Vegan Kung Pao Noodles

Vegan Kung Pao Noodles

I recently was invited to participate in another fun #Blogger Recipe contest, this time held by Big Mountain Foods… they sent me a few of their tasty #vegan products to play with and use to create a new #recipe. I absolutely LOVE spicy Asian food and noodle dishes and had a craving for it, so I decided to create these Vegan Kung Pao Noodles for the contest and oh my GOODNESS. They are super delish you guys!

Vegan Kung Pao NoodlesHey, it’s a New Year, so why not try to lighten up a little with some healthier recipes that are meat-free and dairy-free but still have tons of flavor? There’s so many good things in this dish that you won’t even miss the meat, I promise.

Lion's Mane Mushroom Crumbles

 

Big Mountain Foods is an all women-owned company based out of Vancouver, BC. They offer a superb lineup of fresh, vegan, #plant-based products that are flavorful, #gluten-free and #non-GMO/#organic. I used their Lion’s Mane Mushroom Crumbles in this recipe which has a blend of organic lion’s mane, portobello and shiitake mushrooms along with a mixture of other healthy ingredients like carrots, pea protein, yellow split peas, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds and coconut oil. They are absolutely delicious and a perfect substitution for ground beef, or ground chicken, with a great umami flavor and nice texture.

Prep ingredients

This recipe for Vegan Kung Pao Noodles is a fun twist on a traditional Asian favorite, Kung Pao. I made it with buckwheat soba noodles, sautéed Lion’s Mane mushroom crumbles, fresh ginger, shallots, red peppers, and water chestnuts tossed in a sweet and spicy Kung Pao sauce (soy sauce, sesame oil, apple cider vinegar and coconut palm sugar and Asian chile garlic sauce) topped with sesame seeds, crunchy peanuts and crispy fried garlic. Oh, the flavors!!!

Stir Fry veggies

First, heat oil in a wok or large pan and sauté the shallots, ginger, water chestnuts and red bell peppers for a few minutes until soft.

Add Mushroom Crumbles

Add the Lion’s Mane Mushroom Crumbles to the pan and cook a few minutes more until heated through.

Add Kung Pao Sauce

Stir in the Kung Pao sauce and let it simmer on low heat for a few more minutes to infuse all the delicious flavors together. Add a little corn starch slurry to thicken the sauce even more.

Stir Noodles and Veggies with Sauce

Toss in the cooked soba noodles and stir to coat. Add in the sesame seeds, peanuts and crispy garlic; mix together into a big pot of sweet and spicy, crunchy goodness.

Vegan Kung Pao Noodles

Serve immediately and enjoy with a glass of white wine (like a Sauvignon Blanc).

Vegan Kung Pao Noodles

Feel free to substitute other pasta for the soba noodles: rice noodles, spaghetti or linguine noodles work great. You can also add an extra teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or drizzle Sriracha sauce on top to kick the heat up a notch…(I absolutely did!!)

Vegan Kung Pao Noodles

If you want to experiment with some other veggies, try adding broccoli, carrots, snow peas, or sliced green onions to the stir fried noodles.

Vegan Kung Pao Noodles

If you add more veggies, you may need to make a little extra sauce depending on how much you add, so the noodles don’t get too dry. Just play with it and get it to the consistency and flavor you like.

Vegan Kung Pao Noodles

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 6

This is a fun twist on a traditional Asian favorite, Kung Pao, with buckwheat soba noodles tossed with sautéed Lion's Mane mushroom crumbles, fresh ginger, shallots, red peppers, and water chestnuts in a spicy savory sauce topped with sesame seeds, peanuts and crispy fried garlic.

Ingredients

  • 1 package buckwheat soba noodles (12 oz)
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon peanut or vegetable oil
  • 1 package Big Mountain Foods Lion's Mane Mushroom Crumbles
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, julienned
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 1 (5 oz) can water chestnuts, diced
  • 1 small red pepper, sliced thin
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons coconut palm sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Asian chili garlic sauce
  • 1/3 cup cold water
  • 1 tablespoon corn starch
  • 1/4 cup dry roasted peanuts
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons crispy fried garlic

Instructions

  1. Cook soba noodles in boiling water for approximately 5 minutes, until soft. Drain and toss with 1 teaspoon sesame oil; set aside.
  2. Heat additional teaspoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
  3. Add ginger, shallot, water chestnuts and red pepper; sauté for about 2-3 minutes until soft. Stir in the Lion's Mane Mushroom Crumbles and cook for another 2-3 minutes, then lower heat to medium-low.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari), sesame oil, apple cider (or rice) vinegar, coconut palm sugar, chili garlic sauce and pour into the skillet with the Mushroom veggie mixture, stir and toss to coat.
  5. Whisk the corn starch and water together and pour into the wok/skillet and mix together well. Let mixture cook for an additional minute or so until the sauce thickens.
  6. Toss in the peanuts, sesame seeds and fried garlic, stir together.
  7. Serve hot immediately, top with additional peanuts and crispy garlic if desired, for garnish.

Notes

Feel free to substitute other pasta for the soba noodles: rice noodles, spaghetti or linguine noodles work great. Add extra tablespoon of chili paste to kick the heat up a notch. You can also add extra vegetables to the stir fried noodles but you may need to make extra sauce so the noodles don't get too dry if adding them.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2022/01/vegan-kung-pao-noodles/

Vegan Kung Pao Noodles

Any way you make these Kung Pao noodles they are absolutely delish and a #healthy vegan dish to kick off the New Year with!

