Merry Christmas + Holiday Cocktails to Celebrate!

Kristen Hess The Artful Gourmet

I can’t believe this year is almost over – and what a year it has been – lots of new opportunities, new friends and new places – I’m so thankful for all of them, as well as my family and all my longtime best friends!

Christmas Tree

I love the #holidays and they always remind me of what is most important, and to love each other like you love yourself, not just at #Christmas but throughout the year.

Smirnoff White Peppermint Cocktail

And what better way to celebrate the #holidays with those you love than with a lovely #Christmas #cocktail? This is my White Peppermint Cocktail made with #Smirnoff Peppermint Vodka, Creme de Cacao, vanilla, half and half and a dash of stevia liquid sweetener.  It’s creamy and sweet and minty all wrapped up in a delicious concoction perfect for the holidays!

Downtown St Petersburg Florida Holiday lights

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2019!

Merry Christmas + A White Peppermint Cocktail to Celebrate!

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Yield: Makes 1 cocktail

This is a festive cocktail perfect for the holidays! Made with Smirnoff Peppermint Vodka, Creme de Cacao, 1/2 and 1/2, vanilla and stevia sweetener or simple syrup, garnished with candy canes. Sweet and lovely and delicious! Merry Christmas 🙂

Ingredients

  • 1 part Smirnoff Peppermint Vodka
  • 1 part Creme de Cacao
  • 1 part half and half
  • Dash of vanilla extract
  • Dash of stevia liquid sweetener (or simple syrup)
  • 1 candy cane

Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed ice.
  2. Add the peppermint vodka, creme de cacao, vanilla, liquid sweetener (or simple syrup) and shake well.
  3. Pour into a cocktail glass and garnish with a candy cane (or you can also crush candy canes and rim the glass for another festive garnish!)
  4. Enjoy!
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2018/12/merry-christmas-holiday-cocktails-to-celebrate/

Christmas Eve fun playing in Downtown St Pete

Love the fire pits on the rooftop at The Canopy at The Birchwood Hotel

The holiday lights are so festive and magical!

holiday lights in DTSP

And here are a few more holiday cocktail recipes below made with Smirnoff Peppermint Vodka and their special limited edition Smirnoff No 21 Holiday Ornament Vodka. 

Check out more of their fun holiday cocktail recipes online!

Smirnoff Pepper Cranberry Moscow Mule

Peppermint Cranberry Moscow Mule
(Makes 1 Cocktail)

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz. Smirnoff Peppermint Twist
  • 2 oz. Cranberry Juice
  • 6 oz. Ginger Beer
  • Sugar coated Cranberries & Mint for garnish

Directions:

In a cocktail shaker, combine Smirnoff Peppermint Twist and cranberry juice with ice. Shake. Fill a copper mug with ice, pour the vodka & juice over the ice. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with sugar coated cranberries and mint.

Courtesy of Kendra Darling, Simply Darrling

Smirnoff_Orange & Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Orange & Peppermint Hot Chocolate
(Makes 1 Cocktail)

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz. Smirnoff Peppermint Twist
  • 0.5 oz. Triple Sec
  • 8 oz. Hot Chocolate

Directions:

Combine hot chocolate, triple sec, and Smirnoff Peppermint Twist in a mug. Stir, and serve with a candy cane. Garnish with a candied orange peel.

Courtesy of Kendra Darling, Simply Darrling

Smirnoff Holiday Punch

Smirnoff Holiday Punch
(Makes 12 Servings)

Ingredients:

  • 10 oz. Smirnoff No. 21 Holiday Ornament Vodka
  • 12 oz. Cranberry-Raspberry Juice
  • 4 oz. Pineapple Juice
  • 20 oz. Orange Juice
  • 2 oz. Lime Juice
  • 1 Bottle Sparkling Wine
  • Raspberry Sherbet
  • Slices of Limes, Oranges and frozen cranberries

Directions:

Combine all the juices in a punch bowl. Stir in the Sparkling wine and the Smirnoff No. 21 Holiday Ornament Vodka. Garnish with slices of limes, oranges, and frozen cranberries. Place a ball of raspberry sherbet into a glass. Ladle punch into the glass.

Courtesy of Kendra Darling, Simply Darrling

Smirnoff Ornament Cocktail

Ornament Cocktail
(Makes 1 Cocktail)

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz. Smirnoff No. 21 Holiday Ornament Vodka
  • 2 oz. Pomegranate Juice
  • 0.5 oz. Simple Syrup
  • Splash Lime Juice
  • Pomegranate Seeds & Mint Leaves for garnish

Directions:

Mix together the Smirnoff No. 21 Holiday Ornament Vodka, simple syrup, and juices. Use a funnel to pour into a clear ornament. Place Pomegranate seeds and mint leaves into a martini glass. To enjoy, pour the cocktail into the martini glass.

Courtesy of Kendra Darling, Simply Darrling

Smirnoff Holiday Cosmo

Holiday Cosmo
(Makes 1 Cocktail)

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz. Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka
  • 1 oz. Orange Liqueur
  • 4 oz. Cranberry Pomegranate Juice
  • Lemon twist
  • Candy rim
  • Cranberry skewer

Directions:

Rim a martini glass with water and dip into edible glitter. In a cocktail shaker, add ice, Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka, orange liqueur and cranberry pomegranate juice. Shake until chilled. Pour into martini glass and garnish with cranberries.

Courtesy of Megan Marlowe, Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Smirnoff Autumn Harvest Punch

Autumn Harvest Punch
(Makes 16 servings)

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka
  • 2 apples, cored and thinly sliced
  • 2 pears, cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 lemon thinly sliced
  • 5 ¾ cups Apple cider
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 pods star anise
  • Rosemary sprigs

Directions:

Into a punch bowl, add sliced apples, pears and lemon. Pour in apple cider, Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka and lemon juice. Garnish with cinnamon sticks, clove and fresh rosemary springs. Stir to combine and chill until ready to serve. Right before serving, add in 1 liter ginger ale.

Courtesy of Megan Marlowe, Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Merry Christmas!

Fun in Straub Park in St Pete Florida!

Love all the gorgeous holiday lights!

Cheers!

sparkle sparkle sparkle!

Kristen Hess The Artful Gourmet

Enjoy the holidays and here’s to a new fabulous year filled with good food, good drinks, good friends and good times 🙂

Winter Holiday Salad w/ Kale, Beets + Brussels

Winter Holiday Salad w/ Kale, Beets + Brussels

Ahhhhh, it’s the holidays…my favorite time of year! I absolutely love cooking for the #holidays, especially with all the parties and fun gatherings with friends and family.

