake was introduced to diners at the restaurant in the late 1970’s as the signature dessert.

Eli’s Cheesecake: A little history

Long time restaurateur, Eli Schulman, had successfully created two previous dining venues before opening Eli’s the Place for Steak just off the Magnificent Mile. He had a celebrity following from legends Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr.… Read more

Oct 21

My Favorite Pumpkin Dessert Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Desserts, Holidays, Recipes | 5 Comments

It’s that time of year again. Pumpkin. In everything these days. I am totally good with that! I love pumpkin. I use it in sauces, pasta, salads, roast it and of course, bake with it. It’s extremely versatile whether doing sweet or savory dishes.

Every family has recipes that have meaning to them. This one is mine. My Mom has been making these bars since we were kids. In fact, she used to make them and put them in the freezer for when guests came over. The problem is, we discovered that is where she was “hiding” them and ate them frozen.… Read more

Dec 26

Homemade Chocolate Covered Toffee

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Baking, Candy making, Desserts, Hostess Gift, Recipes | No Comments

If you have always wanted to experiment with candy making but were hesitant to try it , then this decadent, melt-in-your-mouth toffee is just the recipe for you. It is so easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.

These are ideal for giving as hostess gifts whether you wrap them in decorative cello bags or find a pretty plate to put them on. In fact, many times I will find plates that have a decoration on them that is either seasonal or fits the personality of the hostess to leave with them. If I am attending a number of different parties, then finding dessert or appetizer plate sets (they typically come in sets of 4) works great.… Read more

Dec 17

Mariano’s Italian Celebration: Eggplant Parmigiana

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Celebrations, Desserts, Italian cuisine, Recipes, Wines | 17 Comments

In celebration of La Tavola Italiana, Mariano’s grocery stores offered classes celebrating Italian culture. Chef Tony Priolo from Piccolo Sogno (http://piccolosognorestaurant.com/) shared his recipe for Eggplant Parmigiana and homemade cannoli. No meal is complete without a delicious wine to compliment each dish. And Terlato Wines presented the perfect accompaniment to each course. Never underestimate all the amazing cooking, food and beverage related tips you can learn in your grocery store!