Blog - Artful Dishes

Garlic Green Beans with Toasted Almonds

Garlic green beans with toasted almonds is my go-to veggie recipe for the holidays, or any time of celebration. It’s simple to make, yet full of flavor. The secret to the flavor is a compound butter made with minced garlic, salt and pepper. So easy! Garlic Green Beans with Toasted Almonds Garlic green beans with toasted almonds is a simple veggie side dish that delivers big flavor. Fresh tender beans are tossed with garlic butter and then topped with toasted almonds, it’s so good! Even picky eaters will like these, young and old alike, it’s sure to be a hit with your… Read More

Smokey Garlic Spice Rub

You are going to love this Smokey Garlic Spice Rub! The key ingredient in the rub is the smoked paprika. Make sure the jar you buy says “smoked paprika” rather than sweet, or plain paprika. The other warm spices in the rub, cumin, coriander and chili powder blend perfectly with this smokey flavor. This spice rub goes well with all kinds of meats and seafood including chicken, shrimp and pork. It’s also great on roasted potatoes! And even tofu if you’re feeling adventurous. You can combine the spices in advance and the mix will fit perfectly into a little 4 ounce glass jar. You can… Read More

Ginger Peach Grown Up Slushie

A Ginger Peach Grown Up Slushie…… that is what I came up with after running errands on a 114 degree Phoenix day! And boy, was it a good idea. This three ingredient cocktail is icy, sweet, fruity, refreshing and a little spicy from the Infused Ginger Vodka. Making your own infused vodka is really easy, and perfect for adding to all sort of drinks. I also added a shot of Chambord black raspberry liqueur, which goes perfectly with the peach and ginger flavors. Chambord is that delicious French liqueur in the beautiful round bottle. Every bar needs a bottle of it, for looks… Read More

Raspberry Vodka Mule

This is a fun spin on the classic Moscow Mule cocktail using the Homemade Infused Raspberry Vodka we all made from my previous post! Raspberry vodka, ginger beer and fresh lime juice combine to make a fizzy, fruity, gingery spicy, refreshing drink. I used a clear glass to show off the beautiful color of the vodka, but you could definitely use a traditional copper mug for the mule. Of course you can use any raspberry vodka, but try making your own, you won’t believe how easy it is. The homemade raspberry vodka is so pretty and it also makes a great homemade gift! You can pour the finished infused vodka into… Read More

Homemade Infused Raspberry and Ginger Vodkas

Making homemade infused vodkas couldn’t be easier, and it’s fun! I made two different flavors, an Infused Raspberry Vodka made with fresh raspberries, which is a sweet, beautiful, fruity vodka, and a subtler, spicier Infused Ginger Vodka, made with fresh ginger root. Infusing vodka and other spirits is a tradition in many cultures, including Sweden with it’s tradition of serving aquavit at Christmas and Mid-Summers celebrations. The first time I made a Scandinavian style infused vodka I used fresh blueberries and a little sugar. I then stored it in the freezer and gave everyone who visited over the Christmas season… Read More

Avocado Egg Toast – My Favorite Breakfast!

This is seriously my favorite way to start the day! Avocado toast is having a moment right now, and for good reason. This deceptively simple dish really delivers on flavor, and it’s good for you too. The avocado transforms on the slightly warm toast into nutty, creamy goodness. Since this is such a simple dish, it is vital to season the avocado with Kosher salt and pepper! That sounded overly dramatic, but it will make a big difference if you skip the S&P here. Start with your warm toast, spread on a thin layer of mayo, then mash half… Read More

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is everything you love about Greek salads combined with a protein punch from quinoa and chickpeas. Plus it’s delicious! Vegetarians and meat eaters alike love it. Plus it’s good for you! This salad is packed with protein from the quinoa and the chickpeas, vitamins from all the veggies, and has only healthy fat from the olive oil in the dressing. Plus it feeds a crowd! It’s always good to have a healthy/vegetarian option available for gatherings. This salad is perfect to bring to pot lucks, barbeques, showers, really any get-together with people who like food (so everywhere). The first… Read More

Fig, Brie and Prosciutto Bites

Fig, Brie and Prosciutto Bites are incredibly easy to make, and hit all the right notes. They’re sweet, salty, creamy and rich! Perfect for an appetizer board, or as a starter for entertaining. The Idea: Talk about a perfect bite! Fig, Brie and Prosciutto Bites are an easy three ingredient appetizer that is also impressive and delicious. Fresh sweet figs, creamy brie and salty prosciutto combine to hit all of the flavors you love in one pretty little package. Prosciutto is that delicious Italian smoked ham that is cured and always served sliced paper thin. You can find it in the deli… Read More