Introducing a new series on the blog today: Coffee Break!
One of the things that excites me most about blogging is being able to create all sorts of things and bring any idea I might dream up to life. And this is the year I really want to dive in and start working on some new projects for The Original Dish. All my creative recipes won’t be going anywhere, but there’s so much more cooking knowledge and inspiration I want to bring to you.
I’m beyond excited for what’s to come this year, and in the meantime we’ll be taking these fun little “coffee breaks” once a month here on the blog where you can catch up on all things happening! Plus, my cooking is heavily inspired by my life…family, holidays, restaurants, travel, etc., so I’ll be sharing personal stories about all things food to hopefully inspire you, too.
coffee break: here’s what to expect…
- What’s currently happening – events, collaborations, food-related stories and photos, behind the scenes, etc.
- Updates on new series, blog features, content, etc.
- Seasonal + holiday recipe round-ups and inspiration
- Product spotlights – what I’m currently loving using in the kitchen
- Favorites – tools, equipment, cookbooks, ingredients, cookware, tableware, etc.
- Cooking tips
- Recipe requests – would love to hear what recipes you’re looking for each month
So, let’s dive right in!
ireland trip + williams sonoma cooking demo in chicago
At the end of January, myself and four other food bloggers had the MOST amazing experience traveling to Ireland with Bake from Scratch, Williams Sonoma, and Tourism Ireland (hopefully you got to follow along with the stories on Instagram!). We’re part of this really exciting project that I’ll be sharing more about throughout these next couple of months!
Coming up this next week, I’ll be doing a cooking demo at Williams Sonoma in Chicago, sharing a recipe I developed that was inspired by our trip! And I would LOVE to see you there! All the details below…
what: Cooking Demo & Samples of my Irish Coffee Soda Bread Pudding
when: Sunday, March 8th at 11am-12:30pm
where: Williams Sonoma in Lincoln Park
The event is free, but please register here if you’ll be joining! Hope to meet some of you there!!
nancy’s pizzeria: chicago opening
Over the past few years I’ve been working with my family to open our own Nancy’s Pizzeria in the city. My dad’s been in the business for over 40 years after partnering with Rocco Palese, the inventor of the Chicago stuffed pizza. All of our current Nancy’s locations have been franchises throughout the decades, but we set out to open a family-owned location in Chicago to serve as our flagship for the brand. It’s been such a whirlwind of hard work and excitement.
We officially opened our doors last October and have been serving up LOTS of pizza ever since. We make fresh dough every day, use really high-quality ingredients, and have kept the classic 1971 pizza recipes that Rocco created back in the day. My dad and I have spruced up the rest of the menu a bit and work alongside my entire family making all of it happen. It’s been such a memorable, rewarding experience to get to share my passion for food with them. Plus…having full-time access to beyond delicious pizza isn’t too bad either.
If you’re in Chicago, come check us out in West Loop (1000 W Washington Blvd)! I’m planning to share a full post on Nancy’s soon (and maybe even a recipe from our menu), so stay tuned!
st. patrick’s day recipes
Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Cabbage & Stout Mustard
Stout Braised Short Ribs with White Cheddar Smashed Potatoes
Irish Cream Cheesecake with Walnut Streusel
product spotlight: vitamix blender
While we start looking forward to spring, there are still so many cold winter days left in March. I find myself making cozy, creamy soups on a weekly basis this time of year…and therefore I’m using my Vitamix all month long. I absolutely love this thing. The key to a silky-smooth soup is definitely a good high-power blender, one that’s strong enough to fully process the ingredients into a really creamy soup.
My main tip? Make sure to blend your soups long enough, at least 90 full seconds for a smooth consistency.
favorite creamy soup recipes
Golden Carrot Soup with Pistachio Dukkah
Thai Coconut Sweet Potato Soup
Creamy Spiced Cauliflower Soup
spring entertaining sale at anthropologie
It’s the time of year I crave new and fresh pieces in my kitchen. Things to inspire a clean slate and creative ideas for spring. Shop my latest finds at Anthropologie, all currently 20% off!
march recipe request
Send me all of your recipe requests for the month of March! I’m planning for more cozy meals, healthy dinners, St. Patrick’s day-inspired food, and some dishes that start bringing a little spring into our lives. I’d love to hear anything else you might be looking for as well! Leave a comment below, send me an email, or message me on Instagram. Can’t wait to hear from you.
I hope you enjoyed this month’s Coffee Break! x Kayla
