Sweet + Spicy Shrimp Noodle Salad

Sweet Spicy Shrimp Noodle Salad

Serious Foodie recently invited me to participate in their Blogger Recipe Contest and I decided to make a delicious Sweet + Spicy Shrimp Noodle Salad using their awesome Asian Fusion Sweet Spicy Rub and Vietnamese Sweet Chili Hot sauce.

Sweet + Spicy Shrimp Noodle Salad

This dish is an absolute flavor bomb!!! Featuring spicy grilled shrimp, served over rice noodles sauteed with baby kale and cilantro bathed in a sweet chili sauce.

spice rub on shrimp

First I sprinkled the spice rub on the shrimp and let it sit in the fridge for about 15 minutes to infuse the flavors. I grilled the shrimp in a grill pan for about 5 minutes until the shrimp were cooked through and had nice grill marks.

sauteed shrimp noodles and kale

Then I sautéed the Shirataki noodles with the Sweet Chili Sauce, kale and cilantro for about 5 minutes or so until the kale was wilted.

Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Noodle Salad

To serve I added some pomegranate seeds for some juicy fruity flavor, and some chopped macadamia nuts for extra crunch, and additional cilantro and chopped chives for garnish.

Serious Foodie Sauces and Rubs

Serious Foodie, based in St Pete Florida,  has a great line of other sauces and rubs too. They created each of their sauces and rubs based on places they have traveled to; featuring the flavors and ingredients from the regions and from the chefs that have shared their secrets with them. You can find their product at over 500 stores in the U.S and online! Check out their website for more info and great ideas for more recipes!

Sweet Spicy Shrimp Noodle Salad

Sooooo easy and so delish… only serious foodies will understand!

Spicy + Spicy Shrimp Noodle Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 4

The dish is an absolute flavor bomb featuring spicy grilled shrimp, served over rice noodles sauteed with baby kale and cilantro bathed in the sweet chili sauce. 

To serve top with pomegranate seeds for juicy, fruity flavor, chopped macadamia nuts for extra crunch, additional cilantro and chopped chives for garnish. 

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray
  • 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon Serious Foodie Spice rub
  • 1 package Shirataki noodles, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup Serious Foodie Sweet Chile Sauce
  • 2 handfuls baby kale
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided
  • 1/4 cup macadamia nuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate arils
  • 1 teaspoon minced chives

Instructions

  1. Spray a grill pan with cooking spray and heat to medium-high heat.
  2. Sprinkle Serious Foodie rub on the shrimp and cook on the grill for 6 minutes, flipping halfway. Remove from the grill and set aside.
  3. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add shirataki noodles, stir fry for a minute.
  4. Add the Serious Foodie Sweet Chile Sauce and stir to coat.
  5. Mix in the baby kale and 1 tablespoon of cilantro and cook until the kale is slightly wilted.
  6. Stir the shrimp back in to the noodle mixture and add additional sauce if desired.
  7. Serve on a platter and garnish with additional cilantro, macadamia nuts, pomegranate arils, and minced chives.

Notes

Feel free to sub glass noodles, rice noodles, soba noodle or spaghetti in place of the Shirataki noodles. You can also serve over quinoa or brown or white rice too!

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2021/11/sweet-and-spicy-shrimp-noodle-salad/

Also check out Serious Foodie’s social media pages for more fun posts and photos!

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Pinterest

YouTube

#seriousfoodie #bloggerrecipechallenge

Blackened Scallops w/ Grilled Basil Butter Corn + Watermelon Jicama Salsa

Blackened Scallops w/ Basil Butter Corn + Watermelon Jicama Salsa

Summer is in full swing and there’s nothing I love better than some fresh seafood and grilling outside with friends and family. Living in St Pete, Florida, I am spoiled with all of the fresh seafood options here – and one of my favorites is Blackened Scallops, (and any blackened seafood really!). This inspired my recipe  Blackened Scallops with Grilled Basil Butter Corn + Watermelon Jicama Salsa for the Sam’s Salsa Recipe Challenge… and it’s full of fresh, bright, tropical flavors and summertime goodness.

Blackened Scallops w/ Basil Butter Corn + Watermelon Jicama Salsa

Sam’s Fresh Salsa started in the 70’s on a family farm in New Jersey, and is still going strong making delicious homemade salsas with only the freshest fruits, vegetables and ingredients.

Blackened Scallops w/ Basil Butter Corn + Watermelon Jicama Salsa

Their salsas have no preservatives or artificial ingredients, and are free of additives too. And they taste just like homemade; the kind you would find in an authentic Mexican restaurant or made fresh at home. They also have several other delicious salsa flavors such as Cantina Medium Salsa and Salsa Verde, and a variety of fresh salsas ranging from Mild to Extra Hot.

Basil Butter Corn

I made the Basil Butter by creaming the two ingredients together with a little bit of fresh lime juice and creole seasoning and let it sit for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together, then I mixed in the butter with the shaved grilled corn, sautéed shallots, and green onions.

Blackened Scallops

I blackened the sea scallops in a hot cast iron pan in some clarified butter for a few minutes on each side to get them nice and browned.

Blackened Scallops w/ Basil Butter Corn + Watermelon Jicama Salsa

I plated the Blackened Scallops on top of the Grilled Basil Butter Corn and topped the dish with some lovely Watermelon Jicama Salsa and more green onions, fresh basil and a few pieces of chopped watermelon for garnish.

