Healthy Cooking | The Artful Gourmet :: Food Stylist | Photographer | Blogger

April 27, 2020July 20, 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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Organic Greens

FBOMB Macadamia Nut Butters

Hydro Boost Mask

Stash Apple Maple Cider Tea

CBD Hemp Oil

Turmeric + Ginger

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.

Chopped Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

Recipe by Pinch of Yum

A few Cinco de Mayo recipes and ideas

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

April 21, 2020March 15, 2023

Pizza Zucchini Boats {Keto + Low Carb}

These adorable Pizza Zucchini Boats are the perfect remedy for a #keto and #lowcarb diet when you’re craving some major comfort food but don’t want to get weighed down with carbs. Especially during this #coronavirus nightmare when all I want to do is eat a huge bag of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Salt and Vinegar potato chips in one sitting to calm my anxiety.

And they’re really easy to make! They’re basically a cross between #lasagna and #pizza and stuffed zucchini all in one lovely concoction. They have a cheesy, creamy filling made with ricotta (or cottage cheese), parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella and seasonings like sea salt and pepper, dried basil, minced onions and garlic, all baked into a bubbly tray of love in the oven.

First I washed and halved the zucchini (I used 4 medium-large ones), cut the ends off first then cut in half, and scooped out the flesh and chopped it up a bit.

Next I mixed in some dried onion flakes and garlic powder with some dried basil, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper and sautéed the mixture in some olive oil for a few minutes. You can also use fresh onion, garlic and basil here if you have it on hand. Red pepper flakes could be fun too for some heat.

Then I added the cooked zucchini mixture to a medium prep bowl with the cottage cheese (or ricotta if using), 1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded parmesan cheese and mixed it together with the marinara sauce for the filling.

I stuffed the zucchini shells with the mixture then topped them with additional 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.

I topped them off with baby pepperoni slices and placed them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Baked at 425 degrees F for 20-30 mins until the cheese was melted, bubbly and golden.

Let them cool for a few minutes before serving (they are super hot!), and garnish with more basil and a dash of sea salt and extra pepper or Parmesan cheese if you like. (the more cheese the better in my opinion!)

You guys! These are so good you’ll never miss the crust. I promise. Look at all the bubbly cheesy goodness.

And you can stuff your face during the #pandemic guilt-free. Grab a glass of wine to go with them while you’re at it to make the experience even more amazing….Whoo Hoo! Your life will seem somewhat normal again, at least for a moment.

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Enjoy.

Other Zucchini Recipes you may enjoy:

Stuffed Zucchini

Zucchini Pizza Bites

Zucchini Pizza Bake

April 3, 2020March 15, 2023

Low Carb Almond Flour Bread {#Keto, #Paleo, #Gluten-Free}

This Almond Flour Bread recipe is perfect when you are looking to replace high-carb regular bread with a low-carb alternative. Made with gluten-free almond flour, eggs, FBOMB Coconut Oil, butter, and a touch of honey and sea salt, it’s so good you’ll never know the difference!

Almond flour is a great source of natural fiber and protein and serves as a perfect base for making this bread. (I particularly like Bob’s Red Mill brand which is superfine ground). Coconut oil is also an excellent source of healthy fats while the eggs (a superfood!) offer up protein and amino acids.

This recipe is perfect for avocado or egg salad toast, sandwiches, or even torn up to use in a low carb Panzella salad, stuffing or breakfast strata recipe. It’s also delicious simply toasted with butter or dipped in olive oil and herbs as a snack or appetizer. The possibilities are endless!

This Paleo Bread Recipe Is:

Paleo | Grain-free | Gluten-free
High in protein
Low-carb

This Recipe Uses:

FBOMB Coconut Oil
Butter
Eggs
Almond Flour
Baking Powder
Honey
Sea Salt

Top Three Health Benefits of This Recipe:

FBOMB Coconut Oilis a wonderful healthy fat and perfect for a Paleo / Low-Carb diet. It also helps keep you satiated and full throughout the day.
Almond flour is very low-carb and grain-free, plus it’s full of natural fiber and protein.
Eggs are considered a superfood because they’re loaded with vitamins and amino acids. They’re a perfect mix of fat and protein and should be a part of any healthy diet.

