Blog - Artful Dishes

Mini Frittata Breakfast Protein Boxes

Mini frittatas loaded with Italian Sausage, spinach and peppers are perfect for breakfast protein boxes. Make them on a Sunday and, like magic, your breakfast meal planning is done for the coming week. Besides being delicious, they’re packed with protein to keep you full and happy all morning long! Mini Frittata Breakfast Protein Boxes: I’m a little obsessed with eggs. They are hands down my favorite thing to eat for breakfast! Of all the egg dishes I make, frittatas top my list of the easiest and most delicious. Frittatas are kind of like an omelette without the fussiness, or a quiche without the crust. The word frittata… Read More

Blackberry Smash Bourbon Cocktail

The blackberry smash bourbon cocktail is as pretty as it is delicious. You’ll mix homemade blackberry brandy and smooth bourbon with muddled fresh blackberries, fresh mint, simple syrup and tart lemon juice. Serve over crushed ice for a fresh take on a vintage “smash” cocktail! Blackberry Smash Bourbon Cocktail: I recently discovered how easy it is to make homemade blackberry brandy. Next, I needed an equally delicious cocktail to use it in – enter the smash! A “smash” is a style of cocktail and it’s been around for over a century. You’ve probably enjoyed a smash cocktail in it’s most popular rendition, the… Read More

How to Make Blackberry Brandy

Homemade infused liquors are delicious, fun and easy to make. Learn how to make blackberry brandy and you’re on your way to amazing craft cocktails at home. It’s smooth, fruity, and as a bonus, it’s beautiful too. Plus you’ll know you made it with your own two hands. I mean, these are life skills worth learning! How to Make Blackberry Brandy: Have you ever tried to infuse your own alcohol? Last year I made some raspberry and ginger vodkas that were really good. I decided to use the same technique to make blackberry brandy this summer. It’s a great way… Read More

Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Sweet chili glazed grilled shrimp skewers is my new go-to grilling recipe. I’ve tested these delicious shrimp skewers on kids and adults alike and they’re a crowd favorite! Tender shrimp get a quick marinade in lemon juice, olive oil and jerk seasoning. Then you’ll grill them and finish with a glaze of sweet chili sauce. Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Even when it’s a hot summer day in Phoenix, I still like firing up the grill! My semi-picky eater son recently discovered that he loves shrimp, so I decided I needed to encourage him by coming up with a recipe… Read More

Protein Snack Boxes with Turkey and Cheese

Protein snack boxes with turkey and cheese are perfect for healthy, mix and match, on-the-go snacks or light lunches. To keep things interesting I like to add different kinds of nuts and chocolate covered treats. After all, variety is the spice of life, and snacks! The Idea: I sit at a desk most days, and while I’m sitting there all I can think is “what should I have for a snack?”. I like to graze on snacks through the day, but that can be dangerous! To avoid the vending machine and multiple bags of chips, I like to have these protein snack boxes with… Read More

Mango Chai Protein Smoothie

Frozen mango, chai protein powder and flaxseed make this mango chai protein smoothie as thick and sweet as a shake! Cinnamon and turmeric not only bring out the flavors of the chai, but are also full of healthy antioxidents. The Idea: If you’re stuck in a rut in your smoothie drinking, give this mango chai protein smoothie a try. I’m all for a smoothie filled with greens, berries and/or bananas, but sometimes you just want something different! The frozen mango is sweet and tropical and also thickens the smoothie. It goes really well with the chai flavors in the protein powder… Read More

Tequila Shandy Beer Cocktail

The Tequila Shandy Beer Cocktail is a simple, refreshing drink perfect for sipping on the porch, or by the pool, or lake, or inside in the air conditioning (it’s 110 degrees in Phoenix!). Hard lemonade is mixed with a lager style beer and then made “turbo” with a shot of tequila. Light, lemony and delicious, the shandy is sure to become your go-to sunny weather drink. The Idea: Dreaming of sitting on the beach, watching the waves, while enjoying a cold, refreshing cocktail? Or maybe you’re running errands on a hot summer day, thinking about what to have for happy hour? A tequila shandy beer cocktail is exactly what… Read More

Greek Salad Naan Pizza

Greek salad naan pizzas are a delicious and easy weeknight meal. They are so delicious, in fact, that you won’t believe how easy they are! All of the ingredients you love in a Greek salad: tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta are the toppings on a hummus pizza sauce and naan bread pizza crust. It’s all topped by peppery, fresh arugula dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette. The Idea: Have you tried naan bread yet? It’s a traditional leavened flatbread from India and it’s delicious. Naan is usually served with curries and other dishes so you can sop up all of the saucy goodness. It’s got a great chewy texture and… Read More