Blackened Scallops with Watermelon Salsa

You guys..this dish is a FLAVOR BOMB!!! The spicy scallops over the savory, buttery corn with basil and shallots mixed with a hint of sweetness from the Watermelon Jicama salsa is absolutely SPECTACULAR!!!

Blackened Scallops with Grilled Basil Butter Corn and Watermelon Jicama Salsa

Summer on a plate, really. And totally delightful. 

Blackened Scallops with Grilled Basil Butter Corn + Watermelon Jicama Salsa

Yield: 4

Serving Size: 2-3 scallops/1/2 cup corn

Ingredients

  • Grilled Basil Butter Corn:
  • ½ cup salted butter
  • ¼ cup torn fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper or creole seasoning
  • 4 ears corn on the cob, unhusked
  • Oil spray
  • 1 small shallot, chopped
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • Blackened Scallops:
  • 2 tablespoons clarified butter/ghee or canola oil
  • Sea salt
  • 8 sea scallops (about 1/2 pound)
  • Blackening seasoning - (pre-made or homemade)
  • 1 green onion, sliced, for garnish
  • Fresh basil, for garnish
  • 2-3 chunks fresh watermelon, diced, for garnish
  • Sam’s Fresh Watermelon Jicama Salsa, for garnish

Instructions

  1. To make the Grilled Basil Butter Corn, cream the butter (room temp) with fresh basil, lime juice and cayenne pepper/creole seasoning; cover and let sit for 30 mins to let the flavors meld together.
  2. Preheat grill over medium heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the corn on the grill and cook with the cover on for about 20-25 minutes until the corn is charred and tender. You can also grill the corn in a grill pan on the stove or buy frozen pre-grilled corn kernels.
  3. Meanwhile, heat some oil or butter in a cast iron pan over medium heat and sauté the shallots until soft and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
  4. Once corn is done, slice off the corn kernels with a large knife into a large mixing bowl. Toss the corn with the basil butter and sauteed shallots; season with salt and pepper to taste, set aside. Rinse the scallops and pat dry.
  5. To cook the blackened scallops, raise the heat on the cast iron pan to high until it begins to smoke. Brush the scallops on both sides with butter/ghee or oil and season with sea salt. Dredge each side of the scallops in the blackening seasoning in a medium shallow bowl. Place them in the hot pan spice side down. (You may want to have your windows open and fan on because you’ll get some smoke while blackening.)
  6. Cook for 1-2 minutes to get a nice browned crust, then flip scallops over and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes. You can also finish the scallops in the oven for 4-5 minutes at 350 degrees F.
  7. Serve scallops over the Grilled Basil Butter Corn and top with the Watermelon Jicama Salsa, green onions, fresh basil and diced watermelon for garnish.

Notes

This would also be delicious made with blackened shrimp or fish (like grouper!) for another layer of flavor, serve the grilled basil butter corn and scallops over some mashed cauliflower or mashed potato puree.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2021/07/blackened-scallops-w-grilled-basil-butter-corn-watermelon-jicama-salsa/

Blackened Scallops with Grilled Basil Butter Corn and Watermelon Jicama Salsa

You can find Sam’s Fresh Salsa at Fresh Market, ShopRite, Acme, and Safeway.

Sams Salsa

Check out their website and social media pages for more info:

Website: https://samssalsa.com/

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

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

#freshnotfake, #samssalsarecipechallenge, #salsalove

 

 

 

Spicy Crab Cakes w/ Creole Mayo

Spicy Crab Cakes

Hi Everyone! So the New Year #2021 is rapidly approaching (thank God!!) and I decided to celebrate a little with these Spicy Crab Cakes w/ Creole Mayo and some bubbly! They are absolutely delicious and the perfect appetizer duo for the holidays or any special occasion!

Spicy Crab Cakes 3

I made them with fresh lump crabmeat, crispy applewood smoked bacon, corn, red Chile peppers, parsley, scallions, egg, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, lemon juice and a dash of Tony Chacere’s Creole Seasoning and hot sauce, and served with a side of spicy Creole Mayo for dipping. Talk about a flavor bomb in your mouth…#YUM!

Spicy Crab Cakes

The recipe makes 8 small crab cakes but feel free to make four larger patties if you want to make burgers out of them. Or make 16 really small crab cakes if you want to make them bite-sized with fancy toothpicks on platter!

Spicy Crab Cakes w/ Creole Mayo

I brushed them with some oil and baked in the oven for about 30 minutes, but you can also pan-fry them if you prefer. For a larger crowd, I recommend doubling or tripling the recipe because these will be a huge hit and gone before you know it!

Spicy Crab Cakes 2

They would also be great served on top of some Confetti rice or Cajun/Creole pasta..or try them in some lettuce leaves or on top of a salad for a lighter fare if you’re watching your carbs. I know I will be after the holidays are over. Enjoy and indulge for now – and Happy New Year! #2021 couldn’t come any sooner 🙂

Spicy Crab Cakes w/ Creole Mayo

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 4

Serving Size: 2 crab cakes

These delicious crab cakes are the perfect appetizer for the holidays or any special occasion! Made with fresh lump crab, crispy applewood smoked bacon, corn, red chile peppers, parsley and a hit of Creole seasoning and hot sauce served with a Creole Mayo for dipping. For a larger crowd, double or triple the recipe because these will be a huge hit and gone before you know it!

