Fat Head Pizza {Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free}

Fathead Pizza

Fat Head Pizza

So you can take a girl out of New York but you can’t take the New York Pizza out of the girl. True story. New York #pizza is one of my favorite things in the world but I’ve been doing my #lowcarb/#keto diet the past 2 weeks and its definitely not on the list of acceptable foods, and is one of those things I truly miss.

Fat Head Pizza

This Fat Head Pizza has only 10g of carbs and is really easy to make (and really tasty too!) The crust is made with almond flour, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, egg and white balsamic vinegar, and pre-baked in the oven for 10-12 minutes before adding the toppings. I made a traditional pepperoni pizza because I was starving last night and wanted to keep it simple, but next time I’m definitely going to experiment with some other fun ingredients now that I have the base crust recipe.

DelGrosso Pizza Sauce

I also found a great low sugar/low carb pizza sauce at Publix called La Famiglia DelGrosso (Pappy Fred’s Old Style Pizza Sauce) that has only 3g net carbs per 1/4 cup and it’s really good! You have to be careful with premade and jarred or canned sauces because there are usually a lot of hidden sugars in them which will blow your carb count if you’re trying to stick to 20-25g per day on #Keto or #Atkins Induction phase 1..

Fat Head Pizza

Feel free to switch up the toppings to whatever veggies (onions, peppers, mushrooms, etc.) or proteins you wish (sausage, chicken, bacon, ham, etc.) and if you want to make a white pizza just use Alfredo sauce instead. Top with any garnishes you like (fresh herbs, arugula, pepper flakes) and enjoy pizza without the guilt!

Enjoy! xx, kristen

Fat Head Pizza {Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free}

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: Serves 2

Serving Size: 1/2 pizza (2 slices)

Super delish low carb pizza crust made with almond flour, cheese, egg - topped with Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese and lots of pepperoni! With only 10g of carbs, it's a great way to satisfy your pizza fix on a low carb/Atkins or Keto diet!

Ingredients

  • Crust
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp sour cream (or cream cheese)
  • 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¾ cup almond flour
  • 1 tsp white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 egg
  • ½ tsp garlic salt
  • olive oil (for hands)
  • Toppings
  • 1/2 cup low carb/low sugar pizza sauce (DelGrosso brand)
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 3/4 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Pepperoni
  • Any other additional toppings you like (veggies, sausage, etc.)
  • Red pepper flakes, garnish
  • Italian seasoning, garnish
  • Parmesan cheese, garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Heat mozzarella and sour cream and parmesan cheese in a small bowl in the microwave oven for a minute, stir together, heat for another 30 seconds, stir together until melted.
  3. Measure out the almond flour, balsamic vinegar, egg and garlic salt into a mixing bowl and add the melted cheese/sour cream mixture.
  4. Moisten your hands with olive oil and pat the dough out into a 6-8 inch circle onto a greased baking pan. You can also use a rolling pin to flatten the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and remove the parchment before baking. Try to pat or roll out the dough evenly and patch up the thin spots on the edges or they may get too dark/burn.
  5. Prick the crust all over with a fork, and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Spread the sauce on to the baked crust and add the pepperoni or desired toppings.
  7. Bake the pizza for 10 minutes. Remove, and turn the heat on broil, up to 450/500 degrees.
  8. Broil the pizza for another 2 minutes until cheese is bubbly and pepperoni is crispy.
  9. Garnish with red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning and additional grated parmesan cheese.
  10. Serves 2.

Notes

Feel free to switch up the toppings to whatever veggies (onions, peppers, mushrooms, etc.) or proteins you wish (sausage, chicken, bacon, ham, etc.) and if you want to make a white pizza just use Alfredo sauce instead. Top with any garnishes you like (fresh herbs, arugula, pepper flakes) and enjoy pizza without the guilt!

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2019/01/fat-head-pizza-low-carb-keto-gluten-free/

Recipe adapted from original Fat Head Pizza 

Truffle Scallops Pasta w/ Mushrooms + Shallots

Truffle Scallops Pasta

Truffle Scallops Pasta w/ Mushrooms + Shallots

It’s Monday, the day after the Oscars and what a show that was! I actually enjoyed it this year, needless to say, and made a very special dinner to go along with it that I need to share with you all because it’s just THAT special. And amazing. And worthy of an Oscar in its own right 😉

Mardona Foods

I’ve partnered with MarDona Specialty Foods to create some recipes using their premium imported line of organic truffle oil, truffle butter, truffle rub, truffle sea salt and pasta. And, you guys – OMG. This stuff rocks. It has a beautiful bold aroma and true flavor of black and white truffles, not the scary imitation stuff that’s out there.

Truffle Scallops Pasta w/ Mushrooms + Shallots

My recipe for Truffle Scallops Pasta with Mushrooms + Shallots is super easy to make and absolutely delicious. The scallops are bathed in white truffle oil and a black truffle rub which is a concentrated powder rub made with authentic black truffles from Italy. The pasta dish also has Baby Bella mushrooms and sweet shallots sautéed in white truffle butter and olive oil, tossed with fettuccine in a white wine cream sauce, sprinkled with fresh Italian parsley, a dash of black truffle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper and grated Parmesan cheese and fresh Italian parsley. This is the stuff dreams are made of, folks.

First cook the pasta for about 8 minutes until al dente, drain and toss with a tablespoon of olive oil and set aside.

Add Truffle Rub to scallops

Meanwhile, rinse and pat dry your scallops, and coat them a light spray of White Truffle Olive Oil and some of the Black Truffle Rub, spreading around the scallops evenly to coat.

saute scallops in truffle butter

Heat a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Melt some of the White Truffle Butter with a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the scallops for about 3 minutes on one side until they start to brown. Flip them over, and cook for another few minutes until cooked through and no longer opaque. Try to spoon some of the truffle butter/oil over the top as you are cooking them to coat the scallops and cook them evenly. Remove the scallops on to a plate and set aside.

Saute mushrooms and shallots

Add another tablespoon of the White Truffle Butter into the same saute pan, add the mushrooms and shallots, sprinkle with garlic powder (or add fresh garlic in the last 2 minutes of cooking) and cook for about 5-7 minutes until soft and cooked through.

