What does it really mean to tell the truth—especially when it’s your own story?
In this episode of #UNFILTERED, I sit down with Maria Costanzo Palmer—author, journalist, and speaker whose work lives at the intersection of vulnerability, identity, and transformation.
We dive into her memoir “On the Rocks”, unpacking the emotional layers behind major unexpected life changes, family dynamics, and personal healing.
Maria shares what it took to write something so deeply personal, how storytelling can become a powerful tool for growth, and why owning your voice matters more than ever.
We also explore her work in media, her local cooking classevents, and what’s next—including a new book and documentary currently in the works.
This conversation is honest, raw, and deeply human—just the way we like it on #UNFILTERED.
This episode matters because shifting your narrative can restore your sense of self and spark powerful transformation. Maria shows us that our most imperfect moments, when truthfully told, become the foundation of our greatest rebirths.
Watch a clip from the episode
Key Takeaways
Why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for healing
The journey from journalist to author to filmmaker
The emotional reality behind writing a memoir
How addiction and family dynamics shape identity
The courage it takes to share your truth publicly
The connection between food, memory, and personal history
What it really means to live “unfiltered”
How Maria is expanding her story into a second book, a new TV documentary + next steps in her career
Sound Bites
“Gratitude for everything that happened to me”
“Our roots and family stories shape who we are”
“Storytelling is a powerful form of healing”
Chapters/Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Kristen Hess and Maria Palmer
01:21 Maria Palmer’s Background and Journey into Writing
03:36 Family Roots and the Restaurant in McKees Rocks
04:56 Life-Changing Moments and Moving to Los Angeles
06:39 Documenting Family History and Confronting the Past
09:10 Healing Through Storytelling and Family Connections
11:37 Reuniting Family Through Food and Shared Memories
13:48 The Book Project: Writing in Multiple Voices
18:46 The Documentary Series: Production and Future Plans
26:00 Writing Challenges and Lessons Learned
32:40 Balancing Control and Collaboration in Creative Projects
45:16 Final Thoughts and Unfiltered Life Lessons
This episode dares you to confront your past, embrace your true voice, and find healing through the raw power of storytelling—because what we hide can ultimately make us whole.
There are moments in life when something just clicks—and you don’t even realize how much you needed it until you’re right in the middle of it.
That’s exactly what happened to me this past weekend.
My Tribe Cooking Crew!
I spent a long weekend at the Substack Food Writer’s Retreat with a group of incredible women (& two men!)—chefs, food writers, cookbook authors, photographers, bloggers, and storytellers.
And here’s the wild part… most of us had never met in person before. We had only connected through Substack.
Doing Improv Group Exercises
But from the moment we arrived, something felt different.
There was this instant ease.
This shared energy.
This feeling like… oh, these are my people.
Magical fun weekend
🍷 A Weekend of Food, Stories & Connection
The weekend was everything you’d imagine—and more.
We cooked together.
Shared meals around a big table.
Talked for hours about food, creativity, business, and life.
Laughed until we couldn’t breathe.
It was one of those experiences where time slows down just enough for you to really feel everything.
And somewhere between chopping herbs, plating dishes, and pouring glasses of wine… we became a tribe.
Not just a group of women who met at a retreat—but a community built on shared passion, mutual respect, and genuine connection.
✨ What “Finding Your Tribe” Really Means
We hear this phrase all the time—find your tribe.
But what does that actually look like?
For me, it’s not just about being surrounded by people.
It’s about being surrounded by the right people.
The ones who:
understand what lights you up
see your vision
support your growth
and remind you who you are at your core
It’s that feeling where you don’t have to explain yourself.
You don’t have to tone it down or play small.
You just show up as you are—and that’s enough.
There’s a quote by Jim Rohn that says:
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
And when you’re in a room full of creative, passionate, driven people?
You feel that shift immediately.
🌿 Why the Right Environment Changes Everything
One of the biggest takeaways from this weekend was just how much your environment impacts you.