Paisley Farms

I was invited to participate in the Paisley Farm Blogger Challenge this year and was lucky enough to receive some delish samples of all their farm fresh pickled veggies: Five Bean Salad, Asian Bean Salad, Southwest Bean Salad, Dilled Brussels Sprouts, Hot Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Pickled Beets and Sweet Cauliflower.

Winter Holiday Salad w/ Kale, Beets + Brussels

I decided to make a lovely Winter Holiday Salad with some of their amazing Sweet Pickled Beets and Hot Brussels Sprouts, along with some Tuscan Kale, toasted walnuts, blue cheese and dried cranberries, tossed in a Blood Orange Vinaigrette dressing.

Paisley Farms Sweet Beets and Hot Brussels Sprouts

The Sweet Pickled Beets have a great balance of sweet and spicy flavors with a hint of cinnamon, which I love! And the Hot Brussels Sprouts are mildly spiced but have a little kick to them, adding some heat and vinegary flavors to the salad.

Winter Holiday Salad w/ Kale, Beets + Brussels

Start out with some Tuscan kale, chopped into bite sized pieces, then layer the salad with the beets, brussels sprouts, toasted walnuts, blue cheese and dried cranberries. Drizzle the salad with the Blood Orange Vinaigrette made with blood orange juice, extra-virgin olive oil, Chardonnay white balsamic vinegar, a dash of Dijon mustard, minced onions, sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Winter Holiday Salad w/ Kale, Beets + Brussels

Absolutely delicious and refreshing, and a healthy beginning or side dish to your holiday meal. Wishing you all a very Merry #Christmas and Happy New Year!

Winter Holiday Kale, Beets, Brussels Salad w/ toasted walnuts, cranberries and blue cheese in a Blood Orange Vinaigrette dressing

Winter Holiday Salad w/ Kale, Beets + Brussels

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: Serves 4

This is a lovely Winter Holiday Salad made with Paisley Farm Sweet Pickled Beets and Hot Brussels Sprouts, along with some Tuscan Kale, toasted walnuts, blue cheese and dried cranberries, tossed in a Blood Orange Vinaigrette dressing. Perfect for the holidays as an appetizer or side dish to the main event.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons Chardonnay balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons blood orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon minced onions
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups Tuscan Kale, chopped
  • 1 cup Paisley Farm Sweet Pickled Beets
  • 1 cup Paisley Farm Spicy Brussels Sprouts
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese, torn into pieces (Cambozola)
  • 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

  1. Whisk together white balsamic vinegar, blood orange juice, onion and dijon mustard. Slowly whisk in olive oil until vinaigrette emulsifies. Season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste and whisk a little more, set aside.
  2. In a medium-large salad or serving bowl, add the kale, top with Sweet Pickled Beets, Spicy Brussels Sprouts, blue cheese, toasted walnuts and dried cranberries.
  3. Drizzle the vinaigrette on top of the salad and toss together, or serve on the side in a small bowl.
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2018/12/winter-holiday-salad-w-kale-beets-brussels/

I’d love to hear your comments below on this recipe and if you make any of your own recipes with Paisley Farm Foods, please let me know! And be sure to tag #paisleyfarm #paisleyfarmfresh #kroger in any posts that you post or share and be sure to include a link to the original post on my blog and tag me at #artfulgourmet!

 

J.W. Paisley, founder of Paisley Farm back in 1942, based his original company concept on an ethic that they carry forth today: making products out of the freshest ingredients, delivered with the most exciting and flavorful taste combinations imaginable. All of their bean salads and sweet pickled veggies are non-GMO, gluten-free and are available at stores like: Ralphs, Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s, Kroger, Walmart, Smith’s and Fry’s.

To find out more about Paisley Farm Foods, check out their website and social media pages:

Facebook

Instagram

Pinterest

Sausage, Zucchini + Mushroom Pasta {Gluten-Free, Organic}

TresOmega Gluten Free Pasta

 Sausage Mushroom Zucchini Pasta

The holidays are approaching so quickly (yay!) and during this time of year I love staying indoors and making some serious comfort food. Especially anything #Italian, made with #pasta. And #cheese. And #veggies.

Sausage Mushroom Zucchini Pasta

But that always comes with consequences, (note: stretchy pants, lol) and I’m trying to restrain myself a little bit by eating lighter and healthier until all the holiday parties start flooding in…(this weekend!)

Tresomega Coconut Oil + Quinoa Penne Pasta

I was invited to participate in the Tresomega Blogger’s Challenge again this year, so I decided to make a super delicious Italian pasta dish made with Tresomega Gluten-Free Quinoa Penne Pasta and their Organic Coconut Oil.

Sausage, Mushroom + Zucchini Pasta

I topped the pasta with some sautéed mushrooms, garlic, mire poix, zucchini, Italian sausage, roasted pecans and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The sauce is super light too – made with chicken broth, a splash of brandy and a few tablespoons of half and half and some dried Italian herbs for a light, gorgeous flavor.

Sausage, Mushroom + Zucchini Pasta

Tresomega Quinoa Penna Pasta is made with a unique blend of organic Royal Bolivian Quinoa – a nutrient packed superfood, organic amaranth, an ancient grain rich in vitamins and minerals and #organic white rice. And, it’s gluten-free, corn-free and certified organic. 

Sausage, Mushroom + Zucchini Pasta

They only use the highest quality ingredients, sustainably sourced and environmentally-sensitive to help promote a #healthy lifestyle. They are also dedicated to supporting a viable economic livelihood for farmers and promoting a #sustainable agricultural environment for future generations.

Sausage, Zucchini + Mushroom Pasta {Gluten-Free, Organic}

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: Serves 4

Serving Size: 1 1/4 cups pasta

A super delicious Italian pasta dish made with Tresomega Gluten-Free Quinoa Penne Pasta and their Organic Coconut Oil, topped with some sautéed mushrooms, garlic, mire poix, zucchini, italian sausage and toasted pecans and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. The sauce is super light too, made with chicken broth, a splash of brandy and a few tablespoons of half and half, sprinkled with some italian herbs for a light, gorgeous flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Tresomega Coconut Oil
  • 6 ounces ground pork Italian sausage
  • 1 (8 ounce) package sliced baby bella mushrooms
  • 1 cup chopped mire poix (celery, carrots, onion)
  • 1 zucchini, sliced into demi lunes
  • 2 tablespoons fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 (8 ounce) package Tresomega Penne Pasta
  • 1/3 cup brandy or dry white wine
  • 1 cup organic chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons half and half
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried Italian herb seasoning
  • 1/2 cup dry roasted pecans
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage, mushrooms, mire poix, zucchini, and garlic and saute together stirring often, until sausage is crumbly and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside. Toss with a tablespoon of coconut oil to prevent pasta from sticking together while cooking the rest of the ingredients.
  3. Add the brandy (or wine) and let alcohol cook down until flavors are absorbed for about 2 minutes.
  4. Add the chicken broth to the mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook for another minute or so.
  5. Stir in half and half, season with salt and pepper, and red pepper flakes and italian seasoning.Cook for another few minutes on low heat.
  6. Serve the Sausage, Mushroom Zucchini sauce over the pasta and top with fresh grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

You can also use any of the other Tresomega Quinoa pastas (fusilli, spaghetti, or elbows)

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2018/12/sausage-zucchini-mushroom-pasta-gluten-free-organic/

Tresomega Quinoa Pasta Varieties

Please also check out Tresomega’s other varieties of pasta – you can find and purchase their products online at: Tresomega.com, Sams.comAmazon.com and Walmart.com.