Ingredients

  • CRAB CAKES
  • 1 lb. lump crabmeat
  • 1/3 c. Panko bread crumbs
  • 1/3 c. mayonnaise
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 green onions, finely sliced
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Tony Chacere’s Creole seasoning
  • Dash of hot sauce
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 c. corn
  • 2 slices cooked bacon, chopped
  • 1/2 red chile pepper, chopped (or sub bell pepper for less heat)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 tbsp. vegetable or olive oil
  • ......
  • CREOLE MAYO
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tbsp hot sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Tony Chacere’s Creole seasoning

Instructions

  1. MAKE CRAB CAKES
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
  3. In a large bowl, stir together crabmeat, bread crumbs, mayonnaise, egg, green onions, and lemon juice. Add Creole Seasoning, hot sauce and black pepper. Stir in corn, Chiles, bacon and parsley. Mix well with hands or a fork until mixture is combined.
  4. Form into 8 patties and place on nonstick greased baking sheet. Brush oil on top of the crab cakes.
  5. Bake until golden brown about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. Alternatively you can pan fry them for 3-5 minutes per side in a skillet over medium high heat.
  6. Garnish with more fresh parsley or green onions; serve with side of Creole Mayo.
  7. MAKE CREOLE MAYO
  8. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, hot sauce and Creole seasoning. Adjust amounts to your liking (less or more spicy).
  9. Serve sauce with Crab cakes on top or on the side.
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2020/12/spicy-crab-cakes-w-creole-mayo/

Other Crab Cake recipes you might enjoy:

Maryland Crab Cakes with Tartar Sauce

Food + Wine Baltimore Crab Cakes

Keto Crab Cakes

{Things I Love} :: July 2020

Well it’s already mid-Summer and it’s time again for my Things I Love list for July! What a strange year it has been so far – I can’t even believe it’s halfway over (thank goodness!) – BUT at least it’s sunny and my fav time of year so that’s a positive.

I’m always on the lookout for BOMB recipes, cool products, great reading, lively entertainment, some positive motivation and all-around fun, unique and amazing things to keep me happy.

Here’s a shortlist of goodies for you to try, taste, see, read, cook and do this month – I hope you’re all enjoying your Summer so far with lots of great food and wine, BBQ parties and cocktails, outdoor adventures, beaches, campfires, road trips, and some great reads and Netflix obsessions along the way.

Happy Summer! 

Surf+TurfBurger

Surf and Turf Burger 

Check out this delish Surf & Turf Burger I created for my #client Steakhouse Elite! A perfectly grilled Kobe beef #burger topped with #Shrimp and #Crab salad on a toasted potato bun. #yum! ???

Rustic Pizzas

Homemade Rustic Pizzas: Chicken, Garlic, Spinach & Sundried Tomatoes :: Pepperoni, Ham, & Sauteed Veggies

Is there anything better than a homemade pizza? These are two of my favorites and they’re super easy to make. Feel free to sub toppings any way you like but I think these combinations are on the top of my list!

cheesy_skillet_hashbrowns_eggs

Simple Cheesy Skillet Hash Browns and Eggs

This is a great one-pot dish when you want a hearty and healthy breakfast. Filled with lots of cheese and herbs over shredded hash browns topped with eggs baked in the oven. Delish!

Frozen Watermelon Martinis

Frozen Watermelon Martinis

Frozen ice, fresh watermelon, vodka and skinny cosmo martini mix all blended together into a delightful frozen boozy glass of deliciousness. YUM.

Buffalo Grilled Potato Sliders

Buffalo Grilled Potato Sliders

Have you tried these Terrific Trio Little Potatoes? They’re not only tiny and adorable but totally tasty too! They’re drizzled in olive oil, salt and pepper with a dash of Buffalo hot sauce..then grilled and topped with a creamy blue cheese yogurt dressing. What a fun idea for a backyard BBQ party!

Shaved Veggie Salad

Shaved Vegetable Salad with Toasted Almonds

This simple and tasty #Summer salad is made with shaved asparagus, squash, and radishes tossed in a light lemony vinaigrette dressing topped with toasted almonds. Light refreshing and healthy.

Keto Lemon Bars

Keto Lemon Bars

Remember these Lemon Bars from when you were a kid? Me too! But they’re normally full of sugar and carbs and a no-no on a  low carb eating plan. These are #keto-fied and absolutely delicious and you’ll never know the difference.

Sugar Free Almond Milk Ice Cream

Sugar-Free Almond Milk Ice Cream

I absolutely love ice cream but when you’re trying to cut out sugar, carbs and dairy, this is a great option to curb your sweet tooth. Made with almond milk, eggs, and Allulose sweetener for the ice cream custard and then chunks of #keto chocolate chip cookie dough folded in..OMG. heavenly 🙂

chicken thighs w/ peach salad

Chicken Thighs with Peach Salad

There’s nothing like grilling in the Summertime and this salad has all my favorites – grilled chicken thighs, peaches, green tomatoes served over couscous and drizzled with sour cream and fresh parsley. Summer on a plate!