When you’re surrounded by people who are aligned with your passions and values:
your creativity expands
your confidence grows
your ideas flow more freely
You start thinking bigger.
Dreaming again.
Taking yourself—and your work—more seriously.
Because you’re no longer questioning whether you belong.
You already know you do.
And that’s where real momentum begins.
🤝 Collaboration Over Competition
Something else that really stood out to me was the energy of support.
There was no competition. No comparison.
Just women genuinely cheering each other on.
Sharing ideas.
Offering advice.
Talking about ways to collaborate.
And it reminded me of something so important:
The right people don’t see your success as a threat.
They see it as inspiration.
As Brené Brown beautifully says:
“We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.”
And that’s exactly what this experience felt like.
🍲 The Meals That Brought Us Together
Of course, no food writers retreat would be complete without an unforgettable meal.
And we had many! We all shared breakfast, lunch and dinner together
made by our individual cooking teams and everything was delicious!
For our final dinner, a few of us teamed up to create an Indian-inspired feast with street food appetizers,
Chickpea Curry, Salad, Cumin Rice, a variety of Indian Condiments and a Spiced Cake for dessert —
and I made:
Mini Curried Spinach & Queso Mini Pot Piesw/ Cilantro-Lime Yogurt Sauce
Golden, flaky pastry filled with warm curry-spiced spinach, chickpeas, and creamy queso.
Curried Spinach & Queso Mini Pot Pies
They were comforting, flavorful, and perfect for sharing—just like the weekend itself.
Curried Spinach + Queso Mini Pot Pies
By Kristen Hess / The Artful Gourmet
Baked in Muffin Pans
Makes about 24 pot pies / or 48 mini pot pies
INGREDIENTS
Puff Pastry
4 sheets store-bought puff pastry or shortcrust pastry, thawed
Flour for dusting
Spinach + Queso Filling
2 1/2-3 lbs fresh baby spinach, chopped
12 oz queso fresco, crumbled
2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed well
2 small yellow onions, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp curry powder
2 tsp ground turmeric
1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Glaze
2 eggs, beaten (optional, for brushing on pastry tops if using)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the Filling
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onions and sauté for 5–6 minutes until soft and translucent.
Stir in the garlic, curry powder, and turmeric and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Spinach
Add the chopped spinach in batches, stirring until wilted.
Stir in the chickpeas and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream or coconut milk and simmer for 5-6 minutes until slightly thickened.
Season with salt and black pepper, to taste.
Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Fold in the crumbled queso fresco.
(The filling should be thick and scoopable, not watery.)
4. Prepare the Pastry
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease two 24-cup muffin pans.
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
Cut into 5-6-inch squares or circles.
Press each piece of pastry gently into the muffin cups to form small shells.
Note: You can also use two 24-cup mini muffin pans and cut the pastry into 3-inch circles and bake 18-22 minutes.
5. Fill the Pot Pies
Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of filling into each pastry shell.
Cut additional small pastry rounds or squares for the tops (if desired.)
You can either:
Leave them open-faced, or
Add small pastry lids and press lightly.
6. Egg Wash & Bake
Brush the tops with beaten egg (if using).
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until:
pastry is golden, crunchy and puffed
filling is heated through
Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, run a sharp knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the pies, then gently remove and serve on a platter with the Cilantro-Lime Yogurt Sauce drizzled on top of the pies (and extra on the side for dipping!)
Cilantro-Lime Yogurt Sauce
Makes about 2 cups
INGREDIENTS
2 cups plain Greek yogurt
3/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
2-3 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp garlic powder (or 1 small clove minced)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tsp honey or agave
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
Stir until smooth.
Chill for 30 minutes to let flavors develop.
✨ Serving Tip
Arrange the pot pies on a platter with the yogurt sauce drizzled on top and bowl of extra sauce in the center and garnish with:
If I’m being honest, this weekend was more than just a fun getaway.
It was a wake-up call.
After spending the past four years in Texas, working in a different rhythm of life and a full-time role, I didn’t realize how much I had been missing this part of myself.
This creative energy.