You can find all of Big Mountain’s products online and also in the fresh section of the grocery store, as well as specialty food stores (Sprouts, Whole Foods, etc.) And check out @bigmountainfoods social media pages and website for more info, a store locator and more great recipes!

Website: https://bigmountainfoods.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigmountainfoods/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigmountainfoods/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bigmountainfood

#BigMountainFoodsRecipeChallenge #BigMountainFoods #Veganrecipes

——–

Other recipes you may enjoy:

Spicy Pork Udon Noodle Soup

Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles

Sweet + Spicy Shrimp Noodle Salad

 

Keto Bacon & Cheese Egg Muffins

EggMuffins-Header

Bacon Egg Cheese Muffins2

Spring is finally here! I love this season because everything starts coming to life again and with all the fresh produce available I’m so motivated to cook some fresh and healthy food that’s low carb and #keto friendly too.

Bacon Egg Cheese Muffins

I usually make a big batch of these #Keto Bacon + Cheese Egg Muffins in a 12-muffin tin, and then I have a healthy breakfast for the rest of the week that’s great for on-the-go and days I don’t want to cook.

They’re loaded with lots of healthy protein with #organic #eggs, applewood smoked #bacon, cheddar #cheese, grated Parmesan cheese and a little half and half. And they’re loaded with lots of antioxidants with veggies like #garlic, onions, and chives and some hot pepper flakes for a little kick.

Bacon Egg Cheese Muffins

First cook your bacon in the oven, which is the best way to get it crispy and less greasy and messy. While you’re doing that, sauté the onions and garlic in some healthy olive oil about 5-6 minutes, and set aside. Then you whip up your eggs with some half and half, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, S+P and chives. Spray the muffin tin with some olive oil spray and add the bacon, and cooked #veggies to the eggs and stir together. Pour the egg mixture about 3/4 of the way into each tin and bake on 350 F for 25-30 minutes until the eggs are cooked through and fluffy. Let cool for a few minutes.

Bacon Egg Cheese Muffins

They should pop right out of the muffin tin and they’re ready to eat! I usually eat mine with some hot sauce too. Oh, and some extra crispy bacon on the side never hurt either. Feel free to add any other veggies you want to the mix (bell peppers, zucchini, tomatoes and mushrooms are all good #lowcarb options). Serve with a side of fresh mixed berries or greens if you like, too.

Bring on Spring! 

#Keto Bacon & Cheese Egg Muffins

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 12 egg muffins

Serving Size: 1

These Bacon Egg and Cheese Muffins are a great low carb / keto breakfast on the go! They're loaded with lots of protein with organic eggs, applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese and a little half and half. And  they're loaded with lots of antioxidant veggies too like garlic, onions, and chives and some hot pepper flakes for a little kick.

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray
  • 5 slices applewood smoked bacon
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons minced chives
  • 8 large eggs
  • 3 tbsp. half and half
  • 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • Himalayan pink sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350º and spray a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil cooking spray.
  2. Place the bacon on a wire rack over a foil lined baking sheet and bake until crispy, about 15 minutes. Drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate, then chop or crumble into small pieces.
  3. Add chopped onion to a skillet with some olive oil or butter, and cook over medium heat until soft, 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, half and half, red pepper flakes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Fold in cooked vegetable mixture, bacon, chives, Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Pour mixture into prepared muffin tin.
  6. Bake until cooked through and golden, about 25-30 minutes.
  7. Let the muffins cool for a few minutes before serving.
  8. Store in the fridge in an airtight container until ready to eat.

Notes

Feel free to substitute any veggies you like as well as cheeses. This is a great flexible recipe you can make your own and switch up easily.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2021/04/keto-bacon-cheese-egg-muffins/

Keto Chicken Tikka Masala Flatbread

Keto Chicken Tikka Masala Flatbread

Keto Chicken Tikka Masala Flatbread

I was recently invited to participate in a recipe challenge for Kevin’s Natural Foods and I am so excited to try these delicious #organic sauces! They are all sugar/dairy/soy/gluten-free as well as paleo and keto-friendly, made with non-GMO/clean ingredients, super tasty and easy to cook with. And since I am currently doing a #keto and #low-carb lifestyle, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to experiment with some fun recipes for the contest.

Keto Chicken Tikka Masala Flatbread

Chicken Tikka Masala is one of my favorite Indian dishes EVER – so I jumped at the opportunity to create a Keto Chicken Tikka Masala Flatbread – an absolute flavor explosion which is also guilt-free and MAJORLY delicious!

KNF Tikka Masala Sauce

 

I used Kevin’s Natural Foods Tikka Masala Sauce – a delicious blend of bright tomato curry made with coconut milk, ginger, and Indian spices, with some roasted cauliflower, sweet caramelized onions, and juicy savory chicken thighs over homemade Keto Garlic “Naan” Flatbread.

Keto Garlic Naan Flatbread Ingredients

 

I started first by making the keto garlic naan flatbreads using mozzarella cheese, almond flour, cream cheese, garlic powder, baking powder and a pinch of Himalayan Pink sea salt and microwaving it for about a minute until cheeses are melted.

Keto Garlic Naan Flatbread

 

Then I stirred in the egg and kneaded it gently into a dough and shaped them into ovals on to the baking sheets, and brushed them with olive oil, fresh garlic, paprika and some chopped cilantro. I baked them for 15-17 minutes until browned and let them cool on parchment paper while making the Chicken Tikka Masala topping.

