Vegan Kung Pao Noodles

Vegan Kung Pao Noodles

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

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

Lion's Mane Mushroom Crumbles

 

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

Prep ingredients

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

Stir Fry veggies

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

Add Mushroom Crumbles

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

Add Kung Pao Sauce

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

Stir Noodles and Veggies with Sauce

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

Vegan Kung Pao Noodles

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

Vegan Kung Pao Noodles

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

Vegan Kung Pao Noodles

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

Vegan Kung Pao Noodles

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

Vegan Kung Pao Noodles

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 6

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

Ingredients

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

Instructions

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

Notes

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

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

Vegan Kung Pao Noodles

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

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

Website: https://bigmountainfoods.com/

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bigmountainfood

#BigMountainFoodsRecipeChallenge #BigMountainFoods #Veganrecipes

——–

Other recipes you may enjoy:

Spicy Pork Udon Noodle Soup

Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles

Sweet + Spicy Shrimp Noodle Salad

 

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!

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#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

 

 

 

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

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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.

 

Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Cauliflower Pizza

Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Cauliflower Pizza

Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Cauliflower Pizza

I was recently invited to be a part of the Cape Cod Select Food #Blogger Recipe Challenge and I’m so excited to share my delicious new #pizza recipe using their frozen cranberries with you!

Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Cauliflower Pizza

This Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Cauliflower Pizza is a delicious and healthy pizza made with frozen cranberries sautéed in a lovely reduced balsamic glaze, shredded rotisserie chicken, caramelized onions, ricotta, Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, topped with fresh arugula and basil on a crispy, thin cauliflower crust. You guys..this is the most delicious pizza I’ve ever made..It’s a sweet and tangy savory delight all in one bite!

Rhodes Family Farm

For over 70 years, the Rhodes family has been harvesting cranberries in Southeastern Massachusetts, the heart of “Cranberry Country”. In 2009, Cindy Rhodes founded Cape Cod Select, the retail face for the Edgewood Bogs Cranberry Growers.

Cape Cod Select Cranberries

They select only the ripest, freshest fruit to package and are proud to provide a premium quality product. From flower to package, they strive to integrate all the latest sustainable technologies and pledge to do their share in protecting the environment.

Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Cauliflower Pizza

I used a pre-made frozen cauliflower pizza crust (Caulipowr brand is great) which is super thin, crunchy and saves a lot of time. You can also make a homemade crust with riced cauliflower, egg, mozzarella, parmesan cheese, with a dash of dried basil or italian seasoning which is included in the recipe.

First slice your onions and sauté them over low heat on the stove in a large sauté pan with a pinch of sugar or stevia for about 30-40 minutes until caramelized. Set aside.

Bake the crust

The cauliflower pizza crust is topped with all kinds of goodies: a creamy base of ricotta topped with flavorful shredded rotisserie chicken, mozzarella, and caramelized onions, then popped in the oven for 11-13 minutes to crisp it up and melt the cheese.

Roughly chop cranberries

While the crust is cooking, chop your cranberries and sauté the cranberries for a few minutes in a little bit of olive oil.

Balsamic Glazed Cranberries

Reduce the balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over high heat on the stove to create a delicious glaze, then add the cranberries to the glaze and set aside.

Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Cauliflower Pizza

Once the pizza is done cooking, add the balsamic glazed cranberries and top it with fresh baby arugula and torn basil leaves, with a drizzle of additional olive oil and balsamic glaze for an extra hit of flavor.

Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Cauliflower Pizza

Cut it into 4-8 slices (depending on the size of your crust) and serve immediately.

Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Cauliflower Pizza

Healthy, delicious and perfect for a light, gluten-free meal. Enjoy!

Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Cauliflower Pizza

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: 8

Serving Size: 1 slice

Calories per serving: 166

Fat per serving: 9.7g

This Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Cauliflower Pizza is a delicious and healthy pizza made with frozen cranberries sautéed in a lovely reduced balsamic glaze, shredded rotisserie chicken, ricotta, Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, caramelized onions and fresh arugula on a crispy, cheesy cauliflower crust. Healthy, delicious and perfect for a light, gluten-free meal.

