InspiringKitchen.com Vitamix Archives

May 28

17 Finds from the 2019 National Restaurant Show

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Chicago, Foods, Restaurants, Trade Show | No Comments

eli's cheesecake from the National Restaurant Show

2019 is the 100 year anniversary of the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show. Record attendance with more than 65,500 exhibitors, restaurant operators, retail foodservice professionals, equipment dealers, food distributors and many others. This massive show takes over three halls at McCormick Place in Chicago. Given the demand, in 2020, their will be a fourth exhibit hall!

17 Finds from the 2019 National Restaurant Show

Chicago’s own, Eli’s Cheesecake, created a 1,200 pound cheesecake that was cut during the opening ceremony. Chef Rick Bayless and LT. Governor, Juliana Stratton were present.

Chef Rick Bayless, LT Governor Juliana Stratton

As I walked the show, my goal was to find new products, cooking tips, tabletop ideas and overall trends.… Read more

Dec 04

The Healthier Pumpkin Spice Frappe

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Drinks, Recipes | 10 Comments

The Healthier Pumpkin Spice Frappe – Enjoy your favorite seasonal drink without the guilt with this delicious Pumpkin Spice Frappe recipe.

Do you just have those days where you want to eat or drink something sweet and decadent forgetting all your hard work to eat healthy? I know I do! As soon as fall starts, all you hear about are drinks with pumpkin in it. You know the ones, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Pumpkin Spice Frappuccinos, Pumpkin Spice ice cream, donuts and so many other choices. No matter how tasty they are, the calories you get with every sip are not necessarily the ones you want.… Read more

Nov 10

The Best Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | 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

Sep 18

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

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | 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

Jul 07

National Restaurant Association Show 2016 Trend Report

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | 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

May 11

Create Your Wedding Registry Part Two

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Wedding | 32 Comments

Congratulations on your wedding and engagement! Such an exciting time in your lives! Last week, we started our discussion on what items you should consider adding to your wedding registry. It is very easy to get carried away when you walk into your favorite stores and are given a scanner or are using your cell phone along with the store’s app to zap away at anything and everything. A registry is your wish list after all. However, it is important to be strategic when doing your registry.

Inspiring Kitchen wedding registry continues

There are a number of important points to keep in mind when registering as are mentioned on Inspiring Kitchen’s wedding menu as well as throughout my previous post on registering.… Read more

Mar 14

Top Finds and Trends from 2016 International Home and Housewares Show

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Favorite Finds, Housewares, Housewares Show, Trade Show | 29 Comments

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.

Top finds and trends housewares show 2016

Coming to the show every year is something I genuinely enjoy doing. I am fascinated by the new technology that is showing up in our housewares products. The color, design and creation of pieces that will make our homes, kitchens and cooking experiences so much more pleasurable.… Read more

Nov 21

25 Best Holiday and Hostess Gifts

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Art, Candles, Cocktails, Coffee, Cookbooks, Cooking, Foods, Gift Guide, Gifts, Holidays, Home Decor, Home Design, Knives | 16 Comments

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.

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