InspiringKitchen.com pasta Archives

Jun 30

Explore Puglia, Italy: Culinary and Landscape

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Food, Foods, Tourism, Travel | 6 Comments

My virtual suitcase is packed. Travel agenda is made. Excitement is high as I get ready to explore Puglia, Italy.

The Puglia Landscape

Exploring the Puglia region, pronounced pool-ya, is one of Italy’s hidden gems. You may also hear it called Apulia, its Italian name.

Puglia is easily identified on the map, as it runs down the east coast of the country from the Gargano Peninsula all the way into the “heel of the boot”. Puglia borders the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea. Six provinces make up the Puglia region on the southeast coast of Italy.

- Gargano and Daunia – the northernmost coast of Apulia where you will find an almost deserted beach.

Feb 23

penne alla vodka greatest tomatoes from europe bowl

Penne alla Vodka made with Greatest Tomatoes From Europe

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Foods, Recipes | 11 Comments

Have you ever heard the mantra that the recipes with the least amount of ingredients require you to use only the best components? Well, it is true! In this case, I am talking a recipe for Penne alla Vodka made with Greatest Tomatoes From Europe canned tomatoes.

Pantry Staple: Greatest Tomatoes From Europe

Canned tomatoes are one of those staples that I always have in my pantry. Along with good olive oil, I pay attention to the brands I choose for canned ingredients as well. So when I received a message from the team representing the Greatest Tomatoes From Europe about their initiative to educate consumers on choosing the best canned tomato products for their recipes, I was all ears.… Read more

Oct 24

Contemporary Italian Food at Tocco Ristorante in Wicker Park

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Restaurants | 5 Comments

Adventures in the Chicago restaurant scene are never ending. Thankfully! The ability to have a week of global tastes and flavors needs no plane ride or passport. This week, my friends and I experienced Italian cuisine at Tocco Ristorante. Tocco means “touch” in Italian. Each dish we enjoyed was created with the Chef’s personal touch incorporating fresh local produce and the finest imported ingredients from Italy.

Tocco’s contemporary design is open and airy with private tables for intimate dining as well as a community table in the center of the restaurant. This is a local neighborhood spot that offers a warm greeting from Chef Bruno Abate in appreciation of your visit.… Read more

Jun 11

Vegetarian Option The Meat Alternative

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | healthy eating, Party food, Vegetarian | 5 Comments

Aren’t we all trying to find ways to eat healthier these days? Adjusting our meals to increase the “good-for-you” ingredients while subtracting those that are high in saturated fat and calories. As someone who enjoys vegetarian options, I am always on the look-out for new products that will be protein focused. Most of what I have seen in the grocery store aisles is soy based meat alternatives. Well, I am happy to share that I have recently had the opportunity to learn about a UK company called Quorn, that gives meat free options a whole new category.

I am fortunate to be a part of a tight group of Chicago based bloggers called the Chicago Blogger Network who invited me to this special event.… Read more