Pomelo Mojitos

Pomelo Mojitos

This Pomelo Mojito by Simmer and Sauce is one tasty cocktail.. light and refreshing, with complex fruity flavors from the Mount Gay Black Barrel rum and freshly squeezed pomelo juice mixed with the club soda, mint, sugar, and fresh lime juice. Perfect Summer drink and a nice twist on a traditional mojito.

Easy Five Bean Salad

Easy Five Bean Salad

This easy and delicious salad is one of my fav Summer salads and is perfect for any backyard #BBQ, potluck or picnic – made with (you guessed it) – five types of beans: green beans, yellow wax beans, black beans, chickpeas and kidney beans mixed with green bell pepper and red onions, dressed in a light vinaigrette dressing. Light, refreshing and healthy! Make it #lowcarb or #sugar-free by substituting Stevia, Erithyritol or Allulose instead of white sugar. Delish!

great low carb co pasta

Great Low Carb Company Pasta

One thing I miss most on a low carb diet is PASTA! I found this low carb, all natural pasta on Amazon – it’s loaded with fiber, non GMO and Kosher and only has 7g net carbs and 12g of protein in each serving. Comes in Elbows, Rotini, Fettucine and Penne. Now you can eat pasta without the guilt!

Reserve Infusibles CBD Gummies

Reserve Infusibles CBD Gummies

These CBD gummies are organically made, vegan supplements coated in organic cane sugar, and they come in three delicious flavors: lemon, peach and mixed berry. They also offer CBD oil and honey drops and organic hemp balm.

100% Human Masks

100% Human Cotton Tie Dye masks

I love these tie dye masks made by 100% Human – an organization formed back in 2017 to bring people together to support the fight for human rights. For every 100% Human Face Mask 5-Pack sold, they’ll be donating 10% sales to the ACLU. To date, they’ve donated over $600K through this program. And hey, Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox got them too! #HumanTogether

Anniecloth Sleeveless Tank

Anniecloth printed sleeveless tank

This light and flowy cotton printed tank top screams summer! Perfect for the beach or a fun day out, and it’s on sale for $16!!!

Atkins Eat Right Not Less

Atkins Eat Right, Not Less Cookbook

This all-new #Atkins guidebook focuses on eating right—not less—for painless weight management and better overall health. With three plans to choose from – 20/40/100 net carbs a day it gives flexible options to follow a #keto, #low-carb and #low-sugar lifestyle. It includes over 100 low carb recipes with beautiful photos and easy meal plans to follow.

Ink + Elm backdrops

Ink + Elm photo backgrounds

I love these photo backgrounds and surfaces! They come in all different sizes and patterns like wood, marble, slate, stone, concrete and more and the best part is they are printed on matte vinyl sheets (hello! no food stains on your set!) and run anywhere from $16.95 to $33.95 each. I used them for a recent photoshoot I did for a client and they looked amazing and were super easy to clean up and store (they roll up). LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Mally Fresh Glow Makeup Kit

Mally Fresh Glow Makeup Kit

I ordered this kit recently for some fun new beauty goodies this Summer and I love Mally cosmetics! The Fresh Glow Kit is only $39.95 and comes with a mascara, a stick blush, two eyeshadow sticks, a primer, eyebrow pencil, concealer and a bonus free full size sample of her infamous Evercolor Poreless Face Defender – the perfect weapon to keep your face smooth and oil-free in the sweltering heat of Summer and it keeps your makeup on all day long.

Hedge’s Nine Mile Point restaurant

I absolutely love this place! Located right on Lake Ontario in Upstate NY (Webster) – this is the perfect spot to go in the Summer for fine dining, spirits and entertainment! I highly recommend the Lobster bisque, their signature Chicken French and the Sesame-Crusted Ahi Tuna seared to perfection and served with a teriyaki dipping sauce, garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed french green beans. The atmosphere is beautiful and elegant with a nautically-inspired interior design (with two levels and event spaces as well), an outdoor seated patio for dining, and a huge lawn with a gazebo and Adirondack chairs and picnic tables to simply sit and gaze at the gorgeous lake and watch the sunset while sipping on a cocktail or glass of wine. Must try!

Florida Room

This Florida Room

Having lived in South Florida for awhile I have to say I’m a sucker for palm trees, sunshine and the beach. What is a Florida Room you may ask? According to Southern Living, they are sun-filled sanctuaries that were popularized in the 50s and 60s as a place homeowners could escape to the outdoors without really going outdoors. It’s basically a covered sunroom or conservatory with lots of light, plants, flowers and trees and all-weather or wicker furniture to lay back, cozy up with a good book, a cup of coffee or an iced tea or a frozen margarita and CHILLAX. Now that’s right up my alley!

Some lovely music/soundtracks to make you happy!

Outlander Medley Soundtrack Season 1

Outlander Medley Soundtrack Season 2

And finally, a few podcasts and articles to brighten your day! (business/mindfulness/motivation)

10 Things Successful Women Do Differently

Motivational Podcasts to boost your mood and confidence

Defining Mindfulness

 

Things I Love {June 2020}

Things I Love June 2020

Welcome to my June 2020 edition of Things I Love! A collection of my current obsessions and things I’m crushing on right now that are downright awesome and amazing and worth a shoutout. June is one of my favorite months and for good reason! Grilling season, fresh produce from the farmer’s markets, trips to the lake, beaches and parks, picnics, long walks, al fresco dining, seafood, fresh salads, outdoor concerts, sunsets and sunrises, and all around relaxation mode on the rise!