Sausage, Mushroom + Zucchini Pasta

Thanks to Tresomega Nutrition for sponsoring this post! Please share the love and enjoy more of Tresomega Nutrition’s products by visiting their website and connecting via social media:

Website: http://www.tresomega.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TresomegaNutrition/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tres_omega

I’d love to hear your comments below on the recipe and be sure to tag your shared posts with #tresomega #organicsforlife and #artfulgourmet @artfulgourmet!

This is a sponsored post from Tresomega Nutrition written by me. All opinions, recipes and photos are my own, and I only support products I love and use myself. Also, if you share this post or any of my other posts, recipes or photos, please be nice and tag my content with @artfulgourmet and include a link to the original post on The Artful Gourmet.

Thanks and Happy Holidays! 

Fig, Almond + Orange Vanilla Tart

Fig Vanilla Almond Tart 3

Fig Almond Vanilla Tart

So Fall is here – I know, I know, aren’t we all excited?! It’s definitely been a super hot Summer and I am in full baking and cooking mode with some new Fall recipes up my sleeve!

Fig Almond Vanilla Tart 2

I was invited to participate in the Keystone Pantry Allulose Blogger Recipe Challenge this year and decided to make a lovely Fig, Almond and Orange Vanilla Tart. It’s probably the most delightful thing I have ever made, tasted or set my eyes upon – why?

Fig Vanilla Almond Tart 3

Because, FIGS. Fresh ones. Nestled into a silky mascarpone and vanilla almond layer of creamy goodness with a hint of orange, spread on top of crunchy, light, buttery puff pastry. And topped with a few dollops and drizzles of orange fig jam and crushed almonds just to make life and this tart that much sweeter. (no pun intended)

Keystone Pantry Allulose

The good news is, the pastry cream is lower in sugar and calories because I substituted Allulose in place of honey and regular table sugar. Allulose is a rare natural sugar found in very small quantities in dates, dried figs, raisins and wheat, and also in other brown caramelized products such as caramel sauce, maple syrup and brown sugar.  It has the same chemical formula as fructose but because it isn’t metabolized by the body, it does not raise blood sugar or insulin levels (and studies show it can reduce blood sugar levels!) and has zero net carbs and only 21 calories per teaspoon.

It provides a taste and texture similar to sugar, and doesn’t have a bitter aftertaste like most non-sugar sweeteners. But, you will need to use a little more than regular sugar because it isn’t as sweet. It does have the same volume and browning characteristics as white sugar when used in baking, but browns faster than regular sugar so it may require a slightly lower temperature when cooking with it. It also comes in powdered/crystalline forms or as a liquid syrup.

Fig Vanilla Almond Tart 4

This recipe could absolutely be made with any other fruit you like that’s in season – maybe plums? or apricots? or berries? But there’s something so good about the sweet and tart figs mixed with the almond, vanilla and orange flavors that make this a harmonious dessert, perfect for brunch or to top off a weeknight Fall dinner.

Prepare puff pastry

First, defrost your puff pastry (if frozen, I use Dufour brand which is super light and crispy and buttery and delicious) and roll it out into a 9×13 inch rectangle (or any shape you like but about 1/2 inch thick). Sprinkle with a little flour on both sides on a silicone mat or parchment paper. Then score an edge around the pastry (or roll it over to create a rustic looking edge), and brush the edges with an egg white and water mixture to give the crust a lovely sheen.  Bake the pastry for about 20-25 minutes at 400 and let it cool on a wire baking rack while you make the Almond Vanilla Cream. 

ingredients

Mix all the ingredients (mascarpone cheese, almond paste, Allulose, agave, orange flower water and vanilla) in the bowl of a food processor,

ingredients mixed

until the mixture is blended smooth and creamy. 

spread cream on pastry

Spread the Vanilla Almond Cream on the baked puff pastry evenly with a spatula. 

add fresh cut figs

Top the pastry with quartered fresh figs,

add fig jam and crushed almonds

a few drizzles and dollops of orange fig jam, and crushed almonds. Cut into squares and serve immediately. 

Finished Tart

Devour. Repeat. 

Fig, Almond + Vanilla Orange Tart

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: Serves 8.

Serving Size: 1 square slice (1/8 of tart)

A gorgeous Fall dessert made with puff pastry, fresh figs, almonds layered in a vanilla orange almond pastry cream made with Keystone Pantry Allulose, for a lighter and less sweet treat.

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet of puff pastry (if frozen - defrosted, Dufour brand)
  • 3 1/2 ounces almond paste, cut into small pieces
  • 2/3 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Keystone Pantry Allulose
  • 1 tablespoon agave syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon orange flower water
  • 7-8 fresh figs (quartered, stems removed)
  • 4 tablespoons orange fig jam, for garnish
  • 1/2 cup crushed almonds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Unwrap defrosted puff pastry sheet on a floured surface. Unfold, remove inner parchment papers and dust both sides lightly with flour.
  3. Score a 1-inch border on inner edges of pastry sheet or roll edges in to create a border. Brush border with egg wash and prick holes in the center of the pastry sheet with a fork. Place on a silicone mat on a baking sheet (or parchment paper).
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and flaky. Let cool on a wire rack to the side while you make your pastry cream.
  5. In the bowl of a food processor, add all the ingredients (almond paste, mascarpone, Allulose, agave, vanilla, orange flower water) and blitz on high for about a minute or so. Scrape the sides and process again, until the mixture is blended well and creamy.
  6. With a spatula, spread a generous amount of the pastry cream on the cooled puff pastry.
  7. Top with fresh quartered figs in a rustic pattern on top of the cream.
  8. Dollop or drizzle the orange fig jam on top of the figs. Top with crushed (or sliced) almonds.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

You can also substitute other fruit to top this tart with (berries, apricots, plums,). Delicious for brunch or a weeknight dinner dessert.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2018/09/fig-almond-orange-vanilla-tart/

Fig Almond Vanilla Tart 4

For more inspiration and information about Allulose, check out Lang’s Chocolate and Keystone Pantry products on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and Pinterest#Keystonepantry #Alluloserecipe

 

Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake w/ Strawberry Balsamic Chocolate Sauce

Blood Orange Cake w/ Strawberry Sauce

It’s that love-ly time of year again folks, when love is in the air and a romantic dinner and evening in with your significant other is on the menu. And we all know what Valentine’s Day is all about…wine, chocolate, strawberries and a special sweet dessert!

