InspiringKitchen.com NordicWare Archives

Jan 04

How to make Easy Homemade Bagels

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Baking, Bread, Recipes | 10 Comments

No need to run to the bagel shop on Saturday mornings anymore with this easy homemade bagel recipe. Comfort food means something different to each person. For me, it’s fresh bagels. More specifically: everything bagels and cream cheese.

I’ve been making a lot of bread in the year of quarantine. I find it to be a stress reliever to knead out the dough. Plus, getting creative with flavors is always something I enjoy. So, it made perfect sense to me to try my hand at making bagels. With only six ingredients, they are simple to make. It just takes some steps.… Read more

Apr 08

Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | 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

Feb 27

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Recipes | No Comments

Whether you live in a winter climate or not, there is just something so comforting about a bowl of steaming hot soup. One of my favorites is made with butternut squash. While I know it is typically a fall food, I can eat this Roasted Butternut Squash soup all year round!

Having worked for a Japanese knife company for many years, one of the most shared frustrations that home cooks mentioned was cutting a butternut squash. With the hard shell, it can be dangerous to use a knife as it may slip on the unforgiving exterior of the squash. My most appreciated tip was not to use a knife but instead, a vegetable peeler.… Read more

Jul 05

Blueberry Crumb Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Housewares, Recipes | 10 Comments

What’s your go-to dessert when guests come over or you want to bring something sweet to someone’s house? In the summertime, I am all about ways to incorporate fresh fruit. This Blueberry Crumb Coffee Cake recipe is such a welcome dessert to bring as it appeals to both adults and kids alike.

Blueberry Crumb Coffee Cake Ingredients

Besides blueberries, this recipe calls for vanilla. If you are still baking with artificial vanilla, then you must read on. When it comes to baking and recipes that use just a small amount of ingredients, choose only the best quality as you can taste the difference!… Read more

Mar 13

Easy Irish Soda Bread Recipe for St. Patrick’s Day

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Entertaining, Entertainment, Housewares, Recipes | No Comments

Leprechauns. Four leaf clovers. A pot of golf at the end of the rainbow….it’s that time of year where Chicago turns the river green to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. There are some food traditions, too, in honor of this day. If baking bread is something you’ve always wanted to do but are hesitant to try it, then this Irish Soda Bread recipe is for you.

This simple recipe has just 8 ingredients in it. Chances are you already have them in your home. If not, a quick run to Tony’s Fresh Market and you are back in the kitchen within the hour.… 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

Mar 22

Favorites from International Housewares Show Part Two

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Housewares, Housewares Show, Trade Show | 9 Comments

As promised, this is the second part in my summary of the International Home and Housewares Show. There was just too many memorable items to be covered in one post!

For anyone interested in housewares, this past week’s show would have been your playground. The International Home and Housewares Show ran from March 5 – 8 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. At the show, you will find over 2,100 exhibitors from over 40 countries, educational seminars, cooking demonstrations at the show’s cooking theater, in booth cooking demonstrations, book signings and many other activities.

Coming to the show every year is something I genuinely enjoy doing.… Read more