Holidays Archives - InspiringKitchen.com

vegetable pizza edited southeastern mills

Easy Pepper Cream Vegetable Pizza is Perfect for any Occasion

Posted by | Entertaining, Holidays, Recipes | No Comments

This post was sponsored by Southeastern Mills as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. 

Ever think, I’m going to have a pizza BEFORE dinner? Well, how about if it was made with fresh chopped vegetables, topped with a peppery cream cheese spread and all on a buttery biscuit crust? This easy to make Pepper Cream Vegetable Pizza appetizer is just what you are looking for during the busy holiday season.

vegetable pizza appetizer with southeastern mills biscuit mix

I think appetizers are my favorite course when it comes to the menu. Small bites of different flavors and textures.… Read more

apple spice french toast

Spiced Apple Overnight French Toast Recipe

Posted by | Bakeware, Breakfast, Brunch, Holidays, Recipes | 8 Comments

Are you starting to think about recipes for holiday entertaining? This time of year always puts me in the mood for comfort foods and special recipes to celebrate the season. My Spiced Apple Overnight French Toast fits perfectly in both of these categories.  

Fall is my favorite time of year with the changing colors of the leaves and cooler air. It is also when my refrigerator becomes full of apples. I always have a variety as some are perfect for eating (Honey Crisp!) and others are great for baking. This recipe uses Granny Smith as they are tart and remain firm even after baking.… Read more

Lemon Zest Cream Cheese Pastry with Candied Lemon

Posted by | Entertaining, Holidays, Recipes | No Comments

With guests coming over for the holidays, it’s always fun to have a menu that includes sweet treats that everyone will like. So, yes, lots of chocolate but also desserts with a lighter flavor. I happen to love anything with fruit in it. That’s why I like making these Lemon Zest Cream Cheese Pastry with Candied Lemon treats. They are fragrant, bright and delicious. Plus, so easy to make! Lemon Zest Cream Cheese Pastry with Candied Lemon - Entertaining made simple with this light and fragrant lemon cream cheese pastry

If you love to have friends and family over but worry that your cooking skills didn’t carry through from Mom to you, don’t worry! There are so many recipes that will “wow” your guests that won’t have you googling every ingredient or technique.… Read more

Festive Fun Decorating Gingerbread Houses at Four Seasons Chicago

Posted by | Culinary Event, Holidays | 12 Comments

Festive Fun Decorating Gingerbread Houses at Four Seasons Chicago – Holiday festivities abound at the Four Seasons at a gingerbread house decorating party.

With the first snow of the season blanketing the city, the reminder that the holidays are fast approaching brings excitement and lots of energy to the city. Creating traditions is one of the most special things to do this time of year. As locals and tourists look for memorable activities to do while they are preparing for the festivities, the Four Seasons Chicago and Allium Restaurant & Bar are here to help. Festive Fun Decorating Gingerbread Houses at Four Seasons Chicago

Known for their extraordinary service whether accommodations, culinary, relaxation or business/personal gatherings, this luxury brand has created a wish list of holiday events for everyone to enjoy.… Read more

14 Ideas for a Stress-Free Holiday Season of Cooking

Posted by | Holidays, Housewares | 7 Comments

Ok, did you realize Thanksgiving is in 6 days?! 6 days! Are you ready? Does hosting a big meal stress you out? I would understand if you say “yes”. All those recipes, grocery shopping, cooking, setting the table and personalities can make for an emotionally charged dinner. But, since I love Thanksgiving and the tradition, I am going to share some secrets with you on how to actually enjoy the day and no longer dread that Thursday in November.

Inspiring Kitchen vegetable turkey platter appetizer final

There are a million websites that will tell you what to make for dinner, how to roast the turkey and how to set the table.… Read more

How to Make a Homemade Mocha Using Instant Coffee

Posted by | Foods, Holidays, Recipes | 7 Comments

I love this time of year. The types of food available, the recipes I am able to create with the abundance of seasonal ingredients and the opportunity to cook for those I care about. But it can be so stressful to find the right dishes that accommodate everyone’s dietary preferences. Which is why I am happy to have the opportunity to sit at the table today and get organized for Thanksgiving.

nescafe coffee mocha inspiring kitchen

With a big cup of steaming hot mocha, my favorite cookbook authors and my recipe box, I am slowly paging through cookbooks finding recipes that will be a welcome addition to our table.… Read more

pumpkin bars

My Favorite Pumpkin Dessert Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Posted by | 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

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

Mediterranean Quinoa with Kalamata Olives and Roasted Broccoli

Posted by | Holidays, Recipe, Recipes, Side Dishes | 15 Comments

When it comes to finding delicious holiday recipes for sides dishes, it’s easy to run out of ideas. In my family, we try to create flavorful yet healthy options to go with the sometimes, decadent meals we eat this time of year.

Mediterranean Quinoa with Kalamata Olives and Roasted Broccoli

Instead of using rice or pasta, I’m using quinoa, which doesn’t fill you up as much. Plus, it is filled with wonderful protein that is always good for you. Starting with Mezzetta’s Kalamata Olives, I began adding ingredients to the quinoa that offered different textures, tastes and colors to make the dish so visually appealing that you will want a big serving.… 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