I created this recipe for a Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake with Strawberry Chocolate Balsamic Sauce that will impress your sweetie and top off a romantic dinner along with a glass of champagne..hope you enjoy and indulge on this special day 😉

Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake w/ Strawberry Balsamic Chocolate Sauce

Yield: 4-6

A LOVELY dessert made with Blood Orange olive oil and Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar and fresh strawberries and LOTS OF LOVE <3

Ingredients

  • BLOOD ORANGE OLIVE OIL CAKE:
  • 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing pan
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup Seven Barrels Blood Orange Olive Oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Juice from 1 blood orange
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • CHOCOLATE BALSAMIC STRAWBERRY SAUCE:
  • ½ cup Seven Barrels Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 cup chocolate syrup
  • 1 pint strawberries, stemmed and sliced

Instructions

  1. BLOOD ORANGE OLIVE OIL CAKE:
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or 8-inch loaf pan with butter.
  3. In a stand mixer or large bowl with hand mixer, mix together the sugar and eggs on medium speed until lightly blended.
  4. Drizzle in the Seven Barrels Blood Orange olive oil and vanilla and mix together until smooth. Add the blood orange juice in and mix into the batter.
  5. Sift the flour into a mixing bowl and add baking powder, soda and salt. Add to the wet batter in small increments and mix on low to incorporate. Scrape the sides with a spatula and make sure all wet and dry ingredients are blended well.
  6. Pour the batter into the cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let the cake cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes or so, then remove cake from the pan and let cool completely on the wire rack before serving.
  7. CHOCOLATE BALSAMIC STRAWBERRY SAUCE:
  8. Add the Seven Barrels Chocolate Balsamic vinegar and chocolate syrup to a medium saucepan over medium-low heat and cook for about 5 minutes until heated through and blended.
  9. Add the sliced strawberries to the chocolate sauce and mix together. Serve the sauce warm over Blood Orange Olive Oil cake or over ice cream.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2018/02/blood-orange-olive-oil-cake-w-strawberry-balsamic-chocolate-sauce/

You can find the Blood Orange Olive Oil and Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar at www.7barrels.com

Truffle Steak Au Poivre + Cheesy Truffle Potato Stacks

I recently did some recipes for my client 7 Barrels for their holiday promotional marketing and social media campaign. Featuring their Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, White Balsamic Vinegar and White Truffle Extra Virgin Olive Oil, I created this delicious Truffle Steak Au Poivre and some amazing Cheesy Truffle Potato Stacks. Perfect for a chilly Winter evening, special occasion or holiday celebration! Truffle Steak Au Poivre This steak is so tender and melts in your mouth! This Truffle Steak Au Poivre has a crust made with crushed black peppercorns, cooked in butter and 7 Barrels White Truffle Oil, then drizzled with a luscious pan sauce made with 7 Barrels traditional balsamic vinegar, shallots, beef broth and more butter, sprinkled with coarse sea salt and chopped fresh herbs. Divine! Truffle Potato Stacks These Cheesy Truffle Potato Stacks are so delicious and cute you won’t be able to eat just one. Thin sliced potatoes stacked and roasted in a muffin tin with luscious butter, truffle oil, parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese and garlic, topped with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and coarse sea salt. YUM!

Truffle Steak Au Poivre + Cheesy Truffle Potato Stacks

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: 4

These delicious steaks and cheesy potato stacks are made with luscious 7 Barrels truffle oil, traditional balsamic and white balsamic vinegar. The perfect combination for an elegant holiday dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

  • Truffle Steak Au Poivre Ingredients:
  • 2 (8-ounce) NY Strip Steaks, 1 inch thick, trimmed
  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt (Maldon or Fleur de Sel)
  • 2 tablespoons cracked peppercorns (black or mixed)
  • 1 tablespoon Seven Barrels Truffle Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/3 cup shallots, finely chopped
  • ½ cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Seven Barrels Traditional Dark Balsamic vinegar
  • Coarse sea salt and chopped herbs, for garnish (optional)
  • Cheesy Truffle Potato Stacks Ingredients:
  • 4 medium potatoes (Russet, Idaho or Yukon Gold)
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 garlic clove, minced)
  • ¼ cup butter, melted
  • ¼ cup Seven Barrels Truffle Olive Oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup sharp white cheddar, finely shredded
  • Coarse sea salt, for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, chopped, for garnish (thyme, parsley or rosemary)
  • 1/4 cup Seven Barrels White Balsamic, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Make the Steak:
  2. Heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat. Pat steaks dry with paper towels and sprinkle with salt evenly.
  3. Crack the peppercorns with the back of a heavy skillet or spice grinder (coarsely ground) and press onto both sides of the steaks.
  4. Add Seven Barrels Truffle olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the cast iron skillet; swirl to melt and coat the pan.
  5. Place the steaks in the heated skillet and cook 3 minutes on each side (for medium-rare), drizzling olive oil and butter from the pan over the top of the steaks with a spoon while cooking to get a nice brown sear. Remove the steaks from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes to let juices resettle, then cut each steak in half.
  6. While the steaks are resting, add the shallots to the pan and sauté for a minute or two until slightly tender and golden.
  7. Stir in the beef broth and Seven Barrels Traditional Dark Balsamic vinegar, scraping the pan to loosen the browned bits. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes and reduce liquid by half. Remove from heat; stir in remaining tablespoon of butter to make the balsamic pan sauce. Garnish with additional coarse sea salt and fresh herbs, if desired.
  8. Serve immediately with a side of vegetables (mashed potatoes, sautéed asparagus or green beans), a simple mixed greens salad with Seven Barrels olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and a glass of full-bodied red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon).
  9. Make the Cheesy Truffle Potato Stacks:
  10. Preheat the oven 400 degrees F.
  11. Wash potatoes and cut them into very thin slices (about 1/8-inch), leaving skins on. You can do this by hand, or use a mandolin to make slicing easier and faster.
  12. In a large mixing bowl, add the potatoes, dried Italian seasoning, garlic, melted butter, Seven Barrels Truffle Olive Oil, kosher salt and black pepper, grated Parmesan cheese and gently toss together.
  13. Layer half the potatoes stacked in layers into a non-stick 12-cup muffin pan (or lightly grease a muffin pan), sprinkle half the shredded cheddar on top. Then layer the other half of the potatoes, stacking them to the top and add remaining shredded cheddar on top.
  14. Cover with foil and place on a baking sheet. Transfer to the oven and roast for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue cooking another 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are crispy golden brown on edges and cooked through. Run a small knife around the edges of the of each stack to release them from the muffin pan.
  15. Serve potatoes hot with a sprinkle of sea salt and chopped herbs, and drizzle them with Seven Barrels White Balsamic vinegar. Note: You can pre-bake these a day or two ahead and reheat them in the oven for 10-15 minutes on 350 degrees F.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2018/01/truffle-steak-au-poivre-cheesy-truffle-potato-stacks/