This sense of community.
This connection to food, storytelling, and building something meaningful.
It reminded me of my time in New York City—where I first built my business, my network, and my creative identity.
And it made one thing very clear:
I want to find my way back there.
Back to a life that feels aligned.
Back to my people.
Back to the energy that fuels me.
❤️ Why Finding Your Tribe Matters
Finding your tribe isn’t just about friendship.
It’s about alignment.
It’s about surrounding yourself with people who:
inspire you
support you
challenge you
and help you grow
It’s about creating a life—and a business—that feels authentic, fulfilling, and connected.
Because when you’re in the right room, everything changes.
A special thanks to Jenn Sharp, our amazing event hostess and organizer who brought us all together and made this retreat magical for all of us! And another shoutout to my new food tribe! You are all so talented and inspiring, and I am so happy to have met you all – I can’t wait to next year’s adventure together again! France? Italy? I’m In!
Back in 2010, I started my business in New York City with almost no experience in food styling, photography, food writing — and built it anyway.
Not because I was fully prepared.
But because I refused to let my current abilities define my future career.
Over the course of my career — from graphic design and advertising, to food styling and photography to content creation and social media — I’ve reinvented myself several times and achieved a successful career doing what I love.
It wasn’t easy, but every time, I aimed beyond what felt realistic. What felt comfortable. What seemed out of reach.
I pitched new clients before I felt qualified.
I stepped into rooms that intimidated me.
I took on big projects that I wasn’t sure I could do yet.
I built platforms I had never built before.
And here’s what I’ve learned:
Most limitations are self-imposed.
Muhammad Ali said,
“Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion.”
You don’t wait to feel ready.
You build readiness through action.
If you’re in a season of growth, reinvention, or expansion — the question isn’t whether you’re capable today.
The question is whether you’re willing to become capable.
And take the leap.
1. Aim Beyond What You’re Capable Of
Most people set goals based on their current skill level.
That’s the mistake.
If your goal matches your present abilities, it won’t transform you. It will simply confirm what you already know how to do. Real growth begins when the vision demands a version of you that doesn’t exist yet.
Les Brown once said:
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”
When you aim higher than you feel ready for, you force expansion. You learn faster. You stretch further. You develop resilience. Even if you don’t hit the exact target, you won’t land where you started.
✨ Action Step:
– Write down one goal that feels safe.
– Now write down one that feels almost impossible.
– Circle the impossible one — and commit to exploring it for 30 days.
2. Disregard Where Your Abilities End
We over-respect our current limitations.
We say things like:
“I’m not technical.”
“I’m not a leader.”
“I’m not experienced enough.”
“I’m too old.
“It’s too late.”
But your abilities are not fixed — they’re expandable.
Sara Blakely said:
“Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength.”
The truth? Every expert was once inexperienced. Every leader was once unsure. The only difference is they didn’t let inexperience define their identity.
✨ Action Step:
– List three things you think you “can’t” do.
– Next to each, write: “Can be learned.”
– Choose one and take a 20-minute action today toward learning it.
Growth compounds.
3. Try the Things You Feel Incapable Of
Confidence is not a prerequisite for action.
It’s a result of it.
Michael Jordan said:
“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
Failure is data.
Attempt is expansion.
Inaction is stagnation.
The longer you wait to “feel ready,” the longer you delay growth.
✨ Action Step:
Ask yourself:
– “What would I attempt this week if failure wasn’t an option?”
– Now take one small, concrete step in that direction.
Movement breaks fear.
4. Aim for Elite Rooms
If you think you’re not qualified to work with the best company, brand, or leader in your field — pause.
Who told you that?
Steve Jobs said:
“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”
Elite spaces are not mythical. They’re filled with people who decided to apply, reach, and refine themselves.
✨ Action Step:
– Identify the top company or opportunity in your industry.
– Audit your positioning.
– Upgrade one thing this week — your portfolio, your pitch, your online presence.
Act in alignment with where you’re going, not where you are.