Low Carb Almond Flour Bread {#Keto, #Paleo, #Gluten-Free}

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Yield: 16 slices

Serving Size: 1 slice

Calories per serving: 99

Fat per serving: 9.3g

This Paleo Bread recipe is perfect when you are looking to replace high-carb regular bread with a low-carb alternative. Made with gluten-free almond flour, eggs, FBOMB Coconut Oil, butter, and a touch of honey and sea salt, it’s so good you’ll never know the difference!

Ingredients

7 large eggs
½ cup melted butter (or FBOMB Olive Oil)
1 packet (2 tablespoons) FBOMB Coconut Oil
2 cups almond flour (fine)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 F.
Put the eggs in a large mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer on high for 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the melted butter (or olive oil) and coconut oil, and mix together until smooth.
Add the almond flour, baking powder, honey and sea salt, and mix together until thick and blended well.
Pour mixture into an 8x4-inch rectangular loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 45 minutes or until a skewer comes out of the middle clean.
Let the bread cool for about 10 minutes on a wire rack.
Slice into 16 pieces and serve with your topping or filling of choice.

Notes

To make the recipe keto-friendly, add ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum or gelatin powder and omit the honey. You can also substitute low carb brown sugar or agave syrup for the honey.

You can also substitute the butter with FBOMB Extra Virgin Olive Oil if you are avoiding dairy.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2020/04/low-carb-almond-flour-bread-keto-paleo-gluten-free/

Please feel free to share this recipe online and tag @artfulgourmet and #dropanfbomb #ketologic in the social media post – we’d love to hear if you made the recipe and what you think in the comments below!

March 13, 2020August 5, 2020

Mediterranean Beef Kebabs w/ Tzatziki

These grilled Mediterranean Beef Kebabs are the perfect #low-carb/#Keto/#Whole30-friendly dish made with lightly spiced Steakhouse Elite Grass-Fed Ground Beef grilled on skewers. Now that Spring is on the way, I’m focusing on eating healthier and less carbs with whole, fresh, #organic ingredients.

Once the beef skewers are grilled, they are served with a simple, lovely salad made with fresh sun-roasted tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, parsley, mint, and crumbled feta, and a side of homemade tzatziki sauce made with garlic, cucumbers, mint and greek yogurt.

Healthy, light and delicious! You can also serve these on grilled pita bread if you wish. Pairs well with a crisp white wine or light red.

Mediterranean Beef Kebabs w/ Tzatziki

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield: Serves 4.

Serving Size: 1-2 Kebabs w/ Tzatziki

These grilled Mediterranean Beef Kebabs are the perfect low-carb/Keto/Whole30-friendly dish made with lightly spiced Steakhouse Elite Grass-Fed Ground Beef grilled on skewers. They’re served with fresh tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, parsley, mint, and crumbled feta, and a side of homemade tzatziki sauce. Healthy, light and delicious!

Ingredients

BEEF KEBABS:
1 medium onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup fresh parsley, minced
1 1/2 pounds Steakhouse Elite Grass-Fed Ground Beef
1/2 cup finely ground almond flour + 1 tablespoon water
Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper
4 teaspoons Mediterranean or Greek seasoning
SIDE SALAD:
1 large tomato, sliced
1 red onion, sliced
1 cucumber, sliced
Parsley, chopped
Mint, chopped
Feta Cheese, crumbled
TZATZIKI:
3 Persian, Kirby or ½ English cucumbers, cut into ¼-inch pieces
Kosher salt
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove, lightly crushed
¼ cup chopped mint