Roasted Cauliflower

 

Next, I chopped up a head of cauliflower into small florets and drizzled them with olive oil, garlic salt and freshly cracked black pepper, and roasted them in a 400 degree oven for about 20-25 minutes until crispy and browned (but made sure not to overcook because it will simmer in the sauce later with the other ingredients).

Caramelized Onions

 

I sliced up some sweet onion and sautéed them in a large pan with some more olive oil, sea salt and paprika for about 25-30 minutes over low heat until they were soft, golden and caramelized. YUM!!

Pour Sauce over ingredients

 

In the same saute pan, I sautéed the chicken thighs over medium-high heat until cooked through and no longer pink. Then I added the chicken back in the pan along with the cauliflower and onions, a pinch of red pepper flakes for additional heat, and poured the Chicken Tikka Masala sauce over the top.

Chicken TIkka Masala

 

I let this big pot of curry goodness simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes to let all the delicious flavors meld together with the sauce.

Chicken Tikka Masala

 

Once done, I topped the Keto flatbreads with some of the mixture..LOOK AT THIS GORGEOUS COLOR.

Keto Chicken Tikka Masala Flatbread

 

…then sliced the flatbread into wedges and topped it off with some fresh cilantro and black pepper.

Keto Chicken Tikka Masala Flatbread

 

OMG – you guys. This is the most delicious thing ever – and it’s so easy! The garlic flatbreads are literally super low carb and the chicken, cauliflower and sweet onions go so good with the Tikka Masala curry sauce – it literally melts in your mouth!

Keto Chicken Tikka Masala Flatbread

I can’t wait try their other great sauces out – stay tuned for more recipes this month that I’ll be creating for the same challenge with their Korean BBQ, Lemongrass Basil and Thai Coconut flavors which you can find online!

Keto Chicken Tikka Masala Flatbread

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: 2-4

Serving Size: 1/2 to 1 flatbread

These Keto Chicken Tikka Masala Flatbreads are a flavor explosion! Made with Kevin's Natural Foods Tikka Masala Sauce (organic, gluten free), roasted cauliflower, caramelized onions, and juicy chicken thighs over Keto Garlic Naan Flatbread. Guilt-free and absolutely delicious!

Ingredients

  • Chicken Tikka Masala:
  • 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 cups cauliflower florets
  • 4 tablespoons ghee or olive oil, divided
  • Kosher salt and pepper
  • 1 large onion, julienned
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
  • 1 pouch Kevin’s Chicken Tikka Masala Sauce
  • Fresh torn cilantro, for garnish
  • ------------------------------
  • Garlic Naan Flatbread:
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 4 tablespoons cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • Kosher salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced

Instructions

  1. Garlic Naan Flatbread:
  2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  3. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add mozzarella, almond flour, cream cheese, garlic powder, baking powder and a large pinch of salt. Microwave on high until cheeses are melted for about 1 minute; stir in eggs.
  4. Shape the dough into two 1/2-inch thick ovals and place on two large baking sheets.
  5. Mix ghee or oil with garlic and cilantro, brush over top of the bread.
  6. Bake each flatbread for 15-17 minutes. Set aside while making Chicken Tikka Masala.
  7. Chicken Tikka Masala:
  8. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of ghee or olive oil over cauliflower and season with garlic salt and pepper on a large baking sheet.
  9. Roast cauliflower for 20-25 minutes, until browned and crispy. Remove tray from oven and set aside.
  10. Heat an additional tablespoon of ghee or oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, sprinkle paprika over the onions and sauté for about 3-5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and let cook for about 20-25 minutes until caramelized and brown. Set aside into a small bowl while cooking the chicken.
  11. Bump up the heat to medium-high and add the chicken to the same sauté pan with one tablespoon ghee or olive oil. Saute for about 6-8 minutes until cooked through and no longer pink.
  12. Pour in the pouch of Jason’s Chicken Tikka Masala Sauce to the pan along with the cooked onions and cauliflower. Toss in a few red pepper flakes if desired. Bring sauce to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer and let cook over low heat for 5-8 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water or chicken broth until desired consistency.
  13. Remove from heat to cool and let flavors meld together.
  14. Top each keto naan flatbread with 1/2 the Chicken Tikka Masala mixture and garnish generously with fresh cilantro and freshly cracked black pepper.
  15. Slice flatbreads into wedges and serve immediately.

Notes

You can also substitute chicken breast instead of chicken thighs if you prefer. Try adding other veggies in if you like - peas, green beans, carrots...if you want to spice up the heat, garnish with a few jalapeños or sliced red chilies.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2020/11/keto-chicken-tikka-masala-flatbread/

Chicken Tikka Masala Flatbread

 

#eatcleanlivehappy #kevinsnaturalfoods #kevinsrecipechallenge

Check out more of Kevin’s Natural Foods Products and Recipes Online!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kevins-Natural-Foods-111435896926979/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevins.natural.foods/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/KevinsNaturalFoods/

Favorite #Keto + Low Carb Snacks

Now that #Summer has finally arrived, it’s back to #Keto and #lowcarb eating! Of course that includes lots of salads, no sugar, plenty of grilled steak, chicken, burgers and veggies. But what about the snacks on those days you’re craving something sweet? Or salty? And don’t feel like cooking and making your own low carb munchies? Here’s my shortlist of fav #snacks that will help you stay on your keto/low carb journey all Summer long. You can find most of these on Amazon or the brand’s websites – I’ve attached links below for easy shopping! Stay tuned for my next post with my favorite Keto and Low Carb recipes on the list this month. Enjoy. 🙂

