TASTE OF RECIPES

Courtesy Chef Karla

1 tablespoon Olive oil, divided 1 each Onion, diced 2 tablespoons Garlic, minced 1 each Eggplant, diced, skin-on 3 each Tomatoes, diced 2 tablespoons Olives, green, quartered 1.5 pounds Chicken thighs, skin-less, bone-in, trim excess fat 1 cup Red wine 2 tablespoons Sage, fresh 2 tablespoons Thyme, fresh 1/2 tablespoon Rosemary, fresh 1/2 tablespoon Salt, divided 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper, ground

• Preheat a large sauté pan to medium-high heat. • Add 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. • Liberally season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. • Place chicken thighs in hot sauté pan, and sear each side until caramelized, about 10-15 minutes, flip and repeat searing. • Remove chicken thighs from the sauté pan and set aside. • Add remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil to sauté pan, adjust heat to medium. • Add onion, garlic, eggplant, tomatoes, and olives. Sauté until caramelized and softened, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. • Adjust heat to low, nestle the chicken thighs back into the pan with the vegetables, add red wine and fresh herbs. • Allow to simmer for 1 hour, uncovered. • Garnish with fresh basil and parmesan. Serve over pasta or roasted potatoes. Serves: 4 Serving Size: 4 ounces chicken + ~ 1 cup sauce Calories: 390 Fat: 18 grams Carbohydrates: 18 grams Fiber: 4 grams Protein: 30 grams

Chef’s Note: A rustic poultry-vegetable hunters’ stew, the perfect cozy meal to warm your soul this Winter.

Karla is owner of Chef Karla LLC specializing in creating crave-worthy and good-for-you cuisine. Karla provides nutrition coaching, personalized prepared family meals, and small group catering. For more healthy recipes and wellness tips visit www.chef-karla.com or connect directly at Karla@chef-karla.com.

BY ALLYSON JONES

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the perfect time to shop local and share a love of the Lowcountry with friends, family and co-workers. From traditional foods and handcrafted merchandise to holiday decorations and one-of-a-kind finds, celebrate this special season and pick up meaningful gifts for everyone on your list at some of these area events and markets.

November 17 through December 3, Hilton Head Preparatory School hosts its Annual Festival of Trees at the Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa in Palmetto

Dunes. In addition to creatively themed Christmas trees sponsored and decorated by local organizations, businesses and individuals, the Island’s longest running holiday event also offers an assortment of wreaths, centerpieces, garland and other holiday décor available for purchase with proceeds benefiting Hilton Head Prep’s tuition assistance program. Several special events, such as “A Night at the Orchestra” showcasing Hilton Head Preparatory School’s String Orchestra on December 3rd, are scheduled throughout the festival. For details or to shop the online store, visit hhpfestivaloftrees.com.

Painters, photographers, sculptors, potters, textile artists and musicians from around the world can be found on Thursday,

December 1, during The Shops at Sea Pines Center’s First

Thursday Art Market. Meet the artists and shop the Market from 4-7 p.m. while enjoying the specialty stores, unique galleries or gathering with friends over a delicious meal at this center located on Lighthouse Road near Harbour Town. (843) 363-5699 or theshopsatseapinescenter.com/ events.

Created by marketing professional Katie Silva to promote Lowcountry makers, connect them with shoppers, and promote business to business collaboration, Lowcountry Made began by creating popup markets during the pandemic to provide a safe platform for makers to engage with shoppers. After facilitating more than 40 events across the Lowcountry with a rotating list of quality vendors, there are several special markets planned during the holiday season. The Bluffton Night Bazaar takes place on December 1, the first Thursday of the month, in the courtyard of Burnt Church Distillery on Bluffton Road from 5-8 p.m. Admission is free for this evening event featuring local artists, live music, food and drink. On Sunday, December 4th, a

OFFICIAL SOUTH BEACH TREE LIGHTING Friday, November 25th | The lights go on at dusk!

Friday, November 25th | The lights go on at dusk!

Give back with us all season long! CHILI DECEMBER CHILI DECEMBER For every cup and bowl of soup or chili enjoyed, Salty Dog will donate a canned food item to For every cup and bowl of soup or chili enjoyed, Deep Well Project to help feed neighbors in need Salty Dog will donate a canned food item to Deep Well Project to help feed neighbors in need

SOUTH BEACH OYSTER ROAST Saturday, February 25th | 12 pm Enjoy buckets of fresh roasted oysters, loads of tasty oyster Saturday, February 25th | 12 pm creations, and of course, live music on the waterfront! Enjoy buckets of fresh roasted oysters, loads of tasty oyster creations, and of course, live music on the waterfront!

Holiday Artisan Market takes place on the May River Lawn in Palmetto Bluff from 12-5 p.m. followed by the regularly scheduled Lowcountry Made Market on the third Saturday of the month at Bluffton’s Buckwalter Place Park from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. For details on these and other upcoming events, visit lcmade.com.

Head over to Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort, December 3-4, for the 3rd Annual Holiday Craft Fair. Open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, admission is free for this annual event featuring handmade gifts from local artists and artisans including Full Spectrum Studio, plus sweets, treats and more. 40 Folly Field Rd. (843) 842-0029 or hhibeachandtennis.com.

Hilton Head Island’s newest market opened in October and offers fresh local foods from farmers and vendors, such as Island-inspired blends from Hilton Head Island Coffee Company, as well as handcrafted goods on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon in Shelter Cove Community Park. Each month, a portion of the proceeds from vendor booth fees is donated to a different local non-profit. Operation Turbo, a volunteer-run organization founded by Dyan Zurick Smith which sends “Boxes of Home” to all branches of the military around the world, was the designated non-profit in October and November. For details and vendor information, visit the Market’s Facebook page.

Local farmers, producers and artisans can be found at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Historic Honey Horn every Tuesday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Plan the perfect holiday meal with farm-fresh produce, eggs, meats and honey or pick up prepared foods such as chips, dips, hot sauces, coffee, baked goods, charcuterie, pizza and other flavorful items. Artisans offer handcrafted soaps, hand poured soy candles, notecards, jewelry, pottery and artwork. Can’t make it to the Market? The Museum’s Gift Shop is open daily with a selection of books by local authors, toys, games, puzzles, artwork, sweetgrass baskets and more. (843) 689-6767 or coastaldiscovery.org.

“The Many Moods of the Season” Decenber 9 at 7 p.m. in the First Presbyterian Church. The holiday season is one of nostalgia for many. This year’s program will celebrate from a more traditional standpoint the many moods of the season as the Choral Society presents the Christmas portion of Handel’s classic, Messiah, and Robert Shaw’s The Many Moods of Christmas. Come celebrate the season through a variety of perspectives, cultures and traditions. To purchase tickets call (843) 341-3818 or visit www. hiltonheadchoralsociety.org.

Relish the spirit of the holidays with an evening in Harbour Town December 23, 7:30 - 9 p.m. Listen as Gregg Russell plays his guitar and sings songs of the season for children and adults. Following the concert, enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus. For more information, (843) 842-1979 or www. seapines.com.

The Winter Wonderland Festival will be held at Shelter Cove Community Park December 3 from 4-7 p.m at 39 Shelter Cove Lane. There will be carnival games, a children’s parade, bounce houses, and more! For more information (843) 681-7272 or www.islandreccenter.org.

This December, take a stroll through our version of a winter wonderland, as Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina transforms into a colorful affair. Stroll the boardwalk, where the marina and boats will be decorated with holiday lights, and enjoy everything a Lowcountry “winter” has to offer.