Foods Archives - Page 5 of 6 - InspiringKitchen.com

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

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

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

Vodka Cocktail for Breaking Bad Fans

Posted by | Alcohol, Bar, Foods | 2 Comments

When did you get hooked on the cable television series, Breaking Bad? When it first launched or after watching multiple seasons’ worth of episodes at a time wishing it wouldn’t end? (I was the latter). Either way, the landmark series about a chemistry teacher who heads into the dark drug world becoming a murderous kingpin with the code name, Heisenberg, now has vodka named after him.

Inspiring Kitchen  Breaking Bad vodka

The limited edition line of Heisenberg Blue Ice Vodka was inspired by the Breaking Bad series and launched by Sony Pictures Television and 21st Century Spirits. For devoted fans of Walter White, you can buy the three special blue bottles each with a catch phrase from the show and a silhouette of Walter on the bottle:

Inspiring Kitchen  Breaking Bad vodka

  • Tread Lightly
  • Say My Name 
  • The One Who Knocks

 

If you are a vodka fan, here are some interesting details.… Read more

Experiencing The Taste of Chicago Food Festival

Posted by | Culinary Event, Festival, Foods, Tourism | 25 Comments

Chicago is known for so many amazing things from the architecture of the city to the beautiful beaches to the Magnificent Mile of shopping to the arts to our sports teams and of course, to the food and restaurant scene. For five days in July, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events welcomes everyone to the Taste of Chicago Food Festival held in Grant Park on Chicago’s glorious lakefront.

Inspiring Kitchen Taste of Chicago

Since 1980, visitors have been offered a wide range of food options, musical acts and cooking demonstrations among other reasons to attend the fest. This year, there were more than 60 restaurants, pop-ups and food trucks including 19 new restaurants serving their specialties.… Read more

Rice Recipes from Around the World

Posted by | Foods | 25 Comments

After getting home from a long day at work, the last thing I want to do is pull out numerous pots and pans to make dinner. When I look for convenience foods, I am trying to find healthy options that offer variety in terms of flavor and preparation.

Having learned about Veetee Rice products (http://www.veetee.com/en-us), I was intrigued by the assortment of rice combinations they offered. This gave me a bit of creativity to add proteins, spices, herbs and fruits to make the rice my own. Here are some examples of the types of rice combinations they offer:

Chicken Flavored Rice

Whole Grain Brown Rice & Quinoa

Spicy Spanish Style Rice

New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice

Thai Lime & Herb Rice

Basmati Rice

Thai Jasmine Rice

Wholegrain Brown Rice

 

If you are Gluten-free, Vegetarian or Vegan, you will find Veetee options just for you.… Read more

New Paleo Cookie and Brownie Mixes

Posted by | Baking, Cookies, Foods, Gluten Free, Healthy, Vegan | No Comments

As people become more and more aware of the food in their diets, where it comes from and how it is made, many are searching for healthy alternatives. The paleo method of eating became popular a few years ago showing us how to eat simply and cleanly. Fulfilling cravings for sweet treats is always a goal no matter what your lifestyle. With that in mind, I wanted to share with you a line of cookies and brownies called Paleoful, that may be just what you need (or want!). 

Inspiring Kitchen Paleoful cookies

 

The story behind the brand’s creation comes from its creator, Lauren, in Salt Lake City, Utah, who struggled with food allergies feeling better when she followed the paleo diet.… Read more

Best Southern Biscuits

Posted by | Baking, Bread, Cookbooks, Foods, Recipe, Recipes | No Comments

There is something very warm and inviting when your hostess places a plate of steaming hot, freshly made biscuits in front of you. In the South, this is a tradition that is passed down through families. Not so much here in Chicago. But it should be!

Inspiring Kitchen Best Southern Biscuits

It wasn’t until I received Jackie Garvin’s Biscuits cookbook that I really thought about making biscuits from scratch. As I paged through this cookbook, I discovered so many recipes that I wanted to try. Something great to realize is that most ingredients you need to make homemade biscuits are already in your kitchen. There is a recipe for monkey bread that is always a favorite at celebrations and a double crusted summer vegetable pie that looks ideal following a visit to the farmer’s market.… Read more

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

25 Best Holiday and Hostess Gifts

Posted by | Art, Candles, Cocktails, Coffee, Cookbooks, Cooking, Foods, Gift Guide, Gifts, Holidays, Home Decor, Home Design, Knives | 16 Comments

Inspiring Kitchen holiday card 

 inspiring kitchen 25 gifts collage

It’s the fabulous time of year for celebrating the holidays with your family and friends. When it comes to choosing hostess and holiday gifts, sometimes it is hard to know where to start. Inspiring Kitchen is here to be your personal holiday shopper. You will find a range of gifts that focus on cooking, entertaining, home décor, foods and beverages to thrill your host, hostess, family and friends. Don’t forget to treat yourself as well to these wonderful gifts.

 Inspiring kitchen food gift guide

Finding unique gifts for the food lover is always challenging but have I got two solutions for you! Both items are perfect for those who love making a dish their own.… Read more