Return scallops to the pan

Add the scallops back into the pan along with the mushrooms and shallots.

Add wine and cream

Add the reserved pasta water (about 1/2 cup) along with some white wine, cream and let simmer together for about 5 minutes or so until it reduces a bit.

Toss in the pasta

Toss in the cooked pasta and stir together to coat with the sauce.

Add butter, parsley, parmesan cheese

Add some additional truffle butter, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh chopped parsley, a dash of Black Truffle sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Stir together to coat

Serve immediately with a glass of wine and some crusty Italian bread (with some more truffle butter of course!)

Serve immediately

Enjoy and savor.

Truffle Butter Scallops Pasta w/ Mushrooms + Shallots

You deserve it 😉

Truffle Scallops Pasta w/ Mushrooms + Shallots

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4

This recipe for Truffle Scallops Pasta with Mushrooms + Shallots is super easy to make and absolutely delicious. The scallops are bathed in a black truffle rub which is a concentrated powder rub made with authentic black truffles from Italy. It also has Baby Bella mushrooms and sweet shallots sautéed in white truffle butter and olive oil, tossed with fettuccine in a white wine cream sauce, sprinkled with fresh Italian parsley, a dash of black truffle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper and grated Parmesan cheese and fresh Italian parsley. This is the stuff dreams are made of folks.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fettuccine pasta
  • 1 pound sea scallops
  • Mardona White Truffle Olive Oil spray
  • 1 tablespoon Mardona Black Truffle Rub
  • 3 tablespoons Mardona White Truffle Butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1 container baby bella mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 1/4 cup half and half or heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
  • Dash of Mardona Black Truffle Sea Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. First cook the pasta for about 8 minutes until al dente, drain and toss with a tablespoon of olive oil and set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, rinse and pat dry your scallops, and coat them a light spray of White Truffle Olive Oil and some of the Black Truffle Rub, spreading around the scallops evenly to coat.
  3. Heat a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Melt a tablespoon of the White Truffle Butter with a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the scallops for about 3 minutes on one side until they start to brown. Flip them over, and cook for another few minutes until cooked through and no longer opaque. Try to spoon some of the truffle butter/oil over the top as you are cooking them to coat the scallops and cook them evenly. Remove the scallops on to a plate and set aside.
  4. Add another tablespoon of the White Truffle Butter and olive oil into the same saute pan, add the mushrooms and shallots, sprinkle with garlic powder (or add fresh garlic) and cook for about 5-7 minutes until soft and cooked through.
  5. Add the scallops back into the pan along with the mushrooms and shallots. Add the reserved pasta water (about 1/2 cup) along with some white wine, cream and let simmer together for about 5 minutes or so until it reduces a bit.
  6. Toss in the cooked pasta and stir together to coat with the sauce. Add another tablespoon of white truffle butter, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh chopped parsley, a dash of black truffle sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
  7. Serve immediately with a glass of wine and some crusty Italian bread (with some more truffle butter of course!)

Notes

The Black Truffle Rub is a fine powder, and quite concentrated, so be sure to not go too heavy handed with it. Make sure you rub it around the scallops in with the truffle oil to coat them evenly before sautéing them in the pan.

Add truffle sea salt and pepper to taste.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2018/03/truffle-scallops-pasta-w-mushrooms-shallots/

Truffle Scallops Pasta w Mushrooms + Shallots

Check out MarDona Specialty Foods on Facebook  for more recipe ideas and their website to shop their entire line of gourmet food products. They also have a great line of pasta sauces, balsamic glazes, olive oils, vinegars, truffle tapenade, carpaccio and more.

MarDona Black Truffle Sauce

http://www.mardonausa.com

New Work: Food Styling + Photography + Recipes

The New Year has arrived, and what a year 2017 was! I had some amazing food styling, photography, recipe development and blogging projects for some amazing clients. Here is some of my recent work and here’s to a New Year 2018 full of more great work, clients, adventures and new connections!

Food Styling for Lilly Pulitzer, NYC

I recently had the opportunity to do food and prop styling for Lilly Pulitzer’s 2018 social media campaign..I styled the photos with beautiful fruit, flowers, desserts, champagne, flowers, glitter and more which made some gorgeous colorful photos! Stay tuned as the campaign launches on @lillypulitzer social media pages.

 

 

Cocktail Styling for Ketel One Vodka / Transistor Studios

Photography for Locale Market / Farmtable Cucina Restaurant, St Pete FL

Some of my favorite shots from an awesome photo shoot in October 2017 – including food, chef and restaurant staff portraits, and restaurant and event photography for one of my favorite restaurants in St Pete Florida, Farmtable Cucina.

Levana Meal Replacement

Food styling and photography for Levana Meal Replacement packaging, website and marketing materials – check out their website here

Steviva

Recipe development, food styling and photography for Stevia Brands Blogger Recipe Challenge – my Kung Pao Beef with Cauliflower Rice recipe won the Grand Prize and First Place for the Entree category! Click here for the recipe

Kung Pao Beef

TresOmega Pasta

Recipe development, food styling and photography for TresOmega Pasta Blogger Recipe Challenge. I made a delicious One Pot Chili Mac Soup using their gluten free pasta that turned out amazing! Winners to be announced in January so stay tuned!  Click here for the recipe

One Pot Chili Mac Soup

JSL Foods / Fortune Noodles

Recipe development, food styling and photography for JSL Foods/Fortune Udon Noodles Blogger Recipe Challenge. I made a delicious Spicy Pork + Kale Udon Noodle Soup that’s the perfect comfort food for Winter. Winners to be announced in January so stay tuned! Click here for the recipe

Spicy Pork + Kale Udon Noodle Soup

Seven Barrels Recipes, Food Styling + Photography

Food styling, recipe development and photography for Seven Barrels website, social media and email marketing Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter campaigns. I created some recipes pairing their premium infused olive oils and vinegars into some delicious flavor combinations. Some new recipes I created, styled and shot for Winter: Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken and Vegetables and some delicious Zucchini Noodles with Roasted Eggplant, Feta, Pomegranate and Mint, using their Blood Orange Olive Oil and Black Currant Balsamic Vinegar.

Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken

Zucchini Noodles

For 2017, I developed recipes to highlight and celebrate the seasonal ingredients: for Spring with Sriracha Mango Shrimp Summer Bowls, and Sriracha Mango Grilled Wings; Summer with Peach and Tomato Gazpacho and Stuffed Roasted Tomatoes, Thanksgiving with Wild Rice Turkey Bowl w/ Oranges + Cranberries, and Sausage, Mushroom + Cheese Turnovers, and the Holidays with Truffle Steak Au Poivre, and Crispy Truffle Parmesan Potato Stacks. What a year of deliciousness!

Shrimp Summer Bowl

Link to Sriracha Mango Lime Shrimp Summer Bowl recipe

Sriracha Mango Lime Chicken Wings

Link to Sriracha Mango Lime Chicken Wings recipe

Gazpacho

link to Peach and Tomato Gazpacho recipe

Stuffed Tomatoes

link to Stuffed Roasted Tomatoes recipe

Wild Rice Turkey Bowl

Link to Wild Rice Turkey Bowl recipe

Sausage + Mushroom Turnovers

Link to Sausage Mushroom Cheese Turnovers recipe

Truffle Steak Au Poivre

Link to Truffle Steak Au Poivre recipe

Truffle Potato Stacks

Link to Cheesy Truffle Potato Stacks recipe

Jacobs Creek Winery

Food and Event photography for Jacob’s Creek Winery Press Event in NYC

Joanne’s Green Sauce

Food styling and photography for Joanne’s Green Sauce brand launch campaign and website

Food Photography – Emenu and Various NYC Restaurants

Uptown Whole Foods Cookbook

Styling and photography for Gary Null Whole Foods new Vegan cookbook

Food Styling for Stella Artois / Chowhound.com – Stella cooking videos featuring Chef Daniela Soto-Innes (CLICK LINKS TO VIEW VIDEOS)

Stella Artois / Chowhound cooking videos

Food Styling for Arnold Bread / Chef Tom Colicchio TV and Video cooking segments and live interviews – Arnold Bread live cooking demos “Build a Better Sandwich” campaign featuring Chef Tom Colicchio
(CLICK LINKS TO VIEW VIDEOS)

Arnold Bread + Chef Tom Colicchio

Happy New Year 2018!

Happy New Year 2018

via GIPHY

Happy New Year everyone! ????????✨

2017 was a long year with ups and downs but we all got through it and I’m ready for another year full of blessings, happiness, friends and family and new beginnings!

kristenhess_theartfulgourmet

I have some really cool plans coming up with work in Florida (and of course NYC), and I’ll be posting my new foodie adventures, recipes and photos on the blog and social media so be sure to check out my pages on @artfulgourmet to follow along! (hint: beach, sun, cocktails, coastal road trips and seafood ahead!)

Wishing each and everyone of you a fantastic year #2018!

#bestnine2017

My top posts on #Instagram featured Llots of #food and drinks of course – here’s to lots more of that in the New Year #2018! And thanks for the likes 😉 #2017bestnine #instagram ????????✨

The Artful Gourmet

And be sure to check out my food styling and photography portfolio for new delicious images I’ve styled and shot for my clients in the New Year at http://kristenhess.com 🙂

Pincher's Crab Shack

florida

Dr Smood: Smart Food for a Good Mood + Maca Pumpkin Couscous

I just discovered an amazing new cafe and store in NYC called Dr Smood – have you seen it? If not, you need to go. Based out of Miami, Dr Smood is a health company that makes “Smart Food for a Good Mood” – and oh how you’re gonna love this place!

They make all their own juices, smoothies, organic products and delicious healthy food based on 6 moodsPower, Beauty, Immunity, Detox, Energy and Health, which you can choose based on your mood and feeling and what you want to gain from the experience.

I had the opportunity to visit the Flatiron location in NYC and had a delicious Organic Detox Juice #9made with ginger, lemon, lime, raw honey, echinacea, and cayenne. Then for lunch I tried their Butternut Squash Soup, Turkey and Avocado sandwich on their homemade Performance Bread before browsing the beautiful cafe and store of amazing products including organic tea, coffee, chocolate, health and beauty supplements and organic dried foods.

 

dr smood mushroom powder

Dr Smood’s Organic Superfood Powders

Dr Smood’s Organic 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.

Dr Smood Red Maca Superfood Powder

Dr Smood Red Maca Powder is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body to adjust to stress. Maca is an excellent source of phytochemicals and protein and helps to regulate the endocrine system and hormones, boost libido and increases energy, stamina and endurance. Enjoy maca in homemade granola or add it to tea, juice, smoothies, oatmeal or cereal. (SRP: $21.95)

Dr Smood Spirulina Powder

Dr Smood Spirulina Powder contains over 60% complete protein—almost 3x as much as beef—and is one of the few good sources of plant-based B12. This algae can also boost your immunity and promote a healthy digestive tract. Use it to make a semi-raw soup with sweet potatoes and carrots, spirulina cacao clusters or add it to your favorite juice or smoothie. (SRP: $14.95)

Dr Smood Cacao powder

Dr Smood Raw Cacao Powder contains approximately 40x more antioxidants than blueberries, which help the body to resist and repair damage from free radicals; plus it’s a natural mood booster and can promote beautiful skin, nails and hair. Use it to make hot cacao with coconut cream and almond milk this season and you will never want the standard version of hot chocolate again! You can also add it to coffee, yogurt, fresh fruits or smoothies. (SRP: $10.95)

Red Maca Pumpkin Couscous with Shallots, Bacon + Crispy Sage

I picked up a jar of the Red Maca powder at the store and created a new recipe for Maca Pumpkin Couscous w/ Shallots and Bacon and Crispy Sage that turned out absolutely delicious! Maca powder is a great supplement to add to sweet recipes like juices and smoothies and organic raw desserts, or savory recipes like soups, sauces, gravies, or to sprinkle on roasted veggies.

Maca Pumpkin Couscous w/ Shallots and Bacon and Crispy Sage

Maca Pumpkin Couscous w/ Shallots and Bacon and Crispy Sage

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Yield: Serves 4.

Serving Size: 1 cup

A delicious and healthy way to incorporate Red Maca powder into a lovely fall savory dish. Roasted pumpkin, sautéed garlic and shallots and bacon tossed into a basil and herb couscous topped with crispy sage and pumpkin seeds.