{Things I Love} :: Holiday Entertaining

So we are full swing in the midst of the holiday season – the most wonderful time of the year! Food, cocktails, friends, family, traveling, gifts, and a whirlwind of social activities can sometimes be a little crazy and exhausting, so I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite things to help make your holiday entertaining a little easier, stylish and a whole lot more fun (and tasty!)

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday and amazing New Year 2018!

xo Kristen 

Entertainers Gift Box

Entertainers Gift Box 

Who doesn’t love a cozy and fantastic party with a gorgeous cheese board as a centerpiece? This Entertainer’s Gift Box is perfect for a cocktail party bursting with classic goodies like Marcona almonds from Spain, an olive wood serving bowl, sweet and savory spreads: Orange and Fig Jam, Pepper Jelly and Mango Chutney and Cracked Pepper gourmet wafer crackers.

Entertainers Gift Box

The perfect accompaniment for an assortment of cheese, prosciutto, salami, fruit and nibbles – and a beautiful addition for your holiday table!

$60, UncommonGoods.com

Marble and Wood Serving Board

Marble and Mango Wood Serving Board Set

This Marble and Mango Wood Serving Board Set is perfect for entertaining and goes hand and hand with the Entertainer’s Gift Box to display all that delicious cheese, crackers, salami, nuts and spreads! One side is marble and one side is wood, making it attractive and functional at the same time.

Marble and Mango Wood Serving Board

Pair fresh bread and crackers on the wood board with cheese on the chilled marble, or sushi on the cool side with tempura vegetables on the wood. The on-point arrow design unifies the two sections, integrating the contrasting materials. Foam pads on the bottom protect your tabletop. It makes a stylish addition to your tablescape or distinctive hostess gift.

Marble and Mango Wood Board

$55, UncommonGoods.com

Reclaimed Wood Cookbook Stand

Reclaimed Wood Cookbook Stand

This rustic Reclaimed Wood Cookbook Stand is a beautiful addition to your kitchen and handy tool to view recipes on your iPad or to hold a traditional cookbook.

Reclaimed Wood Cookbook Stand

It has a sturdy wood base and back and collapses or expands to lay it flat or prop it up on your counter.

Reclaimed Wood Cookbook Stand

Designed by Stacy Borocz, who has a carefully curated collection of antique and repurposed home furnishings and culinary accents for over a decade. She attends local markets and old homes, barns and warehouses to find the architectural elements for her designs, and no two pieces are exactly alike.

Reclaimed Wood Cookbook Stand

$95 Uncommongoods.com

Melting Pot

Fondue Melting Pot 

This Fondue Melting Pot is perfect for melting cheese to accompany your holiday table – serve with pickles, bread, olives, meat, and vegetables. The Melting Pot Includes a Boska Tapas Fondue Pot, Murray’s Fondue Blend,
Murray’s Sopressata Salami,  Crisp & Co. Grand Dill Pickles and crunchy Cipollini Onions.

$110, MurraysCheese.com

Anthropologie Enchante Wine Coupe

Enchante Wine Coupe

These imported Enchante Wine Coupe glasses by Anthropologie are gilded in a gold design and also come in stemless water glasses, stemmed champagne flutes and a small bowl. A gorgeous way to serve cocktails and snacks and ring in the New Year!

$20, Anthropologie

Winter Solstice Cocktail Kit

Winter Solstice Cocktail Kit

This fun Winter Solstice Cocktail Kit comes with all the right ingredients to serve up these citrusy refreshing drinks for your next holiday party – including the brandy, rum, bitters, orange liqueur and glasses. Simply add fresh fruit and juice and voila! you’ve got an amazing cocktail to entertain your friends with.

WINTER SOLSTICE

1.5 oz brandy
.5 oz rum
.25 oz orange liqueur
.75 oz fresh lemon juice
.5 oz simple syrup
1-2 dashes bitters
Orange wheel, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine brandy, rum, orange liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup and bitters.
2. Shake until blended and well-chilled.
3. Strain into a couple glass and garnish with orange wheel.

Makes 1 cocktail

$173.50, Mouth.com

The Party Food Bible

The Party Food Bible

The Party Food Bible cookbook is the ultimate resource for all things holiday entertaining.  With over 565 recipes served up on everything from skewers to spoons, for fun and flavorful mini hors d’oeuvres, amuse-bouches, small bites and finger foods, stylish cocktails and desserts, you are sure to find some inspiration for your next holiday cocktail party!

$14 Amazon.com

Moonglow Cocktail Shaker

Moonglow Cocktail Shaker

This Moonglow Cocktail Shaker is a beautiful way to stir, shake and serve all your holiday cocktails in style!

$39 Anthropologie.com

Martini and Sweet Spicy Nuts

Classic Dry Martini

1 2/3 oz Gin
1/3 oz Dry Vermouth

Stir with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with twist of lemon peel or olives.

Sweet and Spicy Mixed Nuts

1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cup cashews
3/4 cup pecan halves
1/2 cup almonds
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon water
1-1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Dash Louisiana-style hot sauce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a small bowl, combine the salt and spices; set aside. In a large heavy skillet, melt butter. Add cashews, pecans and cashews; cook over medium heat until nuts are lightly toasted, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle with spice mixture. Add the brown sugar, water, Worcestershire and hot sauce. Cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until sugar is melted.

Place nuts on a large baking sheet lined with foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until nuts are golden brown. Remove from oven and let nuts cool before serving. Store in an airtight container.

Makes 2 cups.

Mini Sweet and Savory Tarts

Mini Sweet and Savory Tarts

These Mini Sweet and Savory Tarts I created are perfect for a holiday party! I made sweet mini cranberry apple almond tarts and savory bacon, veggie and cheese tarts but feel free to experiment with the fillings and flavors..so cute and easy to make!

Parmesan Garlic Artichoke Dip

Parmesan Artichoke Dip

This Parmesan Artichoke Dip with Homemade Pita Chips is one of my favorite holiday appetizers. Brimming with creamy cheese, roasted garlic, and tons of savory juicy artichokes with crispy homemade chips for dipping – this one will fly off your holiday table!