So with that said, here are the things I’m eating, watching, traveling to, reading, cooking, and listening to. Stay tuned for next month’s Summer Edition for July + August!

What to eat right now

Halloumi Salad

Halloumi Salad

Crab Salad

Refreshingly Light Get-In-My-Bikini Crab Salad

chicago-style-hot-dogs

Chicago Style Chicken Dogs

rustic pizza with ham grapes honey thyme

Rustic Pizza with Ham, Grapes, Honey, Shallots + Thyme

peach-prosciutto-salad

White Peach, Prosciutto + Mozzarella Salad

Balsamic Tomato Pasta-3

Balsamic Roasted Tomato Basil Ricotta Pasta

Crazy Good Lobster Rolls

Classic Lobster Rolls

Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Shrimp Scampi Pasta

watermelon-tomato-feta-salad

Watermelon, Tomato + Feta Salad

Cheeseburger Salad

Cheeseburger Salad with Sriracha Ranch Dressing

Citrus-Herb-Grilled-Shrimp

Citrus Herb Grilled Shrimp

grilled-pork-chops-horizontal-jpg-1522720544

Honey Soy Grilled Pork Chops

Summer Veggie Frittata2

Summer Veggie Zucchini Frittata

Sangria Chicken Mango Salsa

Sangria Chicken with Mango Salsa

caprese zoodles

Caprese Zoodles

Peach Raspberry Tart

Summer Peach Raspberry Almond Vanilla Cream Tart

Spring Cocktails

Spring + Summer Cocktails

 

What I’m Reading

The Photo That Makes me Hungry, Andrew Scrivani

That Photo Makes Me Hungry, Andrew Scrivani

Andrew Scrivani, food photographer for the New York Times, is one of the most respected names in the business. He’s also a teacher of the craft, advising #foodporn obsessives, bloggers, photographers ready for the next step, and anyone who loves to shoot and eat.

The Dirty Lazy Keto Cookbook

The Dirty Lazy Keto Cookbook

After losing 140 pounds, bestselling author Stephanie Laska shares her unconventional weight loss secrets and 100 easy, accessible recipes so you too can experience the fun behind the keto lifestyle with lots of humor and zero judgement.

Rocco's Keto Comfort Food Diet

Rocco’s Keto Comfort Food Diet Cookbook

Rocco DiSpirito has made a career out of transforming people’s lives without sacrificing taste. Now, Rocco tackles the ketogenic diet with the most effective and delicious version of the diet to date. Using a four-tier program that can deliver up to a pound a day of weight loss, the diet incorporates meal plans and more than eighty of America’s favorite comfort food recipes made over to adhere to keto diet guidelines. You can lose the weight eating the foods you love.

Outlander series books

Outlander Book Series, Diana Galbadon

Scottish Highlands, 1945. Claire Randall, a former British combat nurse, is just back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach—an “outlander”—in a Scotland torn by war and raiding clans in the year of Our Lord . . . 1743. Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of a world that threatens her life, and may shatter her heart. Marooned amid danger, passion, and violence, her only chance of safety lies in Jamie Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior. What begins in compulsion becomes urgent need, and Claire finds herself torn between two very different men, in two irreconcilable lives.

What I’m Watching/Listening to

Little Fires Everywhere

Little Fires Everywhere, Hulu

Starring Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington, Little Fires Everywhere follows the intertwined fates of the picture-perfect Richardson family and an enigmatic mother and daughter who upend their lives. Based on Celeste Ng’s 2017 bestseller, the story explores the weight of secrets, the nature of art and identity, the ferocious pull of motherhood – and the danger in believing that following the rules can avert disaster.

Check out some Hulu promos and discounts here

outlander

Outlander, Starz

Based on the books mentioned above, this hit series on Starz is my new obsession! A gorgeous love story set in the Scottish Highlands between Jamie and Claire Fraser when she travels in time back to 1743 and they fall in love while fighting their way through Scotland against the British, then on to France, the Caribbean and finally the American colonies for a new life together.  What an adventure! Beautiful scenery, music, visuals, action, romance and drama all bundled into the best show I’ve ever seen in my life. I have to admit I kinda have a slight *girlcrush* on Caitriona Balfe who plays Claire…and Sam Heughan!?? Need I say more? GORGEOUSNESS all around.

The Last Kingdom, Netflix

Set in the Middle Ages circa 900s, the great (and GORGEOUS HUNKY Alexander Dreymon starring as the lead warrior Uhtred (living and fighting the Vikings as both a Saxon and a Dane) trying to regain his born right title as King of Bebbanburg, England while under oath King Alfred. Full of action, history, amazing costumes, and drama.

I Know This Much Is True, HBO

Based on the bestselling novel by Wally Lamb, written and directed by Derek Cianfrance, and starring Mark Ruffalo, this limited series follows Dominick Birdsey as he struggles to care for his twin brother, Thomas, while discovering the truth about his own family history. Sad, touching and tense drama.

Run, HBO

Written and produced by Vicky Jones, half-hour comedy series RUN follows a woman whose humdrum life is thrown upside down when she receives a text from her college sweetheart inviting her to drop everything and meet him in New York to fulfill the pact they made 17 years previously. Quirky, witty and fun.