Ingredients

  • 1 small sugar pumpkins, halved, seeds removed, skin on
  • 3 tablespoons olive or coconut oil, divided
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Dr Smood Red Maca Superfood Powder
  • Dash of cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 shallots, sliced
  • 1 garlic clove, chopped
  • 6 slices of bacon, cooked, drained and crumbled
  • 1 package of Near East Basil and Herb couscous
  • 6-8 sage leaves
  • Roasted pepitas or pumpkin seeds, for garnish
  • Parmesan cheese, grated, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Drizzle each pumpkin half with 1 tablespoon of oil. Season with salt and pepper, Red Maca powder and cayenne. Place the pumpkin halves cut side down onto a lightly greased baking sheet. Roast in oven for 1 hour, until fork tender and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
  3. Remove skin from pumpkin, cut into 1-inch cubes and toss with maple syrup; set aside.
  4. Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Cook the couscous according to package directions and set aside.
  5. Cook bacon in oven on a large foil lined baking sheet for about 20 minutes until crispy and brown, drain and crumble; set aside.
  6. Heat another tablespoon of oil in a sauté pan over medium heat; cook shallots and garlic for approximately 5 minutes until soft and golden (be careful not to burn!). Add sage leaves and sauté until crispy and browned.
  7. Add the cooked pumpkin, bacon, garlic, shallots to the couscous and toss together.
  8. Transfer to individual serving bowls, garnish with crispy sage, roasted pumpkin seeds and grated parmesan cheese.

Notes

You can also substitute roasted butternut squash or any other hearty veggies like eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms and bell peppers. Omit the bacon and cheese to make it vegetarian and dairy free.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2017/11/drsmood-smartfood-for-a-goodmood/

Here’s another fun easy recipe you can make when you have a sweet tooth:

Maca, Coconut and Cashew Granola (gluten-free, vegan)

1 1/2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
1 cup raw, unsalted cashews, coarsely chopped
1 cup coconut flakes
4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 tablespoon Dr Smood Red Maca Superfood Powder
pinch Himalayan fine grain sea salt

Preheat your oven to 300° F. Line a medium-sized baking sheet with parchment. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Spread all ingredients in an even layer on a pan. Bake for 15 – 20 minutes. Allow to fully cool on the pan. Granola will firm and turn crunchy once cooled. Store in a sealed container in the fridge.

Check out the gallery below to see more photos of their amazing store and food and products I discovered!

To find a Dr Smood cafe and retail store near you, please visit their website at http://drsmood.com

Dr Smood Facebook Page

Dr Smood Instagram Page

{Things I Love} :: August 2017

Things I Love August 2017

Hey guys! Can you believe Summer is almost halfway over (or more??) Time really does fly when you’re having fun, doesn’t it! Summer is truly my favorite season and as August rolls in, I’ve had a great one so far! Lots of trips to see family and friends in Upstate New York, my guy down in South Florida and West Coast Florida to St Petersburg and Clearwater Beach, and fun weekends in the city and beaches in NYC.

As much as I love the beach and warm weather and sunny days, I start thinking about the crisp Fall days ahead – and all the delicious comfort food recipes and seasonal produce coming into play that makes my heart skip a beat..cozy soups, fresh gorgeous salads and hearty casseroles and pies and roasted dinners..mmmmm. But wait..it’s only August…

So to celebrate the season, here’s a few shoutouts to some of the amazing and fun places, people, recipes and things I’ve been loving on this Summer – it’s not quite over yet! Hope you’re having a fantastic one yourselves and getting plenty of delicious bites and drinks, travel, quality time with friends and family, and some sun, sand and surf in too.

Cocktails at Sandbar in the sun…and gorgeous sunsets on the west coast of Florida…and that’s just the beginning.

Sunset

So here’s a salute to the best Summer ever and a few of my favorite things worth a shout out….

Sandbar Delray

Boston’s Sand Bar, Delray Beach

I recently visited Boston’s Sand Bar in Delray Beach with my boyfriend after a day at the beach and what a fun place this is! They have great happy hour specials everyday with 1/2 price beer, wine and cocktails and beach bar bites like Smoked Fish Dip, Conch Fritters, Peel and Eat Shrimp, Mojitos and Margaritas.

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Definitely a fun casual spot with a Tiki Bar and beach vibe for a relaxing weekend afternoon in the sun on the patio…cornhole, music, beach, cocktails, sun, loungy couches…what else can you ask for?

Edna Lewis's Peach Cobbler

Edna Lewis’s Peach Cobbler

I don’t know about you, but there’s nothing better in the Summer than a baked fruit cobbler – especially fresh peaches topped with crisp buttery pastry and vanilla ice cream – definitely something to scream about and a fav refreshing, juicy Summer dessert!

Kingsley Street Soaps

Kingsley Street Artisan Soaps + Candles + Lotions, Syracuse NY

I am such a sucker for Summer Arts Festivals and I found this awesome soap, candles and lotions company at the Park Avenue Festival in Rochester, NY last weekend! The scents are amazing and made with all natural ingredients – I absolutely LOVE their Sandalwood soap and Tobacco Leaf & Amber candle. Divine.

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Harpoon Harry’s, Punta Gorda FL

My boyfriend and I stopped in here last minute on our way back home from St Pete, FL one night to take a quick break from driving and make a pit stop. We stumbled upon the town of Punta Gorda, a sleepy little marina town in Florida and discovered the Fisherman’s Village on Charlotte Harbor, where this place is located, and it had the most stunning sunset and waterside views I’ve seen in quite a while. It’s a fun, casual bar and restaurant (think Popcorn Shrimp, Crab Cakes, Raw Oyster Bar and Grouper Sandwiches – yum!) and definitely worth a stop if you’re driving down the coast of West Florida. They even have this amazing Sea Foam sugar scrub in the bathrooms to add to the ambience.

yeahhhhhh…I think I could live here 😉

Balsamic Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Ricotta

Balsamic Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Ricotta

This is one of my favorite Summer recipes ever. I created it for my client 7 Barrels, with their delicious Sweet Basil Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar to make a gorgeous fresh tomato sauce with garlic and onions and then topped it the pasta with fresh basil, ricotta and parmesan cheese. So easy and light – it’s truly Summer in a Bowl.