Ingredients

  • For the crust:
  • 1 medium head cauliflower (or 12 ounces/3 cups frozen pre-riced cauliflower)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher or sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • For the pizza:
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 large sweet onion, halved and sliced thin
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar, plus extra for drizzling
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons stevia (or 3 tablespoons honey)
  • 3/4 cup Cape Cod Select frozen cranberries, thawed and drained
  • 2 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
  • 1 cup baby arugula
  • Fresh torn basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. For a homemade cauliflower pizza crust:
  2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  3. Working in batches as needed, pulse cauliflower in a food processor until rice-like consistency. If using pre-riced cauliflower, microwave according to package directions (3-5 minutes) and let cool 5-10 minutes. Drain in a large colander, squeezing out extra moisture with paper towels.
  4. In a medium mixing bowl, combine cauliflower, beaten egg, garlic powder, 1 cup mozzarella and parmesan cheese, dried basil and oregano, salt and pepper. Stir and fold until mixture holds together.
  5. Press cauliflower mixture into a 10-inch circle (1/4” thick) on the parchment lined pizza stone or baking sheet.
  6. Bake cauliflower crust for 15 minutes, then flip it over and bake another 10 minutes or until edges are golden brown and crust is crispy; remove from oven and brush with a small amount of olive oil.
  7. For the pizza:
  8. While pizza crust is baking, caramelize onions in a sauté pan over low heat with 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil, sea salt and pepper, for about 20-25 minutes until soft and golden brown. Remove pan from stove and set aside.
  9. Reduce the balsamic vinegar on the stove by bringing vinegar and stevia (or honey) to a boil in a small pan. Reduce heat to medium-low; let simmer for 8-10 minutes.
  10. Stir the vinegar occasionally as it simmers and let reduce by half until the consistency is thick and syrupy.
  11. Roughly chop the cranberries and add to a small pan with ½ tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Sauté for 5 minutes, then toss them in the balsamic reduction and set aside.
  12. Remove pizza crust from oven and spread ricotta cheese in an even layer, leaving 1-inch border on the outer crust. Sprinkle with caramelized onions and shredded rotisserie chicken, top with 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
  13. Slide pizza back into the oven and bake for another 5 minutes (or broil it at 450-500 degrees for 2 minutes) on the upper rack, until cheese is bubbly and browned. Remove pizza from oven.
  14. Sprinkle the sautéed balsamic cranberries evenly over pizza, and top with arugula and fresh basil.
  15. Drizzle pizza with additional olive oil and balsamic reduction, if desired.
  16. Slice into 4-8 pieces and serve immediately.
  17. NOTE:
  18. If using pre-made or frozen cauliflower pizza crust:
  19. Place pizza stone or baking sheet on middle rack of oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Line pizza peel or large round baking sheet with parchment paper.
  20. Spray the crust with olive oil cooking spray and top with ricotta, mozzarella, shredded chicken and caramelized onions. Bake for 10-12 minutes and remove from oven. Top with the balsamic cranberries, fresh basil, arugula and drizzle with extra balsamic glaze for garnish.

Notes

To save time and effort, use a pre-made frozen cauliflower pizza crust and top with ricotta and mozzarella cheese, onions, chicken and bake for 11-13 minutes, then top with arugula, balsamic cranberries and basil and additional olive oil and balsamic glaze to garnish and cut into slices and serve.

You can make the crusts ahead, wrap well with plastic, and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 weeks.

Macros per serving: 166 calories 9.7 g fat 3.3 g saturated fat 46mg cholesterol 211 mg sodium 7 g total carbs 1.3g fiber 4.1g total sugars 12.4 g protein 5.7g net carbs

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Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Cauliflower Pizza

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I’d also love to hear your comments below if you made the recipe!

Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Cauliflower Pizza

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Paleo “Smashed” Sweet Potatoes w/ Honey + Thyme

Paleo Smashed Sweet Potatoes w/ Honey + Thyme

Paleo Smashed Sweet Potatoes w/ Honey + Thyme

These Paleo “Smashed” Sweet Potatoes with Honey + Thyme are a fantastic alternative to regular sweet potato casseroles that are laden with calories, carbs, sugar, and all the other things that can be problematic on a #paleo, #low-carb, #whole30 or #ketogenic diet.

I created this recipe for my client #Ketologic, made with their #FBOMB Macadamia Oil which gives you the health benefits of sweet potatoes along with quality fats from premium oil and grass-fed butter. Full of vitamins, packed with minerals, and utterly delicious.

Sweet potatoes are a rich source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytosterol, which promotes a healthy digestive system. They also contain beta carotene, which supports eye health along with high amounts of antioxidants that help defend the body of free radicals.

But sweet potatoes are high carb and starchy, even before adding sugar. 

Traditional sweet potato recipes send your blood sugar on a rollercoaster ride that leaves you feeling sluggish and bloated in the hours and days afterward. Neither brown sugar nor marshmallows offer much in the way of nutrition besides a hefty dose of sugar. They’re the very definition of “empty carbs.”

Just one serving of a side dish like that is enough to give you an epic sugar hangover. Don’t be surprised if you wake up from your post-Thanksgiving meal nap and start reaching for even more sweets. Luckily, sweet potatoes are sweet enough without having to add candy. They’re called “sweet” potatoes for a reason, you know.

Smashed Roasted Sweet Potatoes

This recipe swaps out the burnt marshmallows in traditional sweet potato casseroles for a topping that’s far healthier but just as delicious: Pecans.

These high-fat, low-carb nuts deliver a wonderful caramelized flavor that balances out the sweetness of the sweet potato and honey. The fats perfectly pair with the omega-7-packed macadamia oil, delivering a satisfying, satiating side that will stop you from reaching for that extra slice of pie after dinner.

Pecans are awesome for reasons beyond just being low-carb and high in quality fats. They’re also:

  • Antioxidant-rich. Pecans are full of antioxidants, which work to combat free radicals in the body, protecting and repairing your cells.
  • Promote heart health. Research shows that consuming pecans may help manage cholesterol, promoting a healthy heart.
  • Satiating. The high-fat content in nuts provides stable energy and satiety, which can assist with weight loss by reducing hunger and cravings.

These sweet potatoes are so delicious, healthy, and easy to make! First, the sweet potatoes are cut into 1½-inch thick slices and roasted in the oven with some FBOMB Macadamia Oil, cinnamon and nutmeg, pecans, sea salt and black pepper. Then they are “smashed” with a fork (or glass) and topped with a dab of grass-fed butter, drizzled honey, and fresh thyme. Easy, simple, and full of flavor, crunch, and healthy ingredients!

Smashed Roasted Sweet Potatoes w/ Honey + Thyme

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 4

Serving Size: 2-3 potato rounds

Calories per serving: 379

Fat per serving: 26.5g

These sweet potatoes are so delicious, healthy, and easy to make! First, the sweet potatoes are cut into 1½-inch thick slices and roasted in the oven with some FBOMB Macadamia Oil, cinnamon and nutmeg, pecans, sea salt and black pepper. Then they are “smashed” with a fork (or glass) and topped with a dab of grass-fed butter, drizzled honey, and fresh thyme. Easy, simple, and full of flavor, crunch, and healthy ingredients!