5. If You Think You Can’t Run a Company — Make That Your Aim
“Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life.”
Running a company — or leading anything — begins with self-leadership. Decision-making.
Ownership.
Vision.
If you think you’re “not cut out” for it, ask yourself: Is that fact — or fear?
✨ Action Step:
– Write: “If I were the CEO of my life, I would…”
– List five changes.
– Implement one immediately.
Leadership begins with daily choices.
6. Make “Impossible” Your Target
Muhammad Ali said:
“Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion.”
When you quietly dismiss your biggest ambitions — recognition, influence, impact — you shrink your potential.
Big visibility comes from big contribution.
✨ Action Step:
– Define your boldest recognition goal.
– Ask: “What habits would someone at that level practice daily?”
– Start one this week.
Identity precedes achievement.
7. Make the Vision Real
Dreaming is easy.
Execution is discipline.
Walt Disney has a famous quote that I love:
“If you can dream it, you can do it.”
But you must translate vision into systems.
Goals into milestones.
Intention into calendar commitments.
✨ Action Step:
– Break your bold goal into a 90-day sprint.
– Choose three milestones.
– Schedule time daily and weekly to work on them.
If it’s not scheduled, it’s not prioritized.
8. Rewrite Your Beliefs
Henry Ford said:
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right.”
Your beliefs shape your behavior — and your behavior shapes your results.
Most people don’t fail because they’re incapable.
They fail because they never fully believed.
✨ 7-Day Practice:
– Every time you think “I can’t,” replace it with: “How can I?”
Watch your brain start solving instead of shrinking.
🎧 If this resonates, I go deeper into this mindset shift in the latest episode of The Artful Gourmet Podcast– Into Focus series, “You Can Achieve the Unachievable”
Success doesn’t need to be dramatic to be meaningful.
As we step into 2026, I’m choosing a softer, more sustainable definition of success — one rooted in nourishment, intention, and daily habits that support both body and mind.
So today, I want to offer you a reframe.
What if success this year isn’t about pushing harder… but about supporting yourself better?
Success doesn’t live in burnout. It lives in energy. In health. In joy. In choices that feel sustainable.
As Oprah once said,
“The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change their future by merely changing their attitude.”
And I’d add — by changing how they care for themselves.
Redefining Success
True success isn’t about chasing more. It’s about creating a life that feels good to live inside — one where your energy, creativity, and health are protected.
True success is impossible without health.
You can have goals, ambition, creativity, and drive — but without energy, clarity, and physical wellbeing, everything feels harder than it needs to be.
As Jim Rohn famously said,
“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.”
In 2026, success looks like:
Feeling strong in your body
Clear in your mind
Nourished instead of depleted
Motivated without being exhausted
Nourishment as Self-Care
Food is one of the most practical ways we can support our well-being. Not with perfection — but with care.
That’s why I love this Mediterranean Chickpea Power Bowl recipe.
It’s not trendy. It’s not extreme. It’s grounding, colorful, satisfying, and flexible.
This bowl gives you:
Plant-based protein from chickpeas and quinoa
Fiber for digestion and steady energy
Healthy fats from olive oil and hummus
Fresh herbs and vegetables for vitality
As Michael Pollan says,
“Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”
This bowl lives beautifully inside that philosophy.
The Power of Choice
The Lemon Honey Herb Dressing can be made three ways — creamy, spicy, or lemon-forward — depending on your mood, energy, or season.
Some days we need comfort. Some days we need a spark. Some days we need lightness.
This bowl honors that.
Creamy for comfort and grounding
Spicy for energy and momentum
Lemon-forward for lightness and clarity
That flexibility? That’s emotional intelligence. That’s self-awareness. That’s success.
Tony Robbins says,
“Success is doing what you want, when you want, where you want, with whom you want, as much as you want.”
That includes how you eat.
Meal planning isn’t about control — it’s about freedom.
Getting Started: A 7-Step Process
According to experts from Jasmine El Nabli (MS, RDN) on LinkedIn and Brown Health, you can simplify the process by following these steps:
Select a Planning Day: Dedicate a specific time each week (e.g., Friday evening) to plan for the upcoming week.