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The Classic East concert, Citifield NYC

A few weekends ago my Sister came to town for The Classic East concert which was amazing! All the classic 70’s bands were playing over 2 days out at Citifield stadium. We saw Journey, The Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, Earth Wind and Fire, Steely Dan and The Eagles! All my favorite bands on the planet!!!

Visit our Facebook page with more fun concert photos and live videos from the event!

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Dim Sum at Grand Restaurant, Flushing NY

On Sunday that same weekend, we decided to meet up with my Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Jim for some Dim Sum at the Grand Restaurant in the New City Mall in Flushing, (Chinatown in Queens). If you have never had Dim Sum before, you’re in for a treat! They basically sit you down at a big table and the servers come by with rolling carts full of Chinese appetizers and small plates and you order whatever you want off the cart and they tally up your bill as you go! We had delicious dumplings in all flavors, fried shrimp, sautéed Bok Choy, a delicious Coconut Gel, Mango Rice Pudding and Custard Egg Tarts for dessert. So delish and fun! But beware, all those small bites add up fast!

green chili chicken lasagna

Green Chile Chicken Lasagna, Son of a Southern Chef

I just discovered the awesome food blog, Son of a Southern Chef, who is nominated for a Saveur Blog Award this year – I love his Southern comfort food recipes, writing style, graphics and sassy voice and attitude! This Green Chile Chicken Lasagna is definitely on my list of recipes to try, along with his Mac & Cheese, Shepherd’s Pie, etc..yum!

Love Ceramics

Love Ceramics @love_ceramic

I just stumbled upon this Instagram page of Love Ceramics today and absolutely love their gorgeous colors and patterns! Perfect props for my food photography and just all around artsy and cool. LOVE is right 😉

No Bake Super Muesli Protein Bars

No Bake Super Muesli Protein Bars, Evoke Muesli

I recently discovered these guys at the Park Avenue Festival in Rochester NY last weekend too and love their organic muesli..especially the Cocoa Cherry Chai flavor! This recipe for no-bake protein bars sounds awesome for the Summer for a quick high protein snack when you need some energy.

Chocolate Cherry Pisco Sour

Chocolate Cherry Pisco Sour, Drinking with Chickens

I have not made this drink yet but I absolutely love Pisco Sours and anything made with chocolate and cherries. So there ya go. On my bucket list to make before the end of summer. YUM. And Drinking with Chickens is the funnest name EVER for a cocktail blog so you need to vote for them in the 2017 Saveur Blog Awards for best cocktail blog because – the chickens. #OMG.

Hot Chicken Sandwiches with Pickles and Slaw

Hot Chicken Sandwiches with Pickles and Slaw, Rachael Ray Show

Hello, spicy chicken sandwich on steroids. I think I love you. 

Pincher's Crab Shack

Pincher’s Crab Shack, Naples FL

Another fun place my BF and I discovered on our little road trip down the West coast of Florida a few weeks ago for his birthday. It’s a fun crab shack nestled on the coast of Naples, where you can eat to your heart’s content a massive amount of fresh seafood at Happy Hour from 4-7 pm. 1/2 price drinks and super cheap goodies like peel & eat shrimp, clam chowder, crab legs, and raw oysters for $1 with a killer view on the water? Fork, yeah. 

Peachy-Chipotle-Chicken-Tortilla-and-Avocado-Rice-Salad-with-Pan-Fried-Halloumi-1

Peachy Chipotle Chicken Tortilla and Avocado Rice Salad w/ Fried Halloumi, Half Baked Harvest

Um, yessss. More peaches. Mixed together with tons of lovely ingredients to make a super delish salad – cilantro, lime, fried halloumi cheese, chicken, greens, all tossed in a vinaigrette dressing and topped with tortilla chips and jalapeños. Could this be the perfect salad in my life? Yeah, I think so.

Grilled Flatbread recipes

5 Grilled Flatbread Recipes for Summer, Culture Mag

OK so Summer isn’t over yet right? And let’s not put away the grill too soon either! Culture Mag does it again with these five awesome grilled flatbread recipes – Corn Chowder Flatbread, Eggplant Relish and Ricotta, Shrimp and Mixed Herb Pesto, Prosciutto-Melon, and Tomato-Peach with Blue Cheese and Basil. YUM!

Check out my Instagram feed to see some more fun photos of my food, music and travel adventures 🙂

Oh, and don’t forget to check out my Artful Gourmet Facebook page too for more adventures and photos and videos. Hope you guys are having a rockin’ Summer! Stay tuned for my Fall favs next month 🙂

Expert Interview Series with FoodyDirect.com!

I was recently invited as a guest for the FoodyDirect.com Expert Interview Series to talk about great tasting and looking food, and I’m honored to share the interview with you! I discuss my background and how I got into Food Styling and Photography as a full-time freelance profession, along with some of my favorite things to cook, food trends, hot spots in NYC and some simple rules for great food photography on social media.

Expert Interview Series with FoodyDirect.com

I also included one of my favorite go-to recipes in the article, my Rochester-Style Chicken French with Broccolini which I know you’re gonna love!

Chicken French

Check out the interview below or on FoodyDirect.com (the best online mail order source for gourmet food and gifts!

FoodyDirect.com

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Kristen Hess is a New York City food stylist, photographer, recipe developer, and author of the food blog, The Artful Gourmet.  We recently chatted with Kristen about her favorite cuisines, cooking trends, and NYC eateries, and also asked her to share her food stylist expertise with us to help foodies take better photos of their gastronomical creations.

Tell us a bit about yourself. Why did you decide to dive headfirst into learning about cooking and food photography?

I’ve always loved food and cooking but never considered it as a full-time career until I moved to NYC and started taking a series of cooking classes at The Institute of Culinary Education. I was working in advertising at the time and thought it was a fun hobby, but then that hobby became more serious as I discovered food media as a blossoming career path and started taking more classes in food styling, photography, and food writing and then started my blog.
Out of all of the different styles of cuisine and cooking in your repertoire, which one was the most fun to learn about?