FBOMB Keto Krunch

FBOMB Keto Krunch – made from 100% real cheese and baked into perfect crunchy cheesy bites of goodness. Gluten-free, sugar-free, hormone-free and high in fat and protein and they’ll keep you full all day long. They come in Buffalo, Chili Lime, Cheddar, Parmesan, Salt + Vinegar, Garlic + Herb flavors. buy

FBOMB Nut Butters

FBOMB Macadamia Nut Butter – these are great when you need a quick hit of some extra healthy fat on the go. The macadamia nut butters are only 1 net carb per serving and have 22g of fat to keep you full and satisfied when you’re craving something sweet. The flavors are great too: Macadamia Pecan with Sea Salt, Macadamia with Sea Salt, Salted Chocolate Macadamia, and Macadamia with Coconut. Super delish and packable. buy

Quest Protein Chips

 

Quest Protein Chips – when you have a serious craving for potato chips or tortilla chips – these are the next best thing! They have both options as a low carb chip in flavors like Nacho Cheese, Spicy Taco, Cool Ranch, and BBQ, Chili Lime, Cheddar and Sour Cream, Sour Cream and Onion, and Original. With a whopping 18g of protein and only 4g of net carbs, they’re perfect for dipping and crunching without the guilt. buy

Blue Diamond Almonds

Blue Diamond Almonds – perfect snack when you’re craving something crunchy and salty instead of chips. They have a variety of amazing flavors too like Sriracha, Dill Pickle, Smoked, Habanero BBQ, Sweet Thai Chili and Wasabi and Soy. They also have a Gourmet collection of flavors including Pink Himalayan Sea Salt, Rosemary, Black Truffle, and Garlic Herb and Olive Oil. Low carb (3g) and high in protein (6g) per serving. buy

fat snax cookies

 

Fat Snax Keto Cookies – these low carb keto-friendly cookies are sugar-free, gluten-free and only 2g net carbs each. They come in Chocolate Chip, Lemony Lemon, Peanut Butter and Double Chocolate and taste great! buy

Chef's Cut Jerky + Sticks

 

Chef’s Cut Jerky and Meat Sticks – These are great when you’re craving some quick protein and fat to fill you up but don’t have time to cook. Their premium jerky and meat sticks come in great flavors too like Original, Teriyaki, Sweet and Spicy, Jalapeño, Ghost Pepper, Buffalo and Sugar Free. Gluten-Free, Nitrite-Free, Chef-crafted and High in Protein (7g) and only 100 calories each. buy

Folios_Cheddar

 

Lolito Folio Cheese Wraps – these lightly baked cheese wraps are super delicious and come in three flavors: Parmesan, Cheddar and Jarlsberg all natural cheese and have zero carbs and only 180 calories. Perfect substitute for regular tortillas and wraps – make tacos, quesadillas,  savory tarts, sandwich wraps, stuffed pasta substitute and more.  buy

Coco Lite Pop Cakes

 

Coco Lite Pop Cakes – these super light and airy pop cakes are great! You can top them off with ricotta cheese, olive oil, chile flakes and herbs, use them for dipping instead of crackers, or break them up and throw them in a salad in place of high carb croutons. They come in Original, Multigrain, Maui Onion, and Chocolate Lace (a great low carb sweet treat!) and also have PopCHIPZ which are bite sized pop cakes great for just snacking right out of the bag. Only 16 calories and 5g net carbs. buy

EPIC pork rinds

 

EPIC Himalayan Sea Salt Pork Rinds – for a super crunchy snack with lots of protein (16g!) and fat these are the perfect Keto/low-carb option to potato chips. They’re great for dipping or just eat them alone.   buy

Quest Hero Bars

 

Quest HERO Bars – these are great when you’re craving sweets and also a good replacement for a low carb meal or snack. They’re gluten free, only 3-5g net carbs and come in tons of flavors like Blueberry Cobbler, Caramel Chocolate Chunk, Maple Waffle, Peanut Chocolate Chunk, Birthday Cake, Vanilla Caramel and more. buy

pyure hazelnut spread

 

Pyure Organic Hazelnut Spread – made with real hazelnuts and cocoa and organic stevia, this spread is the perfect option when you have a sweet tooth and are craving chocolate! It’s got only 2g net carbs, gluten-free, vegan and no palm oil. Super delicious! buy

Kbosh Cauliflower Crusts

Kbosh Keto Pizza Crusts – so anyone else craving pizza except for me? These keto pizza crusts are awesome and come in tons of flavors like Cauliflower, Broccoli, Kale, Italian Spinach, Pumpkin Zucchini, Mexican Zucchini and more. Top them off with all your favorite toppings and then bake them in the oven for a super delish option to carb laden pizza! Only 1g net carbs and 40 calories for 1/3 pizza (1 serving). Bring it on! buy

PBFit PB Powder

 

PBFit Organic Peanut Butter Powder – yes it sounds weird but it’s delicious! It’s simply made with ground peanuts, organic palm sugar and salt and when you mix it with water you have a low carb, low sugar option to peanut butter! Throw some in a smoothie with almond milk or make a dip for celery, apples or a low carb chip. buy

Protein Puffs

 

Twin Peaks Protein Puffs – these are like super high protein (42g!) Cheetos without all the carbs and they come in 3 flavors – Garlic Parmesan, Pizza and Mesquite BBQ. Only 3g net carbs and 130 calories per serving. buy