Instructions

BEEF KEBABS:
Soak 10 wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, removing when ready to start making beef kebabs. Lightly oil a grill or grill pan and preheat to medium-high.
Finely mince the onion, garlic, and parsley and place in a large mixing bowl. Add the ground beef, almond flour/water mixture, salt and pepper and Mediterranean spices. Mix together with your hands until well combined. Alternatively, you can mince all the ingredients together in a food processor.
Take a handful portion of the meat mixture and mold it on a wooden skewer into a long log-shaped kebab about 1 inch wide. Repeat with the rest of the meat and skewers, laying them on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
Place the beef kebabs on the grill and cook for 4 minutes on one side, turn over and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Serve the kebabs with a side salad made of sliced tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, parsley, mint and feta cheese with a side of tzatziki for dipping.
TZATZIKI:
Toss cucumbers with a few generous pinches of salt in a small bowl; firmly squeeze several times with your hands to release excess water. Drain.
Mix cucumbers, yogurt, oil, lemon juice, and garlic in a medium bowl; season with salt. Let sit at room temperature 15–20 minutes; discard garlic. Stir in mint just before serving.
Do Ahead: Tzatziki can be made 2-3 days ahead (without mint). Cover and chill in the refrigerator, and add fresh mint just before serving.

Notes

You can also substitute the ground beef with ground lamb or chicken, and serve with a side of grilled pita bread if desired.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2020/03/mediterranean-beef-kebabs-w-tzatziki/

Enjoy!

January 2, 2020May 2, 2022

Citrus Arugula Salad with Pistachios, Ricotta + Mint

This #Winter Citrus #Salad w/ Arugula, Ricotta Salata & Pistachios has a Lemon Truffle Dressing that is to die for!

A gorgeous and refreshing salad made with blood oranges and Cara Cara oranges, arugula, chopped mint, pistachios and sliced red onion over arugula with a lovely dressing made with 7 Barrels White Truffle Extra Virgin Olive Oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. The perfect blend of sweet, tangy, crunchy and salty all in one bite!

#lowcarb #keto #whole30 approved #recipe! ..It’s the perfect refreshing salad for the New Year! Happy #2020!

Citrus Arugula Salad with Pistachios, Ricotta + Mint

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Yield: Serves 4.

A gorgeous and refreshing Winter salad made with citrus, arugula, chopped mint, pistachios and red onion over arugula with a lovely dressing made with 7 Barrels White Truffle Extra Virgin Olive Oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. The perfect blend of sweet, tangy and salty all in one bite!

Ingredients

2 blood oranges, peeled, pith removed and sliced crosswise ¼ inch thick
2 Cara Cara or Navel oranges, peeled, pith removed and sliced crosswise ¼ inch thick
2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons roasted salted pistachios, chopped
½ small red onion, halved and sliced thin crosswise
3 cups baby arugula
4 tablespoons Seven Barrels Truffle Oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh Ricotta Salata, crumbled (or 8 thin slices, divided)

Instructions

Layer the orange slices in alternating colors on a large plate or a couple of small plates.
Top the layered oranges with chopped mint, pistachios, and sliced red onions on the plate(s).
Toss the arugula with truffle oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a mixing bowl.
Place a pile of arugula on top of the layered oranges and top with the crumbled ricotta cheese and additional freshly ground black pepper if desired.

Notes

Note: If you can’t find fresh Ricotta Salata cheese, you can also substitute another tangy sheep’s milk cheese such as Manchego or Aged Pecorino Romano. Fresh sliced Mozzarella or Burrata cow’s milk cheese could also substitute nicely for a milder flavor.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2020/01/citrus-arugula-salad-with-pistachios-ricotta-mint/

December 31, 2019May 2, 2022

Ham, Cheese, Broccoli + Mushroom Frittata {#Keto}

Who loves #brunch besides me? One of my favorite recipes around the holidays is a big egg casserole, quiche or frittata made with lots of delicious ingredients like ham or bacon, cheese, veggies all baked together into a hot, bubbling dish of goodness.