My all-time favorite is Italian food because I love the simplicity of the gorgeous ingredients, rustic flavors, and cooking techniques. Whether it’s homemade pasta and sauce, homemade pizza, a gorgeous salad, an antipasti dish, or a roasted chicken with vegetables, I love it all!

Name a cooking trend, tool, or category that you’re currently excited about. 

Alternative flours and coconut everything! I try to live a healthy lifestyle, but sometimes it’s hard when you work in the food industry (esp. in NYC!) surrounded by delicious temptations every day. Alternative flours made out of chickpeas, coconut, almond, bananas, brown rice, farro, buckwheat, chia, and arrowroot are great for low-carb and paleo/gluten-free cooking – and they’re healthier, too. You can make pizza crust, bread, pasta, pancakes, tortillas, pastry, crepes, socca, and all kinds of dishes with it. And I love coconut oil, cream, and milk as an alternative to full-fat regular dairy sometimes because it has a nice subtle coconut flavor and is great to cook with at high heat. I’ve made curries, smoothies, baked goods, and more with it. Great stuff.

Many people have a basic idea of what a food stylist does – but could you tell us about some types of food photography that you’ve done that people may not associate with the craft? 

I do some interesting gigs with agencies for their food clients who are doing on-site media tours promoting food products and recipes to food editors for all the major food magazines. For example, The Jackfruit Company launched their new products and I toured around with the owner and PR agency making tacos, salads, burgers, and sandwiches on-site in the editors’ board rooms while they pitched the product to the editors and writers (to gain press and brand affection, of course!).

Another new type of job that is getting popular is styling food for Facebook Live segments for cookbook authors and chefs, health experts, and bloggers. I did quite a few of these for Keri Glassman and Andy Boy Broccoli Rabe, making recipes for them which were demoed live on Facebook at PureWow Magazine and Cosmo.com. I also did this for Halloween making super fun recipes by blogger Elise Strachan at People Food and Food and Wine.

When you see people posting pictures of food on their social media pages, what are some of the “mistakes” you see that make the dish look really unappetizing?

I always say lighting is a huge factor for any good food photo. If it’s too yellow or too blue, you need to fix the hue or it looks unappetizing. Also, never use flash or take photos with overhead lights as they give harsh shadows and blow out the food. Try to shoot food with natural light as much as possible. Bad angles are a no-no too. Don’t shoot burgers or sandwiches overhead. You can’t see what’s inside. Pizza is great for overhead shots because you want to see what’s on it. Don’t be afraid to crop into the shot too for some detail. Finally, consider your composition; what’s the hero in the shot? Focus on that dish. Not the glass behind it. Let the hero shine!

Finish this sentence: “If you’re a true foodie, the next time you visit New York City, you definitely need to stop by…”

For pizza, you need to check out DiFara on Ave J in Brooklyn. The wait is kinda long, but it’s soooo good and super worth the trip and the wait. I also love RubiRosa pizza in Soho.

Pearl Oyster Bar in the West Village is amazing for fresh oysters, seafood, wine, etc.

My favorite taco joint is La Esquina in Nolita. They make authentic Mexican style tacos on small corn tortillas with fresh cilantro, pork, steak, chicken, and homemade salsa. Plus, the grilled street corn is to die for!

You can’t go to NYC without getting a delicious burger, fries, and milkshake from the Shake Shack in Madison Square Park. Again, the line is long, but so worth the wait!!!

And lastly, go to Katz’s Deli in the Lower East Side for a pastrami on rye New York City style. Delish.

What types of desserts do you enjoy making for friends and family?

I’m definitely more of a savory cook than a pastry cook, but I absolutely love making pies and tarts. I always make lovely fruit-based pies or tarts in the summer around the 4th of July using berries, peaches, and mascarpone on a puff pastry sheet. Thanksgiving is always fun; I love experimenting with new pie recipes (something different than pumpkin or apple pie) like Christina Tosi’s Crack Pie or my Bourbon Buttermilk Pecan Pie.

Finally, could you share with us one recipe that’s always a hit when you prepare it? 

I have so many recipes that I love but one of my absolute favorites is my “Rochester-Style Chicken French with Broccolini.” It’s actually not a French recipe; it’s an Italian recipe similar to a piccata dish, but with a light coating of egg batter, butter, white wine, lemon, and parsley on thinly-pounded chicken, sautéed in a pan and then coated in the luscious buttery lemon sauce. It’s easy to make, tastes amazing, and everyone loves it. I serve it with sautéed broccolini, but you could also serve it with green beans or sautéed spinach, over pasta or rice, or alongside some crusty french bread to mop up the sauce. Goes great with a tangy white wine like Pinot Grigio and a simple green salad with shaved Parmesan cheese and a tangy wine vinaigrette.

Chicken French

Rochester-Style Chicken w/ Broccolini

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Yield: Serves 4.

This delicious Italian dish originated in Rochester, NY and is a great meal for a special occasion or any night of the week. Thin chicken cutlets are coated in a light egg and parmesan batter then sautéed until crispy and brown. They are coated in a luscious lemon butter and wine sauce and served with a side of fresh broccolini. Goes great with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio and a green salad with shaved Parmesan and a tangy vinaigrette.

Ingredients

  • CHICKEN FRENCH:
  • 1/4 cup olive oil/canola oil blend for sauteing (I used Colavita Garlic Oil Blend)
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets
  • 2-3 eggs
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
  • Dash of cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
  • 1/2 cup of superfine flour (Pan Searing flour or Wondra)
  • LEMON BUTTER SAUCE:
  • 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup white wine or sherry
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Juice from 1 1/2 lemons (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
  • Lemon wedges, for garnish
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
  • BROCCOLINI:
  • 1 bunch broccolini, trimmed
  • Lemon Butter sauce (see above)
  • lemon, S&P for garnish

Instructions

  1. CHICKEN FRENCH:
  2. Heat oil in a large non-stick saute pan over medium heat.
  3. Meanwhile, whisk together eggs, cheese, salt and pepper, cayenne, and fresh parsley in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Place flour in another flat bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Rinse and pat dry chicken breasts, then dredge each one in flour first (left hand), then egg mixture (right hand).
  6. Place chicken into the heated saute pan and cook for 6 minutes on one side. Flip chicken over and saute for another 6 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Remove from pan and set aside, covered with a foil tent.
  8. LEMON BUTTER SAUCE:
  9. In the same skillet, saute the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn.
  10. Add the wine and bring liquid to a boil over high heat, scraping up the brown bits in the pan.
  11. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using) and let reduce by half, another 5-7 minutes.
  12. Stir in the butter and whisk until it melts.
  13. Add chicken back into the pan with the sauce and let simmer another 5-10 minutes.
  14. Place chicken on serving plate with the steamed broccolini and spoon lemon butter sauce over the top of both.
  15. Garnish with lemon wedges and additional chopped parsley if desired.
  16. BROCCOLINI:
  17. Steam broccolini for about 5 minutes, covered. Remove lid and steam for another 5 minutes until fork tender but still bright green.
  18. Top broccolini with Lemon Butter sauce, additional lemon, salt, and pepper to taste.