Enlightened Keto Ice Cream

Enlightened Keto Ice Cream – Who doesn’t love ice cream in the Summer? But on a low carb keto diet it’s a definite no-no. This brand has a variety of flavors like chocolate peanut butter, mint chocolate chunk, butter pecan, coffee and cream cookie dough, and lots more to choose from! They are gluten free, soy free and no sugar added. 1g net carbs per serving. They also have Keto ice cream bars in yummy flavors too. Score! buy

Things I Love {April 2020}

Things I Love :: April 2020

Welcome to my April #2020 edition of Things I Love – these are a few of my current objects of #obsession…#food, #wine, #cocktails, #recipes, #cooking gadgets, #restaurants, fav products and ingredients, #props, food styling and #photography inspiration, fun and engaging #videos, movies + TV shows, podcasts, lighting and #camera equipment and tips, #beauty products, #celebs and #influencers to follow, great #books to read, etc…All just simply people, places and things I love that I think are notable and worth a big shout out for their wonderful-ness! And stay tuned for next month on my journey to find new and fun things to share with you all. Enjoy! 

Fav Beauty Products

My fav beauty products 

These are a few of my favorite things for a quick 10-minute beauty routine. Cause who’s got time to spend on all of this, especially when all the salons are closed and you need a quick pick-me-up and beauty fix. 

  1. Beekham 1802 Apricot + Honey Tea hand lotion
  2. Bumble and Bumble Surf Foam Spray
  3. Batiste Brilliant Blonde Dry Shampoo
  4. Laura Geller Bronze + Brighten and Balance and Glow Illuminating Foundation
  5. Doll 10 Hydralux lip liner and Hydrabalm Solid Serum lipstick
  6. Aurora Liquid Eye Liner – Espresso
  7. Laura Geller Gel Brow Pencil 
  8. Mally Lift + Curl Mascara
  9. Tetris Block Party Eyeshadow

Black Pepper Caramel Chicken Udon

Black Pepper Caramel Chicken Udon

I recently was awarded 2nd place in the JSL Foods Blogger Recipe Challenge..and won a $500 cash prize for my Black Pepper Caramel Chicken Udon recipe – yay! This recipe features their Chicken Udon Noodles which are organic, pre-cooked and delicious, and sweet and spicy glazed Vietnamese Chicken I made topped with everything bagel seasoning, jalapeños and fresh cilantro. Check out my award-winning recipe here

Spring Veggie Garden Bread

Spring Veggie Garden Bread

I saw these adorable Spring Veggie Garden breads on Facebook a couple weeks ago – I’m not sure who even made them but they are so bright and colorful and pretty! The bread dough has pressed veggies and herbs shaped into flower shapes and then it’s brushed with olive oil before baking to make these gorgeous designs!I found a  recipe like this online from Taste of Home if you want to give your artistic baking skills a whirl – https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/bread-art/

Easy Queso Dip

Easy Queso Dip

This is a super easy queso dip from Bon Appetit – creamy cheesy goodness made with onions, garlic, jalapeños and lots of American ad Monterey Jack cheese – and ready to go in about 15-20 minutes on the stove! Perfect for tacos, nachos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and of course to dip tortilla chips in with salsa and margaritas for Cinco de Mayo! get the recipe here

My Brilliant Friend

My Brilliant Friend

This is a gorgeous mini-series on HBO that I just started watching and fell in love with instantly. Set in Naples Italy post-World War II, is a story about two best friends (Lila Ferrulo and Elena Greco) along with their struggles and friendship as they go through life together (and apart) trying to survive and get out of a poor neighborhood in the projects of Naples. It has a complex cast of characters that make up all of the Italian families that surround them and are intertwined in their lives. The story is endearing and heartwarming, yet sad and troubling all at the same time. It’s absolutely beautifully written – lovely, haunting and addicting. The books are part of a 4-part series called Neapolitan Novels written by Elena Ferrante which the HBO TV series is based upon.  Must see and read!

Watch the series 
Buy the books

Click here for more hidden gems to watch on Netflix

Whipped Coffee White Russian

Whipped Coffee White Russian

Everyone seems to be making that trendy frothy whipped Dalgona Coffee lately..but have you seen this one by Half Baked Harvest? It’s a fun twist on the original White Russian cocktail topped with whipped coffee, a touch of sugar and hint of vanilla. Delish!

Get the recipe here

Salted Butter and Chocolate Chunk Shortbread Cookies

Salted Butter and Chocolate Chunk Shortbread Cookies

A favorite recipe by Alison Roman of Bon Appetit – these cookies are a cross between shortbread, chocolate chip and brown sugar cookies. Perfect for a sweet tooth attack in the middle of a pandemic! Described in her words:

“Less chocolate chip cookie, more brown sugar shortbread with chocolate chunks—they just might be the cookie you’ve been looking for.”

Get the recipe here

Girl Wash Your Face, Rachel Hollis

Fav Books, E-Books and Cookbooks, Apps

  1. Girl Wash Your Face, Rachel Hollis
  2. Keto For Carb Lovers Cookbook, Delish
  3. Quick and Easy Recipes from The NY Times, Mark Bittman
  4. The Sugar Brain Fix, Mike Dow
  5. Shine App – Calm Anxiety and Stress
  6. Quibi

Chrissy Teigen YouTube

Fav Podcasts + Video/YouTube Shows

  1. Inspiring Life by Lewis Howes 
    RISE Podcast by Rachel Hollis
  2. Unlocking Us by Brene Brown
  3. Jay Shetty Podcast
  4. Think Media TV YouTube
  5. Chrissy Teigen YouTube 
  6. The FeedFeed IGTV
  7. The Bite Shot YouTube
  8. NYTimes Cooking YouTube