Truffle Potato Stacks

Truffled Potato Stacks

These Truffled Potato Stacks are crispy and savory and buttery and delicious! Sliced thin and baked with butter, garlic, parmesan and cheddar cheese and 7 Barrels Truffle Olive Oil in a muffin pan, then dusted with sea salt and thyme and served with tangy and sweet 7 Barrels White Balsamic Vinegar for dipping – they make a perfect appetizer or side dish to your holiday meal!

4 medium potatoes (Russet, Idaho or Yukon Gold)
1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 garlic clove, minced)
¼ cup butter, melted
¼ cup Seven Barrels Truffle Olive Oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup sharp white cheddar, finely shredded
Coarse sea salt, for garnish
2 tablespoons fresh herbs, chopped, for garnish (thyme, parsley or rosemary)
1/4 cup Seven Barrels White Balsamic, for drizzling

Preheat the oven 400 degrees F. Wash potatoes and cut them into very thin slices (about 1/8-inch), leaving skins on. You can do this by hand, or use a mandolin to make slicing easier and faster.

In a large mixing bowl, add the potatoes, dried Italian seasoning, garlic, melted butter, Seven Barrels Truffle Olive Oil, kosher salt and black pepper, grated Parmesan cheese and gently toss together.

Layer half the potatoes stacked in layers into a non-stick 12-cup muffin pan (or lightly grease a muffin pan), sprinkle half the shredded cheddar on top. Then layer the other half of the potatoes, stacking them to the top and add remaining shredded cheddar on top.

Cover with foil and place on a baking sheet. Transfer to the oven and roast for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue cooking another 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are crispy golden brown on edges and cooked through. Run a small knife around the edges of the of each stack to release them from the muffin pan.

Serve potatoes hot with a sprinkle of sea salt and chopped herbs, and drizzle them with Seven Barrels White Balsamic vinegar. Note: You can pre-bake these a day or two ahead and reheat them in the oven for 10-15 minutes on 350 degrees F.

Serves 6 (approx. 2 stacks per person).

New Years Soup

New Year’s Soup

A hearty and delicious traditional soup served on New Years Day – with black eyed peas and collard greens and ham for good luck and financial blessings for the New Year.

Ingredients

  • 2 (15.8-ounce) cans black-eyed peas, undrained
  • 3 (14-ounce) cans chicken broth
  • 2 (14-1/2-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups diced cooked ham
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups chopped fresh collard greens
  • Hot sauce for splashing

Instructions

In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine all ingredients except collard greens and hot sauce; mix well. Add collard greens on top.

Cover and cook on LOW 6 to 8 hours, or until greens are tender. Splash with hot sauce before serving.

Recipe by Mr. Food.com

Lobster Pies

Lobster Pies

These luscious Lobster Pies are decadent, delicious and the perfect way to celebrate the holidays and New Year. Bathed in a buttery creamy sherry sauce and filled with tons of fresh lobster and parmesan cheese then baked with a butter crunchy cracker crust. Divine, elegant and oh so good. Indulge!

Holiday Brunch Quiche

Bacon, Cheese & Pepper Quiche with Hashbrown Crust

This is a delicious spin on a holiday brunch quiche – you simply line a springform pan with shredded hash browns and cook until lightly browned, then add your quiche ingredients until bubbly and cheese is melty. Perfect for a New Year’s Day brunch or casual lunch with friends.

Ingredients

For the Hash Brown Crust:

  • 1 large package frozen hash browns, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 egg, whisked
  • A dash of onion flakes, garlic powder and dill seasoning, to taste
  • Sea salt & pepper, to taste

For the Quiche:

  • 3/4 cup red, orange and yellow bell peppers, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, diced
  • 8 eggs
  • 1/4 cup 1-2% milk
  • 1/4 cup light cream
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, diced
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Instructions

For the Hash Brown Crust:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Brush a small amount of oil to the bottom of a spring form pan and line with parchment paper, including the sides. Brush with more oil on top of the parchment paper. Set aside.
  3. Combine the hash browns, melted butter, egg and spices in a bowl and place them in the pan pushing them up the sides to make a 1 inch crust for the quiche.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the hash browns get lightly browned and crispy.

For the Quiche:

  1. In a small pan, over low/medium heat, add a tablespoon of oil and sauté the peppers and onions, for 8-10 minutes or until soft and translucent. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a bowl, combine the eggs, cream, milk, cheese and cooked bacon. Add cooled peppers and onions,  season with salt and pepper and pour into the precooked hash brown crust in the springform pan.
  3. Reduce the heat to 350 and bake for another 45 minutes.
  4. Serve hot or at room temperature, cut into wedges with a side of fruit salad and toasted holiday bread and butter.
 Serves  6-8.

Smirnoff Ice Holiday Cocktails + Appetizers

Smirnoff Ice Holiday Recipes

Who says you can’t eat, drink, and be merry all at once? Tis the season for boozy brunches, family gatherings and holiday feasts after all. If you’re looking to kick up your next party platter, boozy brunch or family gathering – Smirnoff Ice has you covered. Here are some fun and delicious Smirnoff Ice cocktail and appetizer recipes using Smirnoff Ice Original, Smirnoff Ice Strawberry, and Smirnoff Ice Green Apple – perfect fruity and citrus flavors that will steal the show whether you’re hosting or just bringing a dish to the party!

Holiday-Berry-Sparkler

Holiday Berry Sparkler

Ingredients

For the Cranberry Simple Syrup

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup cranberries

For the Cocktail

  • .75 oz cranberry simple syrup (recipe below)
  • .50 oz triple sec
  • 1.50 oz apple cider
  • 1 oz original Smirnoff Ice
  • 2 oz strawberry Smirnoff Ice
  • Cranberries and lemon peel for garnish

Mini-Berry-Bites

Mini Berry Bites

Ingredients

For the Cranberries

  • 1/2 cup cranberries
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water

For the Bites

  • Mini Phyllo dough cups
  • 2 pkgs gelatin
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup Strawberry Smirnoff Ice
  • Sugared cranberries (recipe above)
  • whipped cream
  • orange slices

Caramel-Green-Apple-Cocktail

Caramel Green Apple Cocktail

Ingredients

  • 1 oz Smirnoff Kissed Caramel vodka
  • .50 oz ginger simple syrup
  • 1.50 oz Green Apple Smirnoff Ice

Citrus-Asian-Chicken-Wings

Citrus Asian Wings

Ingredients

For the Wings

  • 2 lbs wings
  • 1 bottle Smirnoff Ice Original
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or teriyaki sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon powdered ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste – about 1/2 tsp each
  • 3 green onions, green and white parts diced
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped

For the Glaze

  • 2 cups Smirnoff Ice Original
  • 2 Tbsp honey
  • 2 Tbsp Brown sugar
  • 1 tsp corn starch
  • 1 Tbsp Teriyaki
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder
  • black pepper to taste

All recipes courtesy of Smirnoff Ice / Jay and Leah from The Gastronom

For more great recipe ideas from Smirnoff Ice check out their Facebook and Twitter pages!

