Williams Sonoma Archives - InspiringKitchen.com

Mar 13
0
Easy Irish Soda Bread Recipe

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

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

Leprechauns. Four leaf clovers. A pot of gold 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 the grocery store and you are back in the kitchen within the hour.… Read more

Apr 11
0

Even More Favorite Finds from 2017 International Home and Housewares Show

Posted by | Favorite Finds, International Housewares Show, Trade Show | 9 Comments

After spending four days walking the International Home and Housewares Show at Chicago’s McCormick Place, over 2,200 exhibitors from around the world and 400 NEW companies, sharing all my favorite finds was going to take two posts. So, in part two of my summary, you will learn about the following:

  • Millennials are making an impact on trends.
  • Eco-friendly products are gaining momentum.
  • Colors are most welcome, wanted and defined in the housewares world.
  • Housewares Industry professionals are extremely generous.
  • McCormick Place and its three massive halls are huge. 16,000 steps a day. Next year, wear better shoes!
  • Too much to share in one post.
… Read more
Nov 20
0

14 Ideas for a Stress-Free Holiday Season of Cooking

Posted by | Holidays, Housewares | 7 Comments

Ok, did you realize Thanksgiving is in 6 days?! 6 days! Are you ready? Does hosting a big meal stress you out? I would understand if you say “yes”. All those recipes, grocery shopping, cooking, setting the table and personalities can make for an emotionally charged dinner. But, since I love Thanksgiving and the tradition, I am going to share some secrets with you on how to actually enjoy the day and no longer dread that Thursday in November.

Inspiring Kitchen vegetable turkey platter appetizer final

There are a million websites that will tell you what to make for dinner, how to roast the turkey and how to set the table.… Read more

Nov 10
0

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

Oct 21
0
pumpkin bars

My Favorite Pumpkin Dessert Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Posted by | 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

Sep 22
0

6 Easy Fall Home Decorating Ideas

Posted by | Design, Interior Decorating | 12 Comments

We are heading into my favorite time of year. The air is cool and refreshing. The trees will soon have multi-colored leaves. And the chance to do a little home decorating is here. Since today is the first day of Fall, finding ways to change the “seasons” inside your home brings new design opportunities. We designate Springtime to cleaning out our homes, filling the rooms with colors whether pastel or bright, open and inviting. When Fall rolls around, we have a similar mentality, only the point of the transition is the opposite–we swap out our summery items for winter whites or deep colors, rich textures and cozy pieces.… Read more

May 18
1

Alzheimer’s Association 29th Annual Gala Results Just In

Posted by | Fundraiser | 21 Comments

Time is of the Essence. That was the theme of the 29th annual Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth Gala. Held on May 7, this beautifully designed event welcomed guests to the Chicago Hilton’s International Ballroom for an evening of dining, dancing and honoring those who so generously give of themselves for this organization’s mission. Live and silent auction bidding on some fabulous items from dining to sports to jewelry to travel to wine and spirits to cooking experiences created friendly sparring to help in the fundraising efforts. There was something for everyone to bid on in the end!

inspiring kitchen alzheimers gala chicago

 

inspiring kitchen alzheimers gala chicago

It is thrilling to share that with over 820 guests, more than $1 million was raised for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.… Read more

May 11
1

Create Your Wedding Registry Part Two

Posted by | 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

May 06
2

How To Create Your Wedding Registry

Posted by | Wedding | 15 Comments

This next post may seem like a departure from what Inspiring Kitchen typically shares with you. But, it isn’t! I actually created Inspiring Kitchen at the insistence of wedding registry couples I was working with who appreciated the kitchen knowledge I was sharing with them. No matter where you are in life, having a kitchen appointed with all that you need makes cooking that much more fun. That’s why in the next two posts, you will find all that you need to create a wedding registry that is designed just for you.

Inspiring Kitchen Wedding Registry

You said, “Yes”! How exciting! So many details to be taken care of in preparation for “The Big Day”.… Read more

Feb 09
0

Baking With Nielsen-Massey Vanilla

Posted by | Favorite Finds, Foods, Recipe, Recipes | 14 Comments

Vanilla. Fresh. Fragrant. Rich. Sweet. There is nothing as delicious to me as adding a splash of pure vanilla to dishes to accentuate the flavors of the recipe.

When making a recipe with just a few ingredients, using the highest quality  is always your best decision. There are no masking flavors when a dish has just 4 ingredients. I discovered a brand of vanilla that has wowed me with their depth of flavor, variety of vanilla extracts and family story. It is what I have used for many years and what I want to share with you now.

Baking with Nielsen Massey Vanilla

About 5 years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Beth and Matt Nielsen from Nielsen-Massey Vanilla at an event in the housewares industry.… Read more