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The Coffee Lover’s All In One Ninja Coffee Bar

Posted by | Appliances, Coffee, Favorite Finds, Housewares | 23 Comments

I love coffee. It’s not really a secret. I talk about it on Inspiring Kitchen and in social media pretty often. I don’t drink it for the caffeine. I drink it because I love the taste of good coffee. And that is the key: Good Coffee!

Inspiring Kitchen Ninja Coffee Bar

If you could see my kitchen, you would notice all my coffee machine vices. I like learning about new machines, how they work, and if they will accomplish my goals and make tasty drinks. With that said, let me share my newest discovery. The Ninja Coffee Bar. Have you caught the commercials yet? You know, the one with Sofia Vergara.… Read more

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

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

Keep Your Resolutions With These 10 Kitchen Products for Healthy Eating

Posted by | Favorite Finds, Gadgets, Healthy Living | 14 Comments

The New Year has started which means that many of us have created resolutions to eat healthy. The good news is from a cooking perspective, there are many products that are available to you that will make your goals closer in hand. My favorite finds for ways to cook and eat healthy are below.

CHOP SALAD SHEARS 

Trying to eat well means eating lots of salads. Since there are a ton of varieties of lettuce and ingredient combinations, it really comes down to how creative you can be. Using this chopper will make the salad a little more special and like those you have in restaurants.… Read more

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

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

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

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

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

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