Take a Kitchen Inventory: Check your fridge and pantry for items you already have to avoid buying duplicates.
Review Your Schedule: Note busy days (like sporting events or late work) that require quick options like crock pot or sheet pan meals.
Choose Recipes: Select meals based on your schedule. You do not need to cook seven fresh meals; plan for leftover nights and simple dishes.
Create a Grocery List: Write down ingredients for your chosen recipes alongside everyday staples.
Shop and Stock: Purchase your items and organize them for easy access during the week.
Prep and Cook: Set aside 1–2 days for “prep work,” such as chopping vegetables, roasting them, or preparing sauces to save time later.
Strategies for Success ::
Meal Templates: Create structure by assigning themes to days (e.g., Taco Tuesday, Slow Cooker Thursday, Pizza Friday, or Meatless Monday).
Batch Cooking: Prepare large portions of versatile proteins (like ground turkey or chicken) to use in different dishes throughout the week.
Customizable Meals: Choose recipes like wraps, salads, or bowls where family members can add their own toppings.
Digital Tools: Use tools like Google Calendar to save recipes as attachments on specific days or Eat This Much for automated planning.
Theme-Based Planning: If you are planning for a specific occasion, consider themes like a Mediterranean Brunch or Italian Meal Prep to streamline ingredient purchases.
Benefits ::
Cost Savings: Reduces impulse buys and food waste by focusing on a specific list.
Health Management: Makes it easier to track macros or meet weight loss goals by pre-portioning meals.
Stress Reduction: Eliminates the daily question of “what’s for dinner” and reduces time spent in the kitchen on busy nights.
Here’s a few simple ideas:
Cook one grain + one protein at the start of the week
Keep versatile dressings on hand
Build bowls, salads, wraps, and plates from the same base
Repeat meals you love
Decision fatigue disappears when nourishment is ready.
Happiness is built through daily rituals:
Morning gratitude
Evening reflection
Creating something just for joy
Giving back in small ways
Protecting your energy
As Brené Brown says,
“We don’t have to do it all alone. We were never meant to.”
Support yourself.
Fitness & Lifestyle Choices
Movement doesn’t need to be punishing to be effective. Any movement and exercise is beneficial for your health and feels great too.
In 2026, think:
Walking daily
Strength training 2–3x a week
Stretching or mobility work
Dancing in your kitchen
Moving in ways that feel enjoyable
Sleep well
Drink lots of water
Laugh more
Nourish your body consistently
Move with intention
Practice gratitude
Make space for creativity
Let go of rigid rules
As Hippocrates said centuries ago,
“Let food be thy medicine.”
🌿 Guided Reflection: Nourishing Yourself Into 2026
To read before or after enjoying the Mediterranean Chickpea Power Bowl
Take a moment before your first bite.
Notice the colors in your bowl. The texture of the grains. The freshness of the herbs. The care that went into preparing this meal.
Take a slow breath in… and a long breath out.
Ask yourself:
What does my body need more of this year? More energy? More ease? More nourishment? More rest?
As you eat, let this bowl be a reminder that caring for yourself doesn’t have to be extreme or complicated. It can be steady. It can be flexible. It can be joyful.
With each bite, reflect on these prompts:
Where in my life can I choose support over pressure?
What habits actually help me feel my best—physically and mentally?
How can I make nourishment part of my daily rhythm, not another task to perfect?
Imagine 2026 unfolding one small choice at a time:
Meals that fuel your energy
Movement that feels good in your body
Space for creativity, rest, and gratitude
You don’t need to overhaul your life to feel better. You simply need to show up for yourself—consistently and kindly.
Let this meal anchor that intention.
Here’s to nourishment. Here’s to health. Here’s to building a life that feels good to live inside.
Mediterranean Chickpea Bowls with Lemon Garlic Herb Dressing (3 Ways)
This is the kind of meal I come back to when I want to feel grounded, energized, and well cared for—without overthinking it.