Notes

You can also substitute veal for the chicken or artichokes for a vegetarian option.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2017/06/expert-interview-series-foodydirect-com/

Are you jonesing for authentic New York-style foods? Check out FoodyDirect.com selection today!

Sausage, Corn & Orzo “Jambalaya”

Sausage Orzo Jambalaya

Sausage Orzo Jambalaya

On gray rainy days in New York (esp. at the beginning of so-called “Spring”), there’s nothing better than staying home and cooking up a big pot of comfort food. It seems to make the rain almost pleasant to listen to and watch, knowing that you’re tucked up indoors away from the rest of the world, cooking something cozy and #delicious.

Sausage Orzo Jambalaya

One of my favorite things to make is spicy #Cajun and #Creole food (New Orleans is one of my fav cities ever..the best food and cocktails on the planet!) and I had grand visions of creating a kickass recipe this week for my blog. And considering it’s going to be a rainy week and we’re all stuck indoors from this #quarantine, why not make a big pot of something wonderful to savor while I’m at it?

Sausage Orzo Jambalaya

I had some Aidell’s Andouille Sausage on hand and tons of bell peppers, garlic, onions and tomatoes in the pantry so I decided to make a big pot of Jambalaya for my afternoon project. I also had some Flour City Pasta ‘Bon Vivant Orzo’ I’ve been dying to try, so I decided to whip up a twist on ordinary Jambalaya using that instead of rice. The orzo is multi-colored small pasta that looks like rice, with wild mushroom, saffron, spinach and cayenne – and I thought it would add some more layers of flavor to the dish.

Sausage Orzo Jambalaya

First I cooked the sausage until lightly browned in a big Dutch oven with a little olive oil. Then I added the vegetables and sautéed everything together with some spicy Creole seasoning (Tony Chacere’s is the bomb!). I also threw in some Kroger brand Zesty Seasoning Blend which is a savory blend of herbs and spices like onion, black pepper, chili pepper, parsley, oregano, basil, savory, marjoram, bay, thyme, rosemary, garlic and cumin and added a dash of hot paprika for an extra kick of spiciness and flavor. You can also substitute some dried thyme and oregano or whatever dried herbs you like instead if you can’t find something similar.

Sausage Orzo Jambalaya

Then I added the broth and tomatoes and orzo and brought everything to a boil, and let it all simmer for about 10 minutes or so until the orzo was cooked through. The pasta will soak up the liquids and get thicker the longer it sits, so be careful not to overcook it or it will get mushy. If you’re using rice instead, let the ingredients simmer for longer, about 20 minutes.

Once it all comes together with a consistency you like, serve it with some chopped green onions and fresh parsley with a dash of hot sauce (traditional Frank’s RedHot or Crystal are my favs) and freshly ground black pepper for an extra kick.

Sausage Orzo Jambalaya

All I know is I have a long holiday weekend to savor my delicious #Jambalaya, along with lots of naps and #Netflix.

Let it rain. J

Sausage & Orzo Jambalaya

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 6-8

Serving Size: 1 cup

This Sausage Orzo Jambalaya is a twist on traditional Creole Jambalaya using multi-colored orzo instead of rice, with the addition of some corn. It has a medium-spice heat to it with lots of veggies including red, yellow, orange and green peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes - a savory, heartwarming dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 pounds Andouille sausage cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 ½ cups onion, chopped
  • 1 ½ cups bell peppers, chopped (red, yellow, orange, green)
  • 1 cup yellow corn kernels
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning (Tony Chacere’s)
  • 2 teaspoons Zesty Seasoning Blend (Kroger)- optional
  • 1 teaspoon hot paprika
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups orzo
  • Sliced scallions, for garnish
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Hot sauce, for garnish (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat oil over medium-high in a large Dutch oven or pot. Add the sausage and cook for about 8 minutes until browned on all sides about 8 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
  2. Add the onions, peppers, corn, garlic and bay leaves along with the herbs and spices and saute over medium-high for a few minutes. Add the broth and diced tomatoes and bring to a boil.
  3. Stir in the orzo and reduce heat to a simmer and let cook for about 10 minutes until the orzo is cooked through and soft.
  4. Garnish with sliced scallions and chopped fresh parsley and a dash of hot sauce and freshly ground black pepper, to taste for an extra kick.

Notes

Note: you can also substitute traditional white rice for the orzo, just cook it in the pot longer, about 20 minutes instead of 10 minutes.

You can also add chicken or shrimp to the recipe, swapping out 1 pound for the andouille sausage.

Recipe adapted from Southern Living Magazine.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2017/05/sausage-orzo-jambalaya/

Happy Holidays! A few of my favorite holiday recipes

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays

Well the holidays have finally arrived – my favorite time of year! I love having some time to rest and relax and enjoy quality time with friends and family, especially around the table sharing delicious food and wine. So to celebrate the season, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite holiday recipes that I’ve created over the years – either for myself or a few of my clients (KitchenAid, Colavita and Seven Barrels), that I wanted to share with all of you. From appetizers, to salads, to desserts, entrees and cocktails, they all have that special magic touch perfect for the holidays.

I’d love to hear in the comments below what some your favorite holiday recipes are too – feel free to post them and share a link below, and if you want to share my recipes online please include a link back to my site and credit to Kristen Hess / The Artful Gourmet and @artfulgourmet on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Tumblr).