This Ham, Cheese, Broccoli + Mushroom Frittata is also #lowcarb, #keto and #Whole30 diet friendly – something we all are looking for to eat lighter and shed a few pounds after an indulgent holiday filled with rich, carb-laden, sugar-filled foods.

I made the frittata with some cooked smoked ham, broccoli, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, sautéed buttery mushrooms, eggs and a touch of light cream, dried leeks, a dash of onion salt and a little garlic. It’s all layered together in a casserole dish then baked in the oven for 40-45 minutes, then served at room temperature.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and cheeses – some crumbled breakfast sausage or bacon instead of ham. Sub some halved cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers or asparagus, and use some creamy brie or swiss or gruyere cheese would all be equally delicious! Or leave out the meat altogether and make it a #vegetarian egg casserole instead.

The frittata can also be cooked in a cast iron pan on the stove for a few minutes and finished in the oven until cooked through. It can also be made ahead of time and reheated, or served room temperature. Great served with a side salad or fruit salad for brunch. Yum!

Happy New Year #2020!

Keto Ham, Cheese, Broccoli + Mushroom Frittata

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 8

Serving Size: 1 square (1/8 of frittata)

Ingredients

Olive oil cooking spray
5 cups broccoli
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 cup cooked ham, diced
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
12 large eggs
1/4 cup light cream
1 tablespoons dried leeks
Onion salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Fresh or dried parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees, Spray a 9x13 or medium round baking dish with cooking spray.
Blanch the broccoli for a few minutes, drain and run under cool water, set aside.
Melt butter in a small sauté pan and cook mushrooms for 5-6 minutes until tender and browned. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Layer the broccoli, mushrooms and ham in the baking dish.
Beat the eggs in a large mixing bowl and add cream, dried leeks and season with onion salt and pepper.
Pour the egg mixture over the cooked veggies and ham and stir ingredients together.
Sprinkle the cheese over the top, mixing it through the casserole.
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until eggs are set and the top is lightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool.
Serve warm, cut into squares.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and cheeses - some cooked sausage or bacon instead of ham, tomatoes, peppers or asparagus would also be equally delicious and nutritious. The frittata can also be cooked in a cast iron pan on the stove for a few minutes and finished in the oven until cooked through. Can be made ahead of time and reheated, or served room temperature. Great with a side salad or fruit salad for brunch.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2019/12/ham-cheese-broccoli-mushroom-frittata-keto/

Some other frittata/quiche/egg casseroles you might wanna try!

Bacon, Onion + Cheese Frittata

Summer Veggie Frittata

Italian Frittata w/ Potato, Red Pepper + Bacon

Mushroom, Ham + Cheese Strata

Holiday Strata

Spinach, Cheese + Green Onion Quiche

December 31, 2019April 12, 2021

Rock Star Chili

It’s that time of year again where all i really want to do is stay in and cook some hearty comfort food and watch Netflix with my kitty under a big fluffy blanket. Chili is one of my fav recipes to make because it’s super easy, all in one pot, and a little spicy and savory and oh-so-good.

It’s a simple mix of ground beef, onions and garlic, chili seasoning, beans, stewed tomatoes, whole tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, chili beans, beef broth and a dash of hot sauce all simmered into a lovely big pot of chili goodness. Simply top it with all your favorite toppings like a dab of sour cream, some shredded cheddar or mexican blend cheese, jalapeños, cilantro and then serve some corn chips or tortilla chips along side for the perfect cozy dish, game-day ready!

To make homemade chili seasoning (rather than premixed) use this recipe:

Ingredients

5 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoons cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

Place all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Feel free to play with this base chili recipe and make it your own! You can add a 12-ounce bottle of beer along with the tomatoes and broth in the beginning of cooking for a more complex flavor. If you want to amp up the heat factor, add some chopped jalapeños and a few tablespoons of the jalapeño juice into the chili towards the end, adjusting to heat level desired. A few chopped up chipotle peppers and dash of sauce will also give a smoky flavor to the chili without the heat. Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika in the chili seasoning for some smoky flavor as well.