Things I Love :: Holiday Gift Guide 2017

Holiday Gift Ideas for All Your Favorite People

The holidays are rapidly approaching and we all need a few fun ideas for gifting, now don’t we? This hot list below is full of great holiday gift ideas and things I love, perfect for your friends, family and coworkers – whether they love pampering, cooking, or just relaxing and having a cocktail by the fire, there’s a gift on this list they’re gonna love too!

Monogrammed Cocktail Glasses

Monogrammed Cocktail Glasses

Perfect-sized lowball glasses for whiskey and mixed cocktail drinks monogrammed with gold metallic vinyl will look stunning on display on your holiday table or bar cart.

seoulscrub set

SeoulScrub Mini Mix Body Scrub Set

Seoulscrub’s collections – defined by all-natural ingredients, fragrant scents and nourishing benefits are crafted to stimulate circulation and leave skin with a spa-fresh glow. The set includes 5 assorted scrubs including: Lemon Blossom, Creamy Coconut, Peppermint, Sea Mist and Suede Vetiver. YUM! You should also get Dermatologist to check for skin cancer before you start using any products.

holiday sparkler set

Holiday Sparkler Set

This gift-worthy Sparkling Cocktail Kit includes a beautiful sparkling wine, craft gin, Washington D.C. limoncello and a bittersweet, floral liqueur. Basically everything needed to mix up swanky cocktails like a French 75, floral Spritzer or Limoncello Sparkler.

It also includes a set of four stemless shatterproof Champagne flutes from Govino, designed with a divot for your thumb – perfect way to celebrate the holidays!

Polaroid Cube+ 1440p Mini Lifestyle Action Camera with Wi-Fi & Image Stabilization

Polaroid Cube Mini Camera with WiFi

The black CUBE+ Lifestyle Action Camera from Polaroid makes it easier than ever to record and share all of life’s adventures. It has a built in video camera that shoots 1440p video at 30 fps, 1080p video up to 60 fps, and 720p video at 120 fps for slow-motion capture. Additionally, the camera captures up to 8MP still images. The CUBE+ also adds image stabilization for smoother looking video and built-in Wi-Fi for syncing with the CUBE+ app for iOS and Android devices. Super cool for any adventure loving photography buff!

Baked by Melissa Cupcakes

Baked by Melissa Mini Cupcakes

Six handcrafted cupcakes made from recipes in Melissa’s new cookbook! Includes Electric Tie-Dye, Ice Cream Sundae, gooey S’mores, Babka, toasty Caramel Coconut & sweet Sugar Cookie. The Dream Team is an exclusive first taste of a few favorite recipes from CAKES by Melissa! cookbook.

faux fur pillow

Fireside Faux Fur Pillow, Anthropologie

Because who doesn’t love a big, plush fluffy pillow by the fireplace? Yes please.

Boska Mini Fondue Pot

Mini Fondue Pot, Boska

Their ceramic mini fondue is perfect for sharing a quick fondue or tabletop tapas for two. Dunk rustic bread into melted cheese, swirl fruit in chocolate or enjoy a breakfast fondue of waffles dipped in warm syrup. Made of ceramic with a rubber wood base, it includes two stainless-steel fondue forks with wood handles and the pot is microwavable making it easy to melt chocolate or cheese.

Harry and David Gift Box

Holiday Wine Box, Harry & David

For someone special, send them this awesome box of gourmet treats in a festive gift box including Harry & David 2014 Ross Lane Blend Red, mulling spices, cheese, mixed nuts, Moose Munch popcorn, cookies, crackers and jam for this you can use a good blender from the best blender under 100 list so is affordable to you.

Cozy Fleece Robe

Cozy Fleece Robe for Him

Because what guy wouldn’t like a plush, cozy fleece robe for lazy holiday mornings?

Jacques Torres Chocolate Holiday Gift Box

Jacques Torres Chocolate Gift Box

A mouth-watering selection of premium chocolate bonbons packed in Jacques’ custom-made signature gift boxes. There is something for everyone with flavor schemes ranging from caramels, pralines, fruits, wine, teas, along with special edition holiday bon bons and a Happy Holidays Sleeve. Gorgeous flavors inside too: Spiced Wine (Milk), Swirls of Spiced Wine in Milk Chocolate, Merry Mint (Dark) , Mistletoe Mint in Dark Chocolate, Eggnog (White,  and Creamy Eggnog in White Chocolate. YUM.

rose-gold-cake-knife-set

Rose Gold Cake and Knife Set, West Elm  

Perfect for special occasions, this imported Rose Gold Cake + Knife Set adds simple elegance to any table. Use it for your next celebration, or gift a set to a friend. Great for pies, quiches and cakes! And well, rose gold is just super cool and pretty too.

bartender prep board

Personalized Cutting Board, Mark + Graham

Made for the cocktail connoisseur or the amateur mixologist, this personalize cutting board is crafted from solid maple wood, and answers all your cocktail glassware, quantity and garnish questions engraved on the board. Made by J.K. Adams, who, for more than 65 years, has been handmaking beautiful, sustainably harvested wood pieces in Vermont.

Beechers Cheese Set

Beecher’s Classic Cheese Collection

For the cheese lover in your family, try sending them this classic cheese collection from Beecher’s Cheese – one of my favorite places in NYC! These three cheeses have been part of the Beecher’s repertoire since the beginning. Enjoy them all side by side for a perfect, full-flavored cheese plate. Includes
Beecher’s Flagship 1/3 lb, Beecher’s New Woman 1/3 lb, Beecher’s Marco Polo 1/3 lb, and Beecher’s Original Crackers. Perfect with wine for a holiday gathering!

Bath and Body Works Candles

Yummy Holiday Candles, Bath and Body Works

The holidays are the perfect time for candles! And the candles at Bath and Body works are not only inexpensive but they have tons of yummy scents like Hot Cocoa and Cream, Spiced Apple Toddy, Campfire Donut and Vanilla Spiced Pear. Perfect way to spend a chilly evening cozied up by the fire with a cocktail.

Dr Smood Red Maca Superfood Powder

Superfood Powders, Dr Smood 

Dr Smood Superfood Powders would make a wonderful gift for the health and wellness-obsessed foodies on your list. They’re full of health-boosting goodness and are easy to use (they can be easily mixed into smoothies or juices, on yogurt or cereal or added to energy balls and no-bake treats).