These Mediterranean Chickpea Bowls are built on simple, nourishing ingredients: fluffy quinoa, hearty chickpeas, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a generous spoonful of hummus. Nothing complicated. Nothing fussy. Just food that supports you and fits into real life.
What makes this bowl especially versatile is the Lemon Garlic Herb Dressing—and the freedom to make it three different ways, depending on what your body and mood are craving. Some days call for the creamy version, comforting and grounding. Other days need a little heat and motivation from the spicy variation. And on days when you want something light and bright, the lemon-forward version brings clarity and freshness to every bite.
That flexibility is intentional. I don’t believe in rigid rules when it comes to food—or life. I believe in meals that meet you where you are, adapt to your needs, and help you feel your best.
This bowl has become part of my regular rhythm—easy to prep, endlessly customizable, and deeply satisfying. It’s proof that nourishment doesn’t have to be complicated to be powerful.
Make it once, enjoy it all week, and let it remind you that taking care of yourself can be both simple and beautiful.
theartfulgourmet
Mediterranean Chickpea Power Bowls w/ Lemon Garlic Herb Dressing, 3 Ways
These Mediterranean Chickpea Bowls are a fresh, nourishing, and flexible meal made with quinoa, chickpeas, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, hummus, and a bright Lemon Garlic Herb Dressing you can make three ways—creamy, spicy, or lemon-forward. Naturally gluten-free and rich in plant-based protein and fiber, this easy grain bowl is perfect for healthy meal prep, quick lunches, or light dinners. Simple ingredients, bold Mediterranean flavors, and customizable dressings make this recipe ideal for anyone looking for a satisfying, wholesome meal that fits into a balanced lifestyle.
1/2tbspred pepper flakes, or chili crisp, or Calabrian chili paste
Lemon-forward Herb Dressing (Variation)
1tbspadditional fresh lemon juice
reduce honey to 1-2 teaspoons
1tbspextra parsley and/or mintchopped
Method
Make the Mediterranean Chickpea Power Bowls
Prepare quinoa according to package instructions and allow to cool slightly.
Arrange quinoa, cucumber, coleslaw mix, carrots, chickpeas, hummus, and feta into two serving bowls.
Drizzle generously with dressing of choice (see base dressing and variations below).
Finish with olive oil, sesame seeds, S&P to taste and more fresh herbs before serving.
Make the Lemon Honey Herb Dressing (Base Recipe)
In a small bowl or glass jar, whisk together the lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the honey is fully dissolved.
Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing emulsifies and looks glossy.
Stir in the chopped parsley, mint, and garlic (if using).
Taste and adjust seasoning—add a pinch more salt, a squeeze of lemon, or a drizzle of honey if needed.
Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing (Variation)
Add ingredients to the base dressing, serve over Chickpea Power Bowls.
Spicy Lemon Herb Dressing (Variation)
Add ingredients to the base dressing, serve over Chickpea Power Bowls.
Lemon-Forward Herb Dressing (Variation)
Add ingredients and reduce honey to the base dressing, serve over Chickpea Power Bowls.
Notes
These Mediterranean Chickpea Bowls are a fresh, nourishing, and flexible meal made with quinoa, chickpeas, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, hummus, and a bright Lemon Garlic Herb Dressing you can make three ways—creamy, spicy, or lemon-forward. Naturally gluten-free and rich in plant-based protein and fiber, this easy grain bowl is perfect for healthy meal prep, quick lunches, or light dinners. Simple ingredients, bold Mediterranean flavors, and customizable dressings make this recipe ideal for anyone looking for a satisfying, wholesome meal that fits into a balanced lifestyle.This Lemon Honey Herb Dressing is light yet flavorful, with just enough sweetness and acidity to wake up the grains, chickpeas, and vegetables without overpowering them. The base dressing is intentionally simple—olive oil, lemon, honey, apple cider vinegar, and fresh herbs—because nourishment doesn’t need to be complicated to be powerful. From there, it adapts beautifully depending on what your body and mood are craving.Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing: This version is silky, comforting, and deeply satisfying—perfect when you want your meal to feel cozy and sustaining. It pairs beautifully with quinoa and chickpeas and is ideal for days when you need extra grounding.Spicy Lemon Honey Dressing: This variation brings warmth and energy without overpowering the bowl. It’s invigorating and bold—perfect for busy days when you want your food to wake you up and keep you moving.Lemon-Forward Herb Dressing: Bright, clean, and refreshing, this version is ideal when you want something crisp and light. It highlights the vegetables and herbs beautifully and feels especially good during warmer months or reset days.How to Use
Drizzle dressing of your choice lightly over the Mediterranean Chickpea Power Bowl just before serving
Toss with chickpeas while still slightly warm so they absorb the flavor
Use as a simple salad dressing or grain bowl finisher
Artful Gourmet TipIf making ahead, store the dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature and shake well before using.