The chili can also be prepared a few days ahead. Let the chili cool then cover with foil and keep in the refrigerator. Rewarm over low heat before serving.

Rock Star Chili

Rating: 51

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Yield: 8-10

Serving Size: Approx 1 cup

This is a super easy and super delish rock star chili recipe - you can adjust the heat by adding additional jalapeños, diced green chilies and/or hot sauce. Perfect cozy one-pot dish for a gloomy Winter day!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
3 pounds ground beef (80/20) - ground chuck***
2 large onions, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
One packet Chili-O seasoning mix or homemade chili seasoning (see post for recipe)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
One 8-ounce can stewed tomatoes
One 8-ounce can whole tomatoes, chopped
One 8-ounce can Ro-tel diced tomatoes with chilies
One 6-ounce can tomato paste
2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional, add to taste)
One 8-ounce can red kidney beans
One 8-ounce can prepared chili beans
Garnishes: sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, jalapeño, corn chips or tortilla chips

Instructions

Heat the oil in a large heavy pot and add ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease from pot. Stir in the chili seasoning, salt and pepper.
Add onions and cook over medium heat until translucent, stirring often, about 8-10 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another minute or so.
Pour in the broth, all the tomatoes, tomato paste and hot sauce and simmer the chili over low heat until thickened to desired consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for at least an hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
Mix in beans. Simmer 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper, stir together. Reduce heat to low until ready to serve.
To serve ladel into bowls and garnish with sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, jalapeños and corn or tortilla chips, if desired.

Notes

To make homemade chili seasoning (rather than premixed) use this recipe:

Ingredients- 5 tablespoons chili powder 1 tablespoons cumin 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions- Place all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Feel free to adjust seasonings to taste.

DO AHEAD Can be prepared 3 days ahead. Refrigerate until cold, then cover. Rewarm over low heat before serving.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2019/12/rock-star-chili/

December 30, 2019May 2, 2022

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

Saute veggies

Add chicken

Cook and mix together

Add broth, water

Add noodles and cook 9-11 mins

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve

March 25, 2019March 15, 2023

Sweet + Spicy Chicken Thighs w/ Roasted Broccolini

Sometimes you need to spice things up in life a little. Especially to brighten up those late Winter/early Spring dreary days when you’re craving #BBQ, until the gorgeous grilling weather is back in full swing!

These Sweet and Spicy Chicken Thighs are the perfect remedy – bathed in a gorgeous sticky, spicy and sweet glaze, made with Penzey’s Northwoods Fire Rub and Woodstock Everything Sauce and a little honey and white balsamic vinegar for a great BBQ flavor with the convenience of the broiler.

I made some fresh and easy Roasted Broccolini with Garlic to go with the chicken, but you could also serve them with the typical BBQ fixings: corn on the cob, baked beans, cole slaw, mac and cheese or fries. Black beans and rice would also be a great option for a Caribbean flair. Or shred the chicken and make some Spicy Sweet Chicken Tacos or BBQ Chicken Wraps or Pizza with the roasted broccolini…YUM!

Chef’s Notes: Penzey’s Northwoods Fire Rub is a lovely spicy mixture of salt, chipotle, black pepper, Hungarian paprika, garlic, rosemary, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne. If you aren’t able to find it or buy some, you can make your own by using the following: 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons chipotle or chili powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. Get it online here.

Woodstead Hot Anything & Everything Sauce is a sweet and spicy glaze I found in Upstate New York in Naples in the Finger Lakes (it’s made there locally and sold at the farmer’s markets and you can also get it at Arbor Hill winery). It’s key ingredients are ketchup, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, turmeric and paprika, orange juice, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper and brown sugar. It’s super delicious on everything as a bbq glaze or a dip for chips or fries. If you can’t find the sauce or aren’t able to get it to make my recipe then I suggest finding a Carolina-style BBQ sauce (mustard and vinegar based) and mixing it with the honey and white balsamic vinegar per my recipe instructions and it would be just as delicious! Kinda like a Honey BBQ mixed with the spicy rub for an extra kick!