Ingredients

  • 2 large sweet potatoes (or 3 medium)
  • 3 tablespoons FBOMB Macadamia Oil
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup pecans, chopped
  • 2-3 tablespoons grass-fed organic butter
  • ¼ cup organic honey
  • 1 tablespoon thyme leaves

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Slice the sweet potatoes into five 1½-inch thick slices (or quarters for medium size) and place in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Drizzle the FBOMB Macadamia Oil over the potatoes and toss to coat evenly.
  4. Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the potatoes and stir together.
  5. Place sweet potatoes in an even layer on a large baking sheet, about 1-inch apart.
  6. Bake potatoes until fork-tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven and turn oven broiler to medium. Using a fork, potato masher, or the flat bottom of a glass, smash potato slices. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, until potatoes are golden brown.
  7. When potatoes are done, add a dab of butter to the center of each one, and drizzle with honey. Sprinkle the potatoes with the fresh thyme over the top.
  8. Serve hot.

Notes

You can also swap out other nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts. If you want to go low-sugar use a sweetener alternative like Stevia, low carb agave or brown sugar substitute (like Swerve) for sweetness without the calories and sugar spikes. If you want to make the recipe dairy-free, use only the macadamia oil or olive oil for drizzling at the end.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:

Calories: 379 •Fat: 26.5g •Protein: 2.5g •Total Carbohydrates: 32.5g •Fiber: 3g •Net Carbs: 29.5g

Macros: •Fat: 63% •Protein: 3% •Carbohydrates: 34%

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Paleo Smashed Sweet Potatoes w/ Honey + Thyme

Hello Pretties. 

You can also swap out other nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts. If you want to go low-sugar use a sweetener alternative like Stevia, low carb agave or brown sugar substitute (like Swerve) for sweetness without the calories and sugar spikes. If you want to make the recipe dairy-free, use only the macadamia oil or olive oil for drizzling at the end. And they’re not just for Thanksgiving! Serve them as a healthy snack or side dish for a weeknight dinner. Super easy and delish.

Just look at these yummy bites of roasted goodness. 

Nutritional Information Per Serving:

Calories: 379
Fat: 26.5g
Protein: 2.5g
Total Carbohydrates: 32.5g
Fiber: 3g
Net Carbs: 29.5g

Macros:
Fat: 63%
Protein: 3%
Carbohydrates: 34%

Other Sweet Potato Recipes you may enjoy: 

Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Bon Appetit

Baked Sweet Potatoes, Skinny Taste

Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Delish

Sweet Potato Souffle, Southern Living

Hasselback Herbed Garlic Butter Sweet Potatoes, Cafe Delights

Sweet Potato Wedges, Martha Stewart

Roasted Eggplant Zucchini Noodles w/ Blood Orange + Black Currant Vinaigrette

Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini Noodles

This is a lovely recipe that I wanted to share with you all because it’s one of my absolute favorites and perfect for Spring! ?????

Roasted Eggplant Zucchini Salad

This Roasted Eggplant Zucchini Noodle Salad is made with some roasted eggplant, quinoa, feta cheese, mint and pomegranate seeds which are all lightly drizzled in this gorgeous vinaigrette dressing I made with Seven Barrels Blood Orange Olive Oil + Black Currant Balsamic Vinegar which makes the salad even more #delish!

Roasted Eggplant Zucchini Salad

Start out by first cutting up your eggplant into medium size chunks, drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast in the oven on a sheet pan for about 25 minutes until soft and golden. Cook quinoa according to package directions and drain, fluff with a fork. Make your zucchini spirals with a spiralizer (or you can shave long, thin slices with a mandoline) and drizzle with a little olive oil and salt and pepper and sauté for a few minutes.

Roasted Eggplant Zucchini Noodles

Then toss the roasted eggplant and cooked quinoa in a bowl with the zucchini noodles. Top with feta cheese, pomegranate arils, and mint leaves. Drizzle with the Blood Orange Black Currant vinaigrette dressing and toss together with the salad. Season the zucchini noodles with salt and pepper to taste. 

Roasted Eggplant Zucchini Noodles

Feel free to substitute crumbly queso cheese, goat cheese, burrata, mozzarella or any other mild cheese you like. You can also use cooked wild rice, farro or any other ancient grain you like (amarynth, teff, etc.) for the quinoa – or leave it out all together to make the recipe #keto/#lowcarb/#atkins-friendly. If you can’t find fresh pomegranate arils, the salad would be delicious with either some fresh baby tomatoes or roasted red peppers. Soooo good and #healthy!