Versailles, Netflix

A thrilling historical drama about King Louis XIV of France when he commissions his lavish palace of Versailles that becomes a fierce battleground for love and politics — and a gilded prison for nobility. Plenty of plot twists and drama, romance and scenery to keep you occupied through the quarantine wishing for a charmed and privileged court life lived during this opulent Renaissance period.

Mansfield Park, Amazon Prime

A lovely 1800s period drama set in England based on Jane Austen’s novel about a humble, poor Fanny Price who is shipped off to stay at her rich Aunt’s estate, Mansfield Park where she finds love and the secrets of the upper class.

Where I’ve Been / Where I’m Going / What I’m Eating

Green Lakes State Park, Syracuse NY

Green Lakes State Park, Syracuse NY

A beautiful park set south of Syracuse in Upstate NY Green Lakes is where I spent Memorial Day Weekend with my family and friends. The lake has stunning bright green aqua blue water surrounded by a 3 mile nature trail and a beach and park for chillin’ and grillin’. Amazing! Check out all my photos and videos from our fun day out here

Highland Park Lilac Festival

Highland Park Lilac Festival, Rochester NY

Every year Rochester holds their famous Lilac Festival in Highland Park. The flowers are absolutely gorgeous and smell divine! Unfortunately they didn’t have the full on festival with arts, crafts, music and food due to COVID-19 but we definitely took the time to stop and smell the lilacs.

Beattie Beach, Rochester NY

Beattie Beach, NY

I discovered this lovely little beach and park last weekend while taking a drive along Lake Ontario with my niece. The park had super pretty blue water and crashing waves along the beach and it was the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Peaceful vibes all around.

Belhurst Castle + Winery Geneva NY

Belhurst Castle + Winery, Geneva NY

Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes in Geneva NY lies this stunning and romantic castle surrounded by its wine vineyards. They have three hotels to stay for a short or long visit, a spa, two restaurants, wine, cider and craft beer tastings. I have not been to visit yet but this place is definitely on my bucket list of places to go and see this Summer! They’re also having some cool specials offers for Spring and Summer – 30% off on all 3 hotels and buy two get one free wines! Check them out here

A few more things I love – here, there, and everywhere

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

REDD Restaurant, Rochester NY – This stunning Wine Country based restaurant is the brainchild of Richard Reddington, a Rochester native and James Beard award winning Chef. They have a great wine list, signature cocktails and delicious farm to table food such as pizzas, salads, pastas, house-made baked goods and more.

New York Beer Project, Victor NY – Designed to recreate the most famous Beer Hall in NYC circa 1870 known as The Atlantic Garden, this glorious space celebrates American craftsmanship at its finest. They have a gastropub, craft cocktails, brunch, a rooftop terrace and loft, a beer garden and taproom all under one roof. Their menu is a celebration of food and drink from all over NY state from Buffalo, to Albany to Long Island to NYC..and they have special beer and food pairing menus created by their culinary team and master brewer Jason Crosset to sample the best flavors together while dining and drinking.

Parkleigh Pharmacy, Rochester NY – all the goods from soaps and candles to clothes, to food and coffee, jewelry, quirky gifts and more. Best store ever.

Botiki, Gulfport FL – another one of my fav gift shops in St Pete FL..stunning jewelry, clothes, gifts, soaps, candles etc.

 

Sweet + Spicy Meyer Lemon Shrimp Stir Fry

Sweet + Spicy Meyer Lemon Shrimp Stir Fry

Hey guys! Oh my gosh, it’s almost the end of the year! Can you believe it? Where does time fly? I’m so ready for a New Year though – #2019 can’t come soon enough! 🙂

I was invited to participate in the #Steviva #Holiday #Keto #Blogger #Recipe Challenge this year and made a Sweet and Spicy Meyer Lemon Shrimp Stir Fry. With all the #holidays going on and the rich, delectable #food I’ve been enjoying this month, I wanted to make a recipe a little bit lighter and healthier, and on the lower carb side…(before it all happens again this weekend for New Years!)

Sweet + Spicy Meyer Lemon Shrimp Stir Fry

I love Steviva products because they are lower in carbs, low glycemic, low calorie and they use all natural ingredients in their products. Their line of good-for-you all natural alternative sweeteners are terrific options for cooking and baking without sugar. Whether you need a granulated sweetener to replace table sugar, a powdered sweetener to replace confectionery sugar or a liquid sweetener to replace corn syrup, they have carefully developed safe, low glycemic, low caloric sweeteners that taste and act just like sugar.

Steviva + Nectevia Marinade

This dish is super easy and quick to make and has great flavors using fresh Meyer Lemon juice, soy sauce, sesame, Nectevia Agave Stevia Blend, Steviva Erythritol Blend, a dash of ginger and #Sriracha for some spiciness to make a delicious sticky marinade to go with the shrimp and fresh veggies. And it’s low carb and low cal! BONUS*** 🙂

Marinate Shrimp

Simply make your marinade for the shrimp with all the ingredients and put it in the fridge in a ziplock baggie for 1/2 an hour. Then stir fry the shrimp for a few minutes until they are no longer pink and remove the shrimp from the pan.

Saute the shrimp and veggies in marinade

Add the veggies and stir fry those for about 5-7 minutes until tender crisp and the sauce starts to thicken. Add the cooked shrimp back in and toss together for another minute or so.