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a joyous and prosperous New Year 2017!

 

BloodOrangeCake_StrawberrySauce

Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake with Strawberry Chocolate Sauce 

PumpkinPearTart

Pear and Pumpkin Tart

Mini Holiday Tarts

Mini Sweet and Savory Holiday Tarts

Roasted Squash Salad

Roasted Squash Salad with Spiced Pecans

Holiday Brunch Strata

Holiday Brunch Strata

Almond Cookies

Almond Shortbread Cookies with Blood Orange Glaze

Parmesan-Garlic-Artichoke-Dip

Hot Parmesan Artichoke Dip with Homemade Pita Chips

Maple Walnut Pie

Maple Brown Sugar Walnut Pie

Swedish Meatballs

Braised Swedish Meatballs

Butternut Squash Ricotta Tart

Three Cheese Butternut Squash Tart with Bacon

Choc Thumbprint Cookies

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Truffled Pancetta 3 Cheese Pasta

Truffled 3-Cheese Pasta with Pancetta and Garlic

Whiskey Sour and Stuffed Mushrooms

Holiday Cocktail Party! Appetizer and Cocktail recipes 

Sweet and Spicy Asian Chicken Bites

Sweet and Spicy Asian Chicken Bites

Brussels Sprouts

Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Shallots and Balsamic

SpinachSalad-Vinaigrette

Spinach Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette

ChocolateChipotleShortRibs

Chocolate Chipotle Braised Short Ribs

Olive Garden unveils new ‘Tastes of the Mediterranean” menu

Olive Garden Tastes of the Mediterranean Menu

I had the opportunity to attend a special preview tasting of Olive Garden‘s new ‘Tastes of the Mediterranean’ menu this week at a lovely event held at Haven’s Kitchen in NYC with a group of other food bloggers, writers and journalists.

Media Preview Haven's Kitchen

Olive Garden Team

We sampled a (generous!) variety of delicious food and wine, and learned more about the new menu ideas and inspiration from the Olive Garden team and Executive Chef, Jim Nuetzi

Olive Garden Tasting Event

Inspired by the flavors of Italy’s Mediterranean Coast, Olive Garden is evolving its popular Lighter Italian Fare menu to the new ‘Tastes of the Mediterranean’ menu, which celebrates the flavors and cooking styles from the popular Mediterranean region of Italy with all entrees under 600 calories.

Chicken Margherita

Beginning Jan. 2, two new entrees – Chicken Margherita and

Linguine Di Mare

Linguine di Mare – will be available in restaurants. Following, the fully evolved ‘Tastes of the Mediterranean’ rebranded menu section, which includes guest favorites as well as the new entrees, will be introduced on Jan. 23.

Executive Chef Jim

“Healthier dishes at restaurants can often be perceived as boring or unsatisfying. However, our Mediterranean-inspired Shrimp Scampi with its flavorful ingredients was our second most popular entrée on the entire menu last summer,” said Jim Nuetzi, Executive Chef for Olive Garden. “The positive reaction from our guests further showed that we could create indulgent and craveable entrees that just happen to have the added benefit of lower calorie counts.”

Shrimp Scampi

The guest-favorite Shrimp Scampi, which was introduced to the Olive Garden menu last year, has exceeded any other Olive Garden lighter fare entrée in popularity. Many guests were surprised that the flavorful and satisfying dish was only 500 calories.

Grilled Chicken Parmigiana

The guest reaction to the Shrimp Scampi inspired chefs to explore additional ingredients that would excite guests in the same way, leading them to the cuisine of Italy’s Mediterranean coast. The region is long known for healthier lifestyles and cooking with light, flavorful ingredients such as seafood, olive oil, fresh vegetables, whole grains and Italian spices.

Chicken Margherita & Zucchini

Chicken Piccata

Herb Grilled Salmon

The ‘Tastes of the Mediterranean’ menu features:

Olive-Garden-Chicken-Margherita

  • NEW! Chicken Margherita: Grilled chicken breasts topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil pesto and a lemon garlic sauce. Served with parmesan crusted zucchini.

Olive-Garden-Shrimp-Scampi

  • Shrimp Scampi: Shrimp sautéed in a garlic sauce, tossed with asparagus, tomatoes and angel hair pasta.

Olive-Garden-Linguini-di-Mare

  • NEW! Linguine di Mare: Shrimp and mussels sautéed with homemade pomodoro sauce and whole grain linguine.

Olive-Garden-Herb-Grilled-Salmon

  • Herb-Grilled Salmon: Filet grilled to perfection and topped with garlic-herb butter. Served with parmesan-garlic broccoli.

Olive-Garden-Chicken-Piccata-Dinner

  • Chicken Piccata: Grilled chicken topped with a lemon garlic butter sauce, sun-dried tomatoes and capers. Served with parmesan crusted zucchini.

Olive Garden Tilapia Piccata

  • Tilapia Piccata: Delicate white fish baked in a lemon garlic butter sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and capers. Served with parmesan crusted zucchini.

Entrees on the rebranded menu start at $14.29.

Warm Chocolate Baci Cake

And last but not least, we enjoyed a gorgeous dessert, Warm Chocolate Baci Cake with coffee..simply divine. 

Olive Garden

..and got some take home goodie bags with a bottle of wine and some wine glasses!

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ABOUT OLIVE GARDEN

Olive Garden is the leading restaurant in the Italian dining segment with more than 800 restaurants, more than 96,000 employees and more than $3.8 billion in annual sales. Olive Garden is a division of Darden Restaurants, Inc., (NYSE: DRI), which owns and operates more than 1,500 restaurants that generate over $6.8 billion in annual sales. Headquartered in Orlando, Fla., and employing more than 150,000 people, Darden is recognized for a culture that rewards caring for and responding to people. Olive Garden is committed to making a difference in the lives of others in the local community. As part of this commitment, Olive Garden restaurants have donated more than 35 million pounds of food to local community food banks across the country.

Guests can join the conversation and connect with Olive Garden at Facebook.com/OliveGarden, Twitter.com/OliveGarden and Instagram.com/OliveGarden. For more information and to find your nearest Olive Garden restaurant, visit OliveGarden.com.