Success in 2026 doesn’t need to be loud.
It needs to be livable.
Here’s to health. Here’s to nourishment. Here’s to living better — one choice at a time.
Success is built in the everyday.
Explore More – tune in to the full podcast episode out now wherever you get your podcasts.
What if success in 2026 wasn’t about hustle—but about health, nourishment, and balance? In this episode of The Artful Gourmet Podcast, Kristen Hess shares a practical, uplifting approach to success and happiness rooted in mindful eating, joyful movement, and simple daily habits. You’ll explore meal planning for real life, flexible fitness ideas, and a grounding reflection—plus a Mediterranean Chickpea Power Bowl with Lemon Honey Herb Dressing variations. This episode is your invitation to slow down, nourish yourself, and build a life that feels good to live inside.
Kristen Hess
The Artful Gourmet
NYC Food Blogger
NYC Food Stylist
NYC Food Photographer
Kristen Hess
NYC Food Photographer
The Artful Gourmet
Kristen Hess / The Artful Gourmet
Hi, I’m Kristen Hess — Food Stylist, Photographer, Blogger, and Creator of The Artful Gourmet. Welcome to my new updated blog 2.0! I am so excited to get back into blogging again after working full-time as a Senior Food Stylist for a big agency / grocery retailer in Texas for the past few years…it’s so great to get back into my groove and focus on my business again. And it feels amazing to be sparked by a new perspective and brainstorm all the crazy cool content I’m planning to create. I have so many exciting things to announce that I’ve launched, and am planning for the rest of year (and going forward!), so keep reading below!
Food is more than something we eat — it’s art, culture, creativity, and joy. The Artful Gourmet brand/blog/show is all about celebrating food as art, as story, and as a way of life.
I’ll take you behind the scenes of my culinary world, sharing recipes and food stories,
restaurant and product reviews, cool food events I’ve hosted, photographed or attended,
food styling and photography tips, social media and creative business advice,
culinary travel adventures, lifestyle tips and advice, and inspiration for living artfully every day – One Bite At A Time.
I’m also bringing back my Things I Love column (and a new Friday Favsvideo) featuring all the cool, delicious and fun food, places, people and things that I’ve discovered and that deserve a shoutout!
Keep an eye out for my upcoming YouTube cooking show launching soon where I’ll be whipping up some fun 🤩 recipes and cocktails with a twist! 🍤🍝🍸🎶
So whether you’re here to cook, create, learn something new, or simply indulge in the beauty of food and life, you’re in the right place. Let’s celebrate the art of food — together.
Recently launched The Artful Gourmet Podcast + YouTube Channel (@thearfulgourmet)!
For years, I’ve dreamt of creating a space where food, photography, and lifestyle converge. Today, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of the Artful Gourmet YouTube channel, a project that’s been a long time in the making. Join me as we embark on this exciting journey together!
This project’s been really a long time coming now. I think I’ve been planning this for a few years now! With a passion for food styling and photography, I aim to create a YouTube and Podcast channel that’s not only about recipes and food photography, but also about life, creativity, and business. With inspiring conversations that spark confidence, creativity and curiosity in your own lives, too.