Motivational Articles and Links

  1. This Pandemic is Our Teacher, by Michael Pietzrak
  2. 16 Ways to Read More Books, by Jamie Friedlander
  3. How to Fight Boredom with Curiosity, Goop.com

A few More Goodies

These are just a few more things I take and use on a daily basis for good health and wellbeing. It’s all about taking care of yourself especially during a stressful time like this. The CBD Hemp Oil, Organic Greens Superfood Drink, Turmeric with Ginger and Black Pepper I take every day..!  I got all of those on Amazon except for the Neutrogena HydroBoost mask (which I LOVE!!) – you can get at any drug store like Walgreens or CVS. Here’s a link to the Stash Tea website – I love this new flavor with apple cider and maple..soooo good and comforting! These FBOMB Nut Butters are amazing too – for a quick dose of tasty and healthy fat these macadamia nut butters come in different flavors like salted chocolate, coconut, sea salt, hazelnut and more. Also, they have a great Buy 2, Get 1 Free deal going on with free shipping – just use code FREEJAR during checkout.

Thai Chicken Salad w/ Peanut Dressing

Chopped Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

Recipe by Pinch of Yum

Taco Bar

A few Cinco de Mayo recipes and ideas 

White Bean Stew

And lastly, here are 44 Spring Recipes from Bon Appetit – yay! Spring is finally here. 

 

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! 

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

Blue Hill New York – a well deserved James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant

Blue Hill NY
Blue Hill NY

I had the recent opportunity to have an intimate conversation with Trevor Kunk, Chef de Cuisine of Blue Hill New York about their history, philosophy, cuisine and thoughts on their recent James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant 2013.

Trevor Kunk, Chef de Cuisine
Trevor Kunk, Chef de Cuisine

We sat in the charming back patio garden room as he told me the story of the Barber Family, Blue Hill Farm, his Southern Florida upbringing and Culinary Institute of America training, and how he found his culinary calling at of one of New York’s most premiere farm-to-table restaurants. When I asked him what he thought made Blue Hill win this most distinguished and notable award, he simply stated, “we consistently produce delicious, fresh food.” After our conversation, it’s clear to see why.

Blue Hill NY
Blue Hill NY

Blue Hill New York is B-owned and managed by award-winning Executive Chef Dan Barber, and Co-Owners David and Laureen Barber. Dan is a long time supporter of local farmers, agricultural policy and artisanal food producers, and has created a consciousness around everyday food choices and bringing the principles of good farming directly to the table. He has preserved this philosophy and brought it to life through his restaurants, the Blue Hill Farm and the Blue Hill Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture.

Blue Hill Farm Barn
Blue Hill Farm Barn

BLUE HILL FARM

With over 138 acres in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Blue Hill Farm has been in the Barber family for three generations and served as the inspiration behind both Blue Hill restaurants. Blue Hill Farm was originally a dairy, and was converted into a cattle farm by the Barber’s grandmother Ann Marlowe Straus, in the 1960s. She believed strongly in preserving land and connecting great farming and delicious food, which she passed on to them. Dan began farming and cooking for family and friends at the farm, and it is there that grew passionate about locally grown and seasonal produce.

Blue Hill Farm
Blue Hill Farm

In 2006 the brothers decided to redesign Blue Hill Farm back to its original form, and brought in local farmer Sean Stanton to manage the land. The farm is home to chickens, pigs, dairy cows, and laying hens, supplies the restaurants with vegetables and grass-fed meats.

Blue Hill New York Outside Menu
Blue Hill New York Outside Menu

BLUE HILL NEW YORK

In 2000, Blue Hill New York opened in Greenwich Village, New York City. A small intimate space, the restaurant occupies a historical “speakeasy” near Washington Square Park. It is both elegant and casual, serving seasonal American cuisine that celebrates the delicious offerings from the Hudson Valley.

Blue Hill’s menu highlights local food, cocktails, beer and wines from regional Tri-State artisanal producers. The majority of the ingredients come from nearby farms, as well as Blue Hill Farm in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, and Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, located in Pocantico Hills, NY.

Blue Hill Fresh Organic Food
Blue Hill Fresh Organic Food

In addition to Blue Hill’s a la carte menu, they also offer a 5-course Farmer’s Feast and a 7-course extended Farmer’s Feast, both inspired by the week’s harvest, and have a regular seasonal menu that changes depending on what produce, poultry, meats and seafood are in season to offer the freshest foods possible. Asparagus, Rhubarb, Radishes and Fiddlehead Ferns are abundant on the current Spring menu, which will change as soon as the weather warms up to Summer months, bringing in a flux of new seasonal fruits and vegetables to feature.

They offer a variety of fresh and locally sourced Farm Snacks such as Blue Hill Farm Yogurt, Parsnips, Beets and Oats or the “Farm Bar” served with Goat Cheese and Strawberries. There are plenty of gorgeous, creative appetizers to start the meal too: Chilled Asparagus Soup with Pickled Green Garlic, Walnut Bread and Sorrel; Emu Egg Pasta; or Stone Barns Butterhead Lettuce Salad with Fiddlehead Ferns, Pickled Cauliflower and Hazelnuts.

