Chocolate Archives - InspiringKitchen.com

Apr 08
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Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies

Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies

Posted by | Housewares, Recipe, Recipes | No Comments

Baking is therapy. You have to measure. Be precise. Focus. Distractions can lead to not the sweetest results. Which is why in this uncertain time we are living in, I have spent so much time in the kitchen! Cooking and baking make me happy. Feeding others is a joyful solution to all the scary news reports. And Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies are the magic result from today’s baking adventures. 

Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies

This recipe is made with all the ingredients you already have in your pantry. A good thing given our #stayathome mandate. If you have kids in the house, this recipe would be an activity for them as they get to not only help measure and mix the ingredients but roll the dough into a ball for each cookie.… Read more

Oct 13
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Chicago Gourmet Turns Ten

Posted by | Festival, Restaurants | 10 Comments

Chicago Gourmet Turns Ten – Celebrating ten years, attendees enjoyed bites from prestigious Chicago restaurants, chefs, wine and spirit brands at festival.

The HOTTEST event of the year, both literally and figuratively, took place in Chicago’s Millennium Park September 23-24. Chicago Gourmet, celebrating its 10 year anniversary, opened to a weekend of soaring temperatures, blue skies and big crowds. The 94 degree temperatures made an already warm and welcoming group of people even more so. Chicago Gourmet Turns 10

Opening ceremonies for this momentous occasion included Illinois Restaurant Association president and CEO, Sam Toia, Chicago’s Mayor Rahm Emanuel and a wealth of Chefs from near and far.… Read more

Sep 18
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A New Look at Nescafe® Taster’s Choice® Instant Coffee

Posted by | Beverage, Coffee, Recipes | 20 Comments

Anyone that knows me knows how much I love coffee. I don’t just drink it for the energy – although that is a nice perk (pun intended). I actually like the flavor! And that is why I am so picky when it comes to the brands I choose to drink.

nescafe coffee inspiring kitchen

 

When Nescafe® Taster’s Choice® reached out to me to try their instant coffee, I was willing to learn more. As I read about their approach to responsibly sourced beans how they roast them, brew and flash freeze their coffee to lock in freshness, I got the feeling that what I knew of instant coffee was no longer current.… Read more

May 31
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Trends from the Sweets and Snacks Expo 2016

Posted by | Education, Trade Show | 5 Comments

img_9663The 2016 Sweets and Snacks Expo was held at McCormick Place this past week. Expanding to two halls this year to accommodate the more than 750 exhibitors showcasing their products, the show welcomed over 16,000 industry professionals from over 90 countries.

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Trends from the Sweets and Snacks Expo 2016

There were a number of themes that stood out this year with healthy options standing out more than anything. Whether it’s the main ingredient or a flavor contribution, brands are now using quinoa, kale, chickpeas, broccoli and beans to name a few. 

sweets-and-snacks-2016-chips-picm

Mango coated in dark chocolate and coconut found in many varieties throughout the show.sweets-and-snacks-healthy-fruit-picmOrganic options, rice and vegetables crackers and seeds continue the expansion of healthy choices. … Read more

Apr 26
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2016 Mother’s Day Gift Guide Food and Luxury

Posted by | Gift Guide | 27 Comments

May 8, 2016. Mother’s Day. The day we show the Mothers (any definition of Mom counts on this day) in our lives how much they mean to us by treating them as special as possible. With the big day just two weeks away, I have curated a list filled with fun, delicious, creative and pretty gift ideas for you to choose from in this 2016 Mother’s Day gift guide.

mothers day guide 2016 choc Twist of the Month picm

 

heading cook healthy

Hurom Juicer

Trying to choose healthier options can be challenging in our busy lives which is why Hurom Juicers make such perfect gifts for our Moms. Instead of running out to the health food store to buy an expensive juice, treat Mom (and the family) to this high quality juicer where you can create recipes that suit your personal tastes and lifestyle.… Read more

Aug 05
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Chocolate Raspberry Rice Pudding

Posted by | Entertaining, Recipes | 36 Comments

The sweetest part of summer is the opportunity to spend time with close friends just relaxing and catching up. No matter how much I love to cook, in the warmth of the summer, the last thing I want to do is heat up my kitchen. So, when it comes to dessert, I found the easiest and most delicious option that appeals to every guest: Chocolate Raspberry Rice Pudding.

If you’ve been following my Kozy Shack pudding recipes for June (Chocolate) and July (Tapioca), you’ll notice there’s been a theme known as the Summer of Pudding. Well, in celebration of National Rice Pudding Day on August 9, I am sharing my recipe for my Chocolate Raspberry Rice Pudding using Kozy Shack’s Original Rice Pudding.… Read more

Jun 25
1

Chocolate Pudding S’mores

Posted by | Dessert, Gluten Free, Outdoor Cooking, Party, Recipes | 7 Comments

Summer is the perfect time for entertaining friends and family in the warmth of the outdoors or in the comfort of your home. Being responsible for the dessert makes you the favorite hostess or guest at the party. Lucky you! Well, Kozy Shack pudding is going to help you win the gold medal in creative and delicious treats with their rich and creamy chocolate pudding. Did you know that June 26 is known as National Chocolate Pudding Day? How awesome is that?! 

Inspiring Kitchen Chocolate Pudding S'mores

What chocolate dessert do you usually think of when it comes to summertime? For me, it’s s’mores. Only we are going to use Kozy Shack Chocolate Pudding with our crispy graham crackers and soft, pillowy marshmallows.… Read more

Jun 02
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Top 6 Themes from Sweets and Snacks Expo

Posted by | Candy, Snacks, Sweets, Trade Show | 22 Comments

Having not even finished the National Restaurant and BAR Show, I am adventuring into my third show of the week. The Snacks and Sweets Expo. Not a hard one to end the week with, that is for sure!

Inspiring Kitchen Top 10 Observations from the Sweets and Snacks Show

This was my first experience with this particular food show so I wanted to get an idea what I was going to see and what brands were there. This show definitely gives you a feeling of fun and enjoyment when you walk through the aisles. Very clever designs when it comes to displays, packaging and themes. When you first walk in, you see museum looking displays of dresses and bags made out of candy and wrappers.… Read more

May 29
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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

May 26
0

2015 NRA Favorite Finds

Posted by | Restaurants, Retailer, Trade Show, Trends | 25 Comments

The 2015 National Restaurant Show just ended leaving me with lots of interesting products and trends to share with you. While the NRA show is predominantly for those who work in the food service industry, there are definitely items that can be found from the consumer standpoint as well as giving ideas of trends that will potentially be in the retail world for consumers to purchase. The vastness of the show includes such categories as restaurant equipment, foods, beverages, table top (dinnerware, glassware, etc), decor and technology. What I am sharing below is a taste of what I saw that I think you might find intriguing.… Read more