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penne alla vodka greatest tomatoes from europe bowl

Penne alla Vodka made with Greatest Tomatoes From Europe

Posted by | 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.

Penne alla Vodka dish

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

2018 Sweets and Snacks Expo Favorite Finds and Trends

Posted by | Chicago, Snacks, Sweets, Trade Show | 12 Comments

2018 Sweets and Snacks Expo Favorite Finds and Trends – Summary of the unique finds from the trade show including vegetable chips and puffs, dark and white chocolate additions, protein packed snacks, spicy and sour treats and so much more.

When you go to a trade show where the name is the Sweets and Snacks Expo, how excited would you be? The opportunity to sample a vast assortment of candy and salty snacks from well-known and new brands is bound to make anyone happy. The catch is only those who work in the channels that support this industry are able to attend.… Read more

Food Network Invades Villa Del Palmar Kitchens

Posted by | Education, Entertainment, Travel | 21 Comments

Food Network Invades Villa Del Palmar Kitchens – Celebrating Celebrity Chef Week as they take over the kitchens of luxury resort, Villa del Palmar, Loreto, Mexico.

When you are a food blogger and you receive an invitation to attend Food Network Chefs’ Week at the beautiful and luxurious Villa Del Palmar resort at the Islands of Loreto, you grab your bag and go. No second thoughts. Just anticipation of what will be a week of delicious food and gorgeous scenery.Food Network Invades Villa Del Palmar KitchensOur first meal welcoming us to the resort included these shrimp tacos that were so good, I ordered them several days in a row!Read more

Quick and Easy Fresh Corn, Red Pepper and Black Bean Mini Tacos

Posted by | Recipes | 4 Comments

It’s a Tuesday night and you have no idea what to make for yourself or your family for dinner. You find yourself just staring in to the fridge hoping that a meal will jump out at you. But what is sometimes easy to overlook are the handful of ingredients that are fresh or in a can that will make a flavorful and in this case, colorful, dish that everyone will enjoy. Like these Fresh Corn, Red Pepper and Black Bean Mini Tacos that are perfect for any night especially Taco Tuesday!

I am really big on adding and subtracting ingredients based on what is in season, what I am in the mood for, my guests are requesting or even what I have available in the fridge.… Read more

Choosing Healthy with my 6 Favorite Snap Kitchen Meals

Posted by | Healthy, Restaurants | 7 Comments

`Cooking is one of my favorite ways to relax. Immersing myself in a recipe or creating one from scratch is simply a happy place to be. Especially when life is super busy or stressful. But there are days, weeks and even months, when life is just too crazy busy and I don’t have time or energy to cook. Which is why I am so thrilled to have found Snap Kitchen stores.I first learned about Snap Kitchen last year and have become a regular customer ever since. With stores in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia and Chicago, customers have the opportunity to come into the stores and choose the meals, snacks, beverages and desserts that fit their specific nutrition and health goals.… Read more

The Best Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Posted by | Recipes | 6 Comments

Fall is my favorite time of year. Cool temperatures make for the perfect climate to make soup. Who ever said preparing soup has to be complicated and time consuming hasn’t cooked with me.  First of all, I don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen. Honestly, I wish I did have the time because the opportunity to invent recipes for fun is just my ideal way of relaxing. But, I digress because that is not my world. 

the best roasted butternut squash soup recipe inspiring kitchen

Having gone to the market, the fall vegetables were calling my name. So, I bought a large butternut squash. The ability to use fresh ingredients whenever possible is always a plus.… Read more

5 Must Try Chicago Restaurants from Green Bean to Donuts

Posted by | Restaurants | 22 Comments

Summer is just flying by, as it seems to always do. But I had such fun this summer exploring Chicago’s restaurant scene. From donut to sports oriented to Sunday Supper to Korean to health conscious restaurants, I found favorite dishes everywhere! Whether you live in Chicago or come to visit, the information below hopefully piques your curiosity to dine at the numerous places I am sharing. 

Chicago restaurants

Let’s start with breakfast. Well, not really breakfast as donuts are perfect any time of day, right?! You know how they say “don’t play with your food”? At Doodles Donuts, you are encouraged to doodle on your donut!… Read more

Easy Chickpea Salad

Posted by | Recipes | 24 Comments

Today’s post is courtesy of Rini Heal of Healing Tomato, a friend I am lucky to have met in the food blogging world. Rini creates vegetarian and vegan dishes that are delicious and innovative whether you are a vegetarian or not! Plus, she offers a range of recipes from side dishes to sandwiches to main courses with the freshest of ingredients. I know you will enjoy Rini’s Easy Chickpea Salad as much as I do. Welcome to Inspiring Kitchen, Rini! 

It is so nice to meet readers of Inspiring Kitchen.  I have known Julie for 2 years now and she has been unbelievably supportive.Read more

National Restaurant Association Show 2016 Trend Report

Posted by | Foods, Restaurants, Trade Show | 18 Comments

When you bring together a vast group of restaurant, hospitality and foodservice people, you will undoubtedly see a passion for the industry and the opportunity to learn something. This experience took place recently at the 2016 National Restaurant and BAR (Beverage Alcohol for Restaurants) show held at McCormick Place in Chicago.

nra bar show trends report

 

The NRA Show increased in size from last year without question from an exhibitor and registrant perspective. There were more than 67.000 registrants from around the world in attendance. While this show is not designed for consumers to attend, the outcome of what is learned and shared at this show plays a role in what we encounter when visiting restaurants and utilizing food service locations.… Read more

Red White Blue Sweet and Spicy Spinach Salad

Posted by | Housewares, Recipes | 17 Comments

I don’t know about you, but I am so happy to have a long weekend to just relax. A little cooking, a lot of sleeping and even some reading sounds like a perfect way to spend the tranquil days.

sweet and spicy spinach salad July 4th

 

Then, once rejuvenated, it’s time to have some fun with family and friends. BBQ, picnics, lots of laughter and music and hanging out on the deck sound just about ideal to me. Monday’s celebration includes that previously mentioned BBQ. For this gathering, I have been charged with making a salad. Doesn’t sound too exciting, but I have lots of ideas. 

sweet and spicy spinach salad July 4th

Since it is the 4th of July, I need to amp it up a bit.… Read more