Have a great weekend everyone, stay safe, stay healthy and enjoy 🙂

Roasted Eggplant Zucchini Noodles w/ Blood Orange + Black Currant Vinaigrette

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Yield: 4

Serving Size: 1 cup

Calories per serving: 221

Fat per serving: 13.6g

Roasted Eggplant Zucchini Noodles w/ Blood Orange + Black Currant Vinaigrette

This Roasted Eggplant Zucchini Noodle Salad with roasted eggplant, quinoa, feta, pomegranate + mint is super #fresh and #healthy and the perfect light meal to start off the weekend! Drizzled in a @7Barrels Blood Orange + Black Currant balsamic vinaigrette makes this even more absolutely #delish!

Ingredients

  • 1 medium Italian eggplant
  • ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon Seven Barrels Blood Orange Olive Oil, divided
  • 1-2 tablespoons Seven Barrels Black Currant Balsamic Vinegar
  • Sea salt, to taste, plus more for serving
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ cup water
  • ¼ cup dry quinoa
  • 2 zucchinis spiral sliced or made into ribbons with a wide peeler
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon grainy Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup pomegranate arils or cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup feta cheese, for garnish
  • Handful fresh mint, roughly chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 475ºF.
  2. Cut eggplant into 1-inch cubes. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss eggplant with ¼ cup Seven Barrels Blood Orange Olive Oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast until browned and tender, about 25 minutes. Toss with 1-2 tablespoons Seven Barrels Black Currant Balsamic Vinegar and chopped parsley.
  3. Meanwhile, bring salted water and quinoa to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let steam with cover on for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  4. For the dressing, in a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of Seven Barrels Blood Orange Olive Oil, lemon juice, grainy Dijon mustard, honey, and ground pepper. Season with salt, to taste.
  5. Squeeze any excess water out of the zucchini noodles with a tea towel or paper towels. Add 1 tablespoon of Seven Barrels Blood Orange Olive Oil in a large sauté pan and cook the noodles for about 2-3 minutes, toss in the cooked quinoa and mix together.
  6. Pour the dressing over the cooked quinoa and zucchini; toss well to combine and transfer to a serving bowl. Top with roasted eggplant, pomegranate arils or cherry tomatoes, feta cheese and mint, to serve. Drizzle with an additional small amount of dressing, and additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired.

Notes

Feel free to substitute cojita cheese, goat cheese, burrata, mozzarella or any other mild cheese you like.

You can also substitute wild rice or farro or any other ancient grain you like (amarynth, teff, etc.) for the quinoa (or leave it out all together to make the recipe keto/low carb/atkins friendly.

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Other Zucchini Noodles #recipes you may enjoy: 

Shrimp, Basil & Corn Zucchini Noodles w/ Meyer Lemon Cream Sauce

Garlic Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini Pasta

Red Curry Beef Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini Noodle Carbonara

Mediterranean Beef Kebabs w/ Tzatziki

Mediterranean 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.

Mediterranean Kebabs w/ Tzatziki

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.

Mediterranean Kebabs w/ Tzatziki

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

  1. BEEF KEBABS:
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Place the beef kebabs on the grill and cook for 4 minutes on one side, turn over and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  6. 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.
  7. TZATZIKI:
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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/

Mediterranean Kebabs w/ Tzatziki

Enjoy!

Rock Star Chili

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

  1. 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.
  2. Add onions and cook over medium heat until translucent, stirring often, about 8-10 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another minute or so.
  3. 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.
  4. Mix in beans. Simmer 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper, stir together. Reduce heat to low until ready to serve.
  5. To serve ladel into bowls and garnish with sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, jalapeños and corn or tortilla chips, if desired.

Notes

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.

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/