There are a total of 13 beautifully packaged superfood powders, including Raw Cacao Powder, Spirulina Powder and Red Maca Powder. Each powder comes with an information packet, including a recipe and serving suggestions, and can be purchased at one of the five Dr Smood cafés in NYC or Miami.

Whiskey Chilling Stones Set

Whiskey Chilling Stones Set

This set of 6 handcrafted stone chillers comes in a hardwood tray with 2 tumblers and is perfect for chilling fine spirits without diluting them with ice. Fancy and perfect for the Scotch and Whiskey connoisseur in the family. 

faux shearling throw

Faux Shearling Throw Blanket

Cozy up with this sumptuously soft faux shearling throw and pillow set from Frontgate. Reversible with a down insert, is plush, soft, smooth and cozy… and great for movie night indoors with a hot chocolate or hot toddy!

CScents Candy Girl

CScents

My old friend and college roommate has just launched a new perfume line called CScents…she is a singer and musician, she even own a fender telecaster modern player, and has cleverly named all her scents around old classic songs like Juke Box Hero, Candy Girl and Strawberry Fields..brilliant!

spice and salt tower

Spice & Salt Tower

Simple unscrew each of these containers (12 grams each) of salt varieties from the larger tower and get seasoning. Try them on their own, or mix and match the following flavors: Fennel Thyme Salt, Porcini Salt, Sagemary Salt, Caraway Salt, Vanilla Salt, Sumac Pepper Salt, Aleppo Chile Salt, Smoked Paprika Salt.

PLAY! By Sephora

PLAY! By Sephora

These PLAY! by SEPHORA boxes includes a selection of subtle-yet-stunning makeup and skincare. A curated assortment of five trial-size samples, plus a beauty bonus, all in a collectable bag. Plus a PLAY! BOOK including how-to information and tips on the samples in your box and a PLAY! PASS redeemable for 50 extra Beauty Insider Points when used with a full-size purchase inside a local Sephora store. You can also subscribe to a $10/month subscription to receive different PLAY! boxes each month if you choose. FUN!

Beaujolais Nouveau Georges Duboeuf

Beaujolais Nouveau, Georges Duboeuf

This Beaujolais Nouveau is fruity, with aromas of red berries and cherry. It is fresh, flavorful, round and unctuous and perfect for the holidays and Thanksgiving dinner! This wine pairs well with tapas, cheese, charcuterie, poultry and salmon. Recommended to be served slightly chilled.

Georges Duboeuf’s Beaujolais Nouveau is mainly sourced from the southern part of the Beaujolais region, which is a patchwork of terroir ranging from sand, clay and limestone to granite and schist. The difference in altitude and latitude can influence the style of wine. Georges Duboeuf and his team tasted more than five thousand samples over two weeks to craft this cuvée. Harvesting of this wine is done manually, in whole bunches, from vines that are over 20 years old.

This wine pairs well with tapas, cheese, charcuterie, poultry and salmon. Recommended to be served slightly chilled.

Table In A Bag Food 52

Table In A Bag, Food 52

How cool is this foldable, packable pine table? It literally does come in a bag, and stretches out into an al fresco tabletop ready to host an entire picnic spread, whether at an outdoor concert, the park, the beach, or your backyard. Summer can’t come too soon 🙂

Slate Board Lazy Susan

Slate Board Lazy Susan

Perfect for the holidays to display all the gorgeous appetizers you are serving. And it’s made of slate, so you can personalize the message or label the food on the board. Love!

Wild Rice Turkey Bowl w/ Citrus Vinaigrette

Wild Rice Turkey Bowl with Cranberries and Oranges

This is another favorite recipe I developed for my client Seven Barrels using their Meyer Lemon Olive Oil and Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar to make a lovely sweet and tart dressing, perfect for salads around the holidays. I wanted to make a recipe that incorporates Thanksgiving leftovers and create something light and easy after such a big, rich, and heavy meal.

Wild Rice + Turkey Bowl with Cranberries and Oranges

This Wild Rice + Turkey Bowl with Citrus Vinaigrette uses all that gorgeous leftover cooked turkey, some wild rice, crisp romaine, fresh oranges and orange zest, crunchy celery, red onion, dried cranberries and toasted walnuts, drizzled in a gorgeous lemon and raspberry vinaigrette dressing with a touch of cinnamon, cumin and tarragon.

Wild Rice + Turkey Bowl w/ Cranberries and Oranges

Feel free to experiment too with the bowl ingredients – you can substitute any other healthy whole grain like quinoa or farro or brown rice, and you could also try using cooked chicken in place of the turkey and try dried tart cherries and pistachios in place of the cranberries and walnuts. Any way you make it..I promise it will be delicious!!!

Wild Rice + Turkey Bowl with Cranberries and Oranges

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: Serves 4

This is a great recipe for using leftover Thanksgiving turkey - a healthy delicious bowl salad with wild rice, romaine, orange, celery, red onion and dried cranberries and toasted walnuts, drizzled in a gorgeous lemon and raspberry vinaigrette dressing with spices and tarragon.

Ingredients

  • Turkey
  • 2 cups roasted turkey (light and/or dark meat – large slices or shredded)
  • Vinaigrette
  • 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 3 tablespoons Seven Barrels Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Seven Barrels Meyer Lemon Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, grated
  • 1 teaspoon minced orange zest
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Bowl
  • 3 cups wild rice, cooked
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest, minced
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
  • 6 cups romaine hearts, sliced
  • ¾ cup fresh orange segments, halved
  • ¾ cup celery, sliced
  • ½ cup red onion, sliced
  • ½ cup dried cranberries

Instructions

  1. Prep the cooked turkey breast by shredding the meat into bite sized pieces or slicing it into large pieces for the salad.
  2. For the vinaigrette, whisk together orange juice, Seven Barrels Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar, Seven Barrels Meyer Lemon Olive Oil, tarragon, grated garlic, 1 teaspoon orange zest, cumin, pepper, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. For the bowl, combine cooked wild rice with 1 teaspoon orange zest. Toast chopped walnuts in a small sauté pan over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes until lightly golden brown, set aside.
  4. Divide cooked turkey, rice, romaine, orange segments, celery, red onion and dried cranberries among four serving bowls; drizzle with vinaigrette and garnish with toasted walnuts.

Notes

You can also substitute dried tart cherries, and cooked chicken breast for the cranberries and turkey.
Try experimenting with other grains too - quinoa, farro, or brown rice in place of wild rice.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2017/11/wild-rice-turkey-bowl-with-cranberries-and-oranges/

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!