Sweet + Spicy Chicken Thighs w/ Roasted Broccolini

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: Serves 4.

Serving Size: 1-2 chicken thighs and 3-4 broccolini stalks

These Sweet and Spicy Chicken Thighs are bathed in a gorgeous sticky, spicy and sweet glaze, made with Penzey's Northwoods Fire Rub and Woodstock Everything Sauce and a little honey and white balsamic vinegar for a great BBQ flavor with the convenience of the broiler. Served with an easy, healthy and delicious Roasted Broccolini with garlic on the side.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Penzey's Northwoods Fire Seasoning
3/4 teaspoon salt
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1/2 cup Woodstead Hot Anything & Everything Sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar
Roasted Broccolini:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 bunches broccolini
2 garlic cloves, chopped fine
2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt + fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Dash of red pepper flakes

Instructions

Make the Sweet + Spicy Chicken:
Preheat the broiler.
Drizzle the olive oil and sprinkle the Penzey's Northwoods Fire Seasoning over the chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl and toss to coat evenly.
Place the chicken on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray and broil for 5 minutes on each side.
Combine the Woodstead Hot Anything + Everything sauce with the honey and white balsamic vinegar in a small bowl, stirring together well.
Remove the chicken from the oven and brush half of the sauce over the chicken. Broil for 1 minute.
Remove from the oven and turn the chicken over. Brush the chicken with the remaining sauce and broil for an additional minute or until the chicken is cooked through and has crispy edges.
Drizzle or brush any additional sauce over the chicken if desired.
Make the Roasted Broccolini:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Trim 2 inches off the ends of the broccolini stems and place the broccolini in a single layer on a large sheet pan.
Drizzle the broccolini with 2 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle with minced garlic, sea salt and black pepper, a dash of red pepper flakes, and toss together to coat evenly.
Roast broccolini for 15 minutes, until it is crisp-tender, and browned.
Serve hot, immediately.

Notes

Chef's Notes: Penzey's Northwoods Fire Rub is a lovely spicy mixture of salt, chipotle, black pepper, Hungarian paprika, garlic, rosemary, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne. If you aren't able to get the Penzey's spice rub you can make your own by using the following: 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons chipotle or chili powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. Woodstead Hot Anything & Everything Sauce is a sweet and spicy glaze I found in Upstate New York in Naples in the Finger Lakes (it's made there locally and sold at the farmer's markets). It's key ingredients are ketchup, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, turmeric and paprika, orange juice, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper and brown sugar. It's super delicious on everything as a bbq glaze or a dip for chips or fries. If you can't find the sauce or aren't able to get it to make my recipe then I suggest finding a Carolina-style BBQ sauce (mustard and vinegar based) and mixing it with the honey and white balsamic vinegar per my recipe instructions and it would be just as delicious! Kinda like a Honey BBQ mixed with the spicy rub for an extra kick!

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2019/03/sweet-spicy-chicken-thighs-w-roasted-broccolini/

Sticky..spicy…sweet…all rolled up into a delicious, easy meal – enjoy!

And bring on those Summer dayssssss!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂

December 28, 2018March 6, 2020

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!)

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.

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*** 🙂

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.

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.

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 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

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.
Add half of the sauce to the shrimp and let marinade in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or more.
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.
Remove shrimp from the pan and add the fresh vegetables. Saute for about 5 minutes or so until soft.
Add the reserved marinade and pour over the vegetables. Cook for another few minutes until sauce thickens.
Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan and toss together with the vegetables and the sauce. Season with pepper, to taste.
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/

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:

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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.