Sweet + Spicy Meyer Lemon Shrimp Stir Fry

Serve immediately over brown or cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles or soba noodles and spoon the rest of the spicy and sweet sauce on top and garnish with a few more sesame seeds and even some green onions if you wish.

Sweet + Spicy Meyer Lemon Shrimp

Sweet + Spicy Meyer Lemon Shrimp Stir Fry

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: 4

A super easy and delicious stir fry made with shrimp and fresh veggies, marinated in a spicy and sweet sauce made with Meyer lemon juice, soy sauce, Sriracha, Steviva Blend and Nectevia. Great for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Best served over brown rice, cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles or soba noodles.

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons Steviva Blend
  • 4 tablespoons Nectevia agave syrup
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • juice of one Meyer lemon
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha
  • dash of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • dash of ginger (fresh minced or dried)
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups fresh sliced veggies (broccoli florets, red pepper, snap peas)
  • white pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Whisk together Steviva Blend, Nectevia agave nectar, soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, sesame oil, sesame seeds, Sriracha, red pepper flakes and ginger in a small mixing bowl.
  2. Add half of the sauce to the shrimp and let marinade in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or more.
  3. Heat butter in a medium sized skillet over medium high heat. Add the shrimp, discard marinade from the bag (save the other unused half for making the sauce). Saute for about 3-5 minutes until shrimp is no longer pink.
  4. Remove shrimp from the pan and add the fresh vegetables. Saute for about 5 minutes or so until soft.
  5. Add the reserved marinade and pour over the vegetables. Cook for another few minutes until sauce thickens.
  6. Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan and toss together with the vegetables and the sauce. Season with pepper, to taste.
  7. Serve immediately, garnish with additional sesame seeds and green onions if desired over brown rice, cauliflower rice, soba noodles or zucchini noodles.

Notes

You can also use this marinade for scallops or chicken or beef, just increasing the cook time appropriate for the protein (about 10-12 mins for chicken or beef until cooked through). Vegetables can be swapped out as well whatever you prefer!

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2018/12/sweet-spicy-meyer-lemon-shrimp-stir-fry/

Sweet + Spicy Meyer Lemon Shrimp

I’d love to hear your comments on this recipe below if you decide to make it! Please make sure to tag @stevivabrands and @artfulgourmet with a link back to this original post on my blog if you do share any recipes or photos on social media!

For more information on #Steviva Brands products and more recipes, please visit their website and social media pages:

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Instagram

—–

Note: I received products from Steviva Brands to experiment with recipes for the Blogger Challenge Recipe Contest. All opinions, recipes, photos and text are my own. 

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

{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.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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 🙂

Great Reads :: Top Cookbooks for Spring 2017

Great Reads: Top books for Spring 2017

Hey guys, so happy Spring! I haven’t done a post on Great Reads in a while and i have soooo many great books and cookbooks that I’ve read that deserve a big shout out!

Here’s a few of my recent favs that are definitely worth a read:

Salmon: From Market to Plate

Salmon, From Market to Plate by Maureen C. Berry 

For all you salmon lovers out there, this is your book. Seafood advocate and cook Maureen C. Berry will show you how to be sustainable salmon shopper and conscientious cook.

The book goes over the basics of how and where to buy different varieties of salmon and the best tools and essential ingredients for your kitchen to do so. She has 20 easy and delicious everyday salmon recipes included and they’re grouped by “In the Oven”, “On the Stove” and “On the Grill”, making it easy to learn different ways to cook salmon. There’s also some more advanced recipes from chefs and organizations that support sustainable fisheries and ocean conservation at the end.

Some of my favorite recipes in the book are simple and use fresh ingredients..Salmon with Roasted Apples and Walnuts, Farmers Market Salmon Salad, Salmon Corn Chowder, Grilled Salmon with Roasted Beets, Blue Cheese and Pear Vinaigrette, Pan Grilled Salmon with Cilantro-Walnut Pesto…and there’s so many more!

You can find Maureen tweeting @maureencberry and on Instagram @maureenc.berry. She lives in Kentucky with her husband and their feisty wire fox terrier.

Get the book on Amazon

Cook's Country Eats Local

Cook’s Country EATS LOCAL, 150 Regional Recipes

So this is such a fun cookbook and a roadtrip across the country with some of the best regional recipes ever! It actually makes me want to jump in a car and eat my way through every state, just like Guy Fieri on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Actually, when I was a kid, my whole family (me, Mom and Dad and my Sister) packed up our stuff into an RV hooked up to my Dad’s truck and drove across the country for five weeks from New York to California and back. We saw amazing things like the Salt Flats in Salt Lake City, the Badlands (we fed the prairie dogs “Twigs” on the side of the road!), Mount Rushmore in South Dakota,  the Redwood Forest in Northern California, Denver, Seattle, San Francisco, the Geysers in Yellowstone National Park, panning for gold in an old deserted Western town in Montana..and the list goes on. Ever since then I’ve been fascinated by travel and especially the food that comes from different regions of the country along with the history, culture and stories behind it.

The book breaks up the recipes into four regions featuring some of the top classical recipes in each: New England and the Mid-Atlantic, Appalachia and the South, The Midwest and Great Plains, Texas and the West.

The book includes anecdotes and stories on the history of the recipes and variations on some, along with colorful illustrations, side notes, cooking tips, photography and maps where you can find some of these recipes at popular hot spots across the country.