They serve Raven and Boar’s Pig year around, but their Hudson Valley Chickens are only served from May through November when their pasture raised chickens are in their prime and able to run around and feed outside. They serve local shellfish such as Shrimp and Squid with Spring Vegetables and fresh Tarragon; Grass-Fed Lamb with Asparagus, Knotweed and Alliums; and Rotation Risotto with 12 local grains and seeds made with Brassica Puree and Chocolate Wheat. Desserts are also made with fresh fruits and ingredients from surrounding farms –Olive Oil Cake with fresh pears, brown butter and toasted almond ice cream and a Chocolate Bread Pudding made with salted caramel, pine nuts and cocoa nib ice cream are a few house specialties.

Their cocktails and bar menu mimic the culinary program and support local farms by using NY State and domestic distilleries, wineries and ingredients from Blue Hill Farm and local Hudson Valley farms. They make their own bitters and sweet vermouth in-house, and have a ‘bartender garden’ where they grow their own herbs and plants, including wormwood used to infuse vodka, which is then muddled with fennel and chartreuse to create their own absinthe.

Blue Hill at Stone Barns
Blue Hill at Stone Barns

BLUE HILL AT STONE BARNS CENTER AND BLUE HILL CAFE

Blue Hill at Stone Barns opened in Spring 2004, within the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Pocantico Hills, New York. The Barbers created the Stone Barns Center, a farm and educational center, to help carry through their mission for local and sustainable food.

Sourcing from the surrounding fields and pasture, as well as other local farms in New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, Blue Hill at Stone Barns is an elegant restaurant that highlights the abundant resources of the Hudson Valley. There are no menus there, instead guests choose from a variety of fresh daily ingredients from the field and market.

Blue Hill Stone Barns Dining
Blue Hill Stone Barns Dining

Blue Hill Café offers light snacks, farm-fresh lattes and other locally grown and baked goodies, available to eat in the courtyard or take on a walk around the farm.

Blue Hill Cafe
Blue Hill Cafe

Shop for seasonal jams and pickles, rhubarb jam and pickled sunchokes in the Spring or apple butter and pickled cucumbers in the Fall. You can also shop for Blue Hill Farm Market items online.

Blue Hill Sheep
Blue Hill Sheep

The non-profit Stone Barns Center offers plenty of cooking classes and demos using local seasonal ingredients taught by well-known chefs and food artisans.  You can also try your hand at some of their fun farm activities such as hands-on egg collecting, ice cream making, foraging for wild plants, making natural herbal remedies or maple tapping on the farm.

Stone Barns Center
Stone Barns Center

Visitors can also get a behind-the-scenes insider’s tour of Stone Barns, or attend one of their special events centered on farming and agriculture, such as the Sheep Shearing Festival in April or the Young Farmers Conference held in 2012. Check out this great video about Stone Barns Center’s mission to support a healthy and sustainable food system.

Blue Hill New York
Blue Hill New York

Blue Hill New York is open for dinner 7 days a week, and also hosts elegant events and private parties at its two restaurant locations and off-site venues. Whether it’s a trip to the farm or an elegant dinner in the city, Blue Hill certainly has earned its James Beard title for Outstanding Restaurant without a shadow of a doubt.

Blue Hill is a longstanding member of the NYS Restaurant Association (since joining in 2000), and is grateful for all the positive work NYSRA does to support their restaurants and businesses.

—–

Blue Hill New York

75 Washington Place
New York, New York 10011
T 212 539 1776 (reservations and general information)
F 212 539 0959

http://bluehillfarm.com/food/blue-hill-new-york

Blue Hill at Stone Barns

630 Bedford Road
Pocantico Hills, New York 10591
T 914 366 9600 (reservations and general information)
F 914 366 7920

http://bluehillfarm.com/food/blue-hill-stone-barns

Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture

http://www.stonebarnscenter.org/

Blue Hill Farm Online Market

http://bluehillfarm.com/catalog

—–

Photo Credits: Kristen Hess, Jen Mulkvold, Thomas Schauer, Blue Hill. Please do not share, use or distribute any photographs without expressed permission. Feel free to share this post, but please include a link back to my original post on my website with credit to © 2013 Kristen Hess/The Artful Gourmet.

Top 10 [Things I Love] :: Jan 2012

Eataly NY Day
Eataly NY Day

On a recent trip to Eataly, I discovered some gourmet goodies that I had to add to my list of Top 10 Things I Love for this month.  For Eataly’s Eat New York Day, 16 local and small town New York food Producers sampled their products and shared their stories about their artisan products and support for local, sustainable agriculture. Here’s a few of my favorites worth mentioning that you should try for yourself – most are available at Eataly, Fresh Direct, Williams-Sonoma, Sur la Table, Dean and Deluca, Wegmans and Whole Foods, or through other food retailers around New York state and online. To find more local New York organic farmers and food producers, check out GrowNYC‘s website for a complete listing.

Here’s my Top 10 Favs for January ::

1. McClure’s Pickles – Garlic Dill Relish

McClure's Garlic Relish
McClure's Garlic Relish

McClure’s Garlic Relish is the tastiest, crunchiest fresh tasting relish ever. Made with fresh chopped garlic, dill and cucumber – it tastes more like a salad and is great on fish, vegetables, sandwiches, and in egg & tuna salads. I imagine topping these on hot dogs and hamburgers is out of this world too – a must at my next rooftop grill party! McClure’s also makes amazing crunchy pickles and a Spicy Bloody Mary mix that will knock your socks (or your hangover!) off. Check em out online here: http://www.mcclurespickles.com/