The Artful Gourmet channel will feature a variety of content, including:
Engaging interviews and peer conversations
Live sessions/Q+A with Kristen
Recipe shorts/videos on social media and a new cooking show – stay tuned!
Photography and food styling videos, live demos, and tips + tricks
Business and lifestyle mindset advice (See “IntoFocus” Series on YouTube)
Restaurant reviews, product reviews and culinary excursions/stories
I personally invite you to be part of this vibrant community! And don’t forget to like, follow, subscribe, and share my channels – I really appreciate your support as it will be invaluable as the channels both grow and evolve into something more.
The Artful Gourmet YouTube and Podcast channels are more than just online platforms; they are both communities where creativity and passion collide, and come to life.
So whether you’re here to cook, create, learn something new, get inspired, be entertained, or simply to savor, you’ll find something delicious waiting for you.
Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and like my pages so you never miss an episode — and let’s celebrate the art of food, together.
I was recently invited to be featured in Voyage San Antonio Magazine! They interviewed me for a story on their Local Stories page which highlights and celebrates local business owners, leaders and influencers in San Antonio TX.
I also have some more really exciting news…I recently auditioned to be in a new TV documentary series highlighting successful women in business and entrepreneurs. AND – my episode just got the GREEN LIGHT for production!
I’ll recently went to #Miami for a full day of filming and a photoshoot for my episode and attended a super cool networking and Mastermind event with Rudy Mawer and his team where I learned his top notch Marketing secrets and commingled with other #entrepreneurs and #celebrities that are also cast members of the Women In Power, and other Inside Success TV shows!
My episode on the show will be aired on major streaming networks in 2026, so stay tuned! (Can’t say which ones yet, but it’s a pretty big deal!)
So, stay tuned for more fun photos and videos from the event and my TV show filming – and check back here regularly for more delicious recipes, stories and fun content in the weeks to come!
Used to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests when using Google Tag Manager
1 minute
_gid
ID used to identify users for 24 hours after last activity
24 hours
_gali
Used by Google Analytics to determine which links on a page are being clicked
30 seconds
_ga
ID used to identify users
2 years
__utmx
Used to determine whether a user is included in an A / B or Multivariate test.
18 months
__utmv
Contains custom information set by the web developer via the _setCustomVar method in Google Analytics. This cookie is updated every time new data is sent to the Google Analytics server.
2 years after last activity
__utmz
Contains information about the traffic source or campaign that directed user to the website. The cookie is set when the GA.js javascript is loaded and updated when data is sent to the Google Anaytics server
6 months after last activity
_gac_
Contains information related to marketing campaigns of the user. These are shared with Google AdWords / Google Ads when the Google Ads and Google Analytics accounts are linked together.
90 days
__utmc
Used only with old Urchin versions of Google Analytics and not with GA.js. Was used to distinguish between new sessions and visits at the end of a session.
End of session (browser)
__utmb
Used to distinguish new sessions and visits. This cookie is set when the GA.js javascript library is loaded and there is no existing __utmb cookie. The cookie is updated every time data is sent to the Google Analytics server.
30 minutes after last activity
__utmt
Used to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests
10 minutes
__utma
ID used to identify users and sessions
2 years after last activity
SourceBuster is used by WooCommerce for order attribution based on user source.
Name
Description
Duration
sbjs_migrations
Technical data to help with migrations between different versions of the tracking feature
session
sbjs_current_add
Timestamp, referring URL, and entry page for your visitor’s current visit to your store
session
sbjs_first_add
Timestamp, referring URL, and entry page for your visitor’s first visit to your store (only applicable if the visitor returns before the session expires)
session
sbjs_current
Traffic origin information for the visitor’s current visit to your store
session
sbjs_first
Traffic origin information for the visitor’s first visit to your store (only applicable if the visitor returns before the session expires)
session
sbjs_udata
Information about the visitor’s user agent, such as IP, the browser, and the device type
session
sbjs_session
The number of page views in this session and the current page path