A few of my recipe favs in the book: Iowa Skinnies (a thinly cut fried pork chop sandwich with lettuce and tomato), St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake (need I say more?), South Carolina Shrimp Boil, Hoppin’ John (slow cooked Southern dish with rice, black-eyed peas and ham hocks), Rhode Island Johnnycakes (crispy corn cakes served with maple butter), Pittsburgh Wedding Soup (a Western PA version of Italian Wedding Soup with meatballs, kale, and orzo), Chicken Riggies (a classic chicken and rigatoni with tomato sauce baked dish from Utica NY), Prosperity Sandwiches (an open face sandwich melt similar to a Hot Brown from the Midwest), Texas Chicken Fried Steak and Chile Rellenos Casserole and Black Bottom Pie (chocolate custard, rum chiffon and whipped cream pie with a chocolate cookie crust) – OMG.

Check out the book on Amazon

Devoured: From Chicken Wings to Kale Smoothies

Devoured: From Chicken Wings to Kale Smoothies, Sophie Egan

This is a smart, funny and well-written book that delves into the American psyche of how we eat and why we eat, and sheds a unique light on the current food culture in America. Food writer and Culinary Institute of America program director  Sophie Egan examines the connections between our national values of work, freedom, and progress—and our eating habits (good ones and bad ones).

She explores many topics and questions such as why America is obsessed with healthy, GMO-free and gluten-free food; our obsession with having everything “our way” and instant gratification; our quick substitutes for real food while living such busy, scattered lives; and how American food is being influenced by global culinary trends and flavors. She analyzes workplace food experiences, fad diets, stunt foods, grandiose food marketing, and more.

Thought provoking and definitely worth a read! You can get it online here.

Here’s a few others worth a mention on the list (and all IACP Cookbook Award winners):

Scratch by Maria Rodale

Taste of Persia, Naomi Duguid

Deep Run Roots, Vivian Howard

Molly on the Range, Molly Yeh

James Beard’s All American Eats

Lemon Garlic Shrimp w/ Spaghetti Squash

Lemon Garlic Spaghetti Squash

So we are well into the New Year, and it’s definitely time to up my game and start smashing my fitness and healthy cooking and eating goals for this year.

I’ve joined a new gym, hired a Personal Trainer and committing to doing Yoga, Pilates, Barre and weight training plus lots of walking at least 4 times a week from now on. I’m also focusing on lower carb eating for a while – cutting out sugar, processed foods, carb loaded foods. And drinking more water, getting more rest and taking my vitamins. The list goes on! Gosh, getting healthy and in shape is not easy.

Roasted Spaghetti Squash

I decided to make a lighter version of Lemon Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti that’s normally loaded. I swapped out healthy spaghetti squash roasted with olive oil, sea salt and pepper instead of pasta to lighten up the carbs and calories.

Spaghetti Squash

Then I simply shredded it into spaghetti strands with a fork…

Sautéed Lemon Garlic Shrimp

and sautéed some sliced fresh garlic and shrimp in olive oil, butter, red chile pepper,  fresh parsley and a big splash of fresh lemon juice. YUM!

Lemon Garlic Roasted Spaghetti Squash

It’s so light and delicious i don’t even miss the pasta or bread (truly!) This lovely dish is also low in calories and high in protein – two staples to losing weight. Not to mention staying full and energized without the sugar highs and lows from eating all those heavy carbs.

You can also add more veggies to the dish if you like..try sautéing some mushrooms, zucchini, cherry tomatoes or bell peppers and adding them to the mix. I absolutely love the possibilities of this dish! Who needs pasta when you have delicious buttery strands of squash instead? Please add your comments below on how you would make or alter the dish – creativity is good!

Hope you enjoy the recipe and here’s to happy and healthy New Year to all of you. xx

Lemon Garlic Shrimp w/ Spaghetti Squash

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Yield: Makes 4-5 cups Spaghetti Squash and approximately 3 cups of Lemon Garlic Shrimp, serving 2.

This light and healthy dish is made with roasted spaghetti squash topped with sautéed shrimp, garlic, olive oil, chile flakes, lemon and parsley. Super easy and tasty and low on the carbs!

Ingredients

  • Roasted Spaghetti Squash:
  • 1 (3-pound) spaghetti squash
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Lemon Garlic Shrimp:
  • 6 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (16-20 ct)
  • 2-3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Pinch of red pepper chile flakes
  • 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves, plus more for garnish
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Roasted Spaghetti Squash:
  2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  3. Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scrape out seeds and inner membranes. Drizzle and rub squash with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  4. Place the halves, cut side down, in a large baking dish and roast squash for 35-45 minutes until tender.
  5. Remove squash from oven and turn side up, letting it cool for about 10 minutes.
  6. Scrape the inside of the squash with a fork to make spaghetti strands and serve with the Lemon Garlic Shrimp.
  7. Lemon Garlic Shrimp:
  8. Heat oil and butter over medium-high heat in a skillet until shimmering, then add the sliced garlic and cook while stirring constantly, about 1 minute.
  9. Add the shrimp and cook, stirring constantly, until shrimp are slightly cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Add the lemon juice, red pepper flakes and parsley; toss to combine.
  10. Season to taste with salt and pepper, serve immediately over roasted spaghetti squash.
  11. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by Yummly Rich Recipes
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2017/01/lemon-garlic-shrimp-w-spaghetti-squash/