2. Maple Hill Creamery Yogurt

Maple Hill Creamery Yogurt
Maple Hill Creamery Yogurt

Maple Hill Creamery yogurt is 100% organic grass fed dairy, made produced in Little Falls, NY. I sampled the Maple flavor which is sweetened with all-natural maple syrup and it was delicious – not too sweet, with a thick and creamy consistency and flavor. They have other unique flavors besides Maple and Vanilla, such as Wild Blueberry, Orange Creme and Lemon. They use all natural flavors, real fruit and cream which makes this yogurt truly special, and good for you too.

http://www.maplehillcreamery.com

3. Sir Kensington & Sons Ketchup

Sir Kensington's Spiced Ketchup
Sir Kensington's Spiced Ketchup

For all you ketchup lovers, this is the epitome of gourmet scooping ketchup.  The proprietor, Sir Kensington, is a gourmet Brit who attended Oxford University with degrees in Industrialism, Philanthropy and Culinary Arts. They have a regular and spicy variety, perfect for dipping fries and topping for hamburgers, meatloaf and hot dogs, or making a spicy cocktail sauce for shrimp. Their ketchups are made with vine-ripened pear tomato puree, sweetened with Agave nectar, honey and raw brown sugar, spiced with exotic ingredients such as Chipotle, Cilantro and Cayenne Pepper. The flavorfulness in their Spicy Ketchup comes from ingredients such as Coriander, Lime Juice and Allspice and some Apple Cider Vinegar. Their secret ingredients remain a mystery to this day.

http://sirkensingtons.com/index.html

4. Alchemy Cookie Bites by Carla Hall

Alchemy Pecan Shortbread with Vanilla Salt
Alchemy Pecan Shortbread w/ Vanilla Salt

Warning: If any of you have a serious sweet tooth addiction, this product may not be right for you. Ha! Seriously though, one little bite of Carla Hall’s Alchemy cookie bites and you’ll be hooked forever. I tried the Pecan Shortbread with Vanilla Salt cookies and they’re out of this world. Buttery, not too sweet, toasted pecans with a vanilla essence and hint of salt to bring out the flavors. She also has a variety of other gluten-free, sweet and savory Alchemy cookie flavors such as Oatmeal with White Chocolate and Dried Cranberries, Smoky Blue Cheese Walnut and Mexican Chocolate Chip. Carla’s artisan cookie bites are truly a labor of love – baked to perfection containing only the finest ingredients – European-style butter, organic sugar, flours, couverture chocolate, artisan cheeses, fresh nuts, seasonal fruits… can’t get any better than this!

http://alchemybycarlahall.com/

5. Artisan Handcrafted Italian Salami by Creminelli

Creminelli Artisan Salami
Creminelli Artisan Salami

Creminelli Artisan Salami was created by Cristiano Creminelli, Italian food artisan meat purveyor. Hormone-free and American-made in Salt Lake City, Utah, his salami is fresh and flavorful and rivals imported Italian varieties. To make an antipasti plate, pair the salami (and some of their delicious prosciutto!) with Italian cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano, Taleggio and Fontina, mixed olives, capers and nuts, fresh fruits and berries and serve with some crusty bread and a big glass of hearty red wine. Mangia!

http://www.creminelli.com/

6. NY Foods Organic Butter, Cheese and Ice Creams

NYFoods Organic Butter
NYFoods Organic Butter

NyFoods has a fantastic line up of organic, grass-grazed dairy products made in Upstate New York on a family-owned farm. Their creamery unsalted butter is delicious, and they have great cheeses made with pastured cow’s milk: colby, monterey jack, smoked mozzarella, pepper jack and raw milk gouda and cheddar. The artisanal ice cream is sweet and creamy – in chocolate, vanilla, mint chip and cookies and cream – to die for!

https://www.facebook.com/NYFoods

7. A. Bauer’s All-Natural Mustard

A. Bauers Mustard
A. Bauers Mustard

I’m not usually a mustard fan, but A. Bauer’s natural stone-ground mustard is absolutely delicious. They have a Horseradish Mustard too – great on pretzels and anything you want to add a spicy kick to. Made in Ridgewood, NY, A. Bauer’s is a family business that has been producing this awesome deli-style mustard since 1888.

http://shop.abauersmustard.com/

8. Acme Smoked Fish

Acme smoked fish
Acme smoked fish

Acme smoked fish is family owned and operated out of Greenpoint, Brooklyn since the early 1900’s. All of their smoked fish is certified Kosher and they offer a delicious line up of Gravlax, Trout, Tuna, Cod and Whitefish. Perfect for making pizzas, sandwiches and topping bagels – you’ll love their buttery smoked salmon that melts in your mouth.

http://www.acmesmokedfish.com/retail/index.html

9. Lurisia La Nostra Gazzosa Sparkling Lemon Water

la nostra gazzosa
la nostra gazzosa

I found this lovely refreshing Italian drink La Nostra Gazzosa at Eataly in the beer, wine and beverage area – a cross between a sparkling lemon seltzer and a 7-up but imported from Italy and way cooler. This bubbly Gazzosa is made from Italian Amalfi lemons – delicious, tart, and sweet all at the same time. Even better, it’s only $7-8 for a four-pack of these imported beauties.

Find it at Eataly – http://www.eatalyny.com

10. Ines Rosales Savory Olive Oil, Rosemary & Thyme Tortas

Ines Rosales Tortas
Ines Rosales Tortas

I’m not sure how to describe these delicious things, but these Tortas made by Ines Rosales in Spain are a savory, flaky flatbread made with olive oil and herbs – a cross between a pita bread and a croissant and a flaky cracker. Delicious served alone or with cheese, hummus, dips and olives and salumi.

Find them at Amazon.com, and Murray’s Cheese online or at Grand Central Market