About

Am I a chef or a cook? 

When I am involved in catering upscale meals for my many private clients, a festive milestone birthday party, or a box lunch for 150 at a lecture series, I consider myself a chef. The concept, the creativity and the food environment I create all has to be perfect. 

On the other hand, on many days I am a simple cook.

Preparing meals for family and friends, making a mess, sharing recipes, getting people out of cooking jams and offering advice comes as naturally to me as breathing and well, eating!

As a professional chef and caterer I create my own recipes, develop custom-menus, and help my clients craft an ambience unique to their food or catering needs. I’m considered an innovator of taste and style.

Expressing my passion for cooking, mixing flavors and artfully presenting food is what I do, and I love every minute of it. This website was born from my countless hours of catering for my clients and teaching adults and kids the virtue of cooking at home.

Testing new recipes and experimenting with new ingredients is my passion.

My goal is to get you excited about food – the process from choosing a menu, purchasing ingredients, cooking and truly enjoying the finished product. Join me on my Farmer’s Market finds – and see how meals are developed on the spot. Creativity has no bounds, especially with the bounty of a new crop of local fruits and vegetables that can be found at your local farmer’s markets. 

My career continues to blossom.

Since graduating from The New York Restaurant School in 1985 I have worn many chef’s hats.

I got my start at an upscale dining room in New York City which led me to Gourmet Magazine, where I honed my skills in their private dining room - preparing meals for advertising clients and notable professionals in the culinary and publishing worlds.

My Devil’s Food Cake was featured on The Food Network – and I taught the recipe right here in my New Jersey kitchen !

Recipes I teach promote fresh, local ingredients and lead to a healthy lifestyle! Think about creating beautifully styled food that uses every ounce of your capability and potential.

My kitchen is my sanctuary, and I hope to share some of my magic I produce there with you ! 

Welcome to a zest for life !!

- karen’s obsession for food & style

As a chef, I personally create and test every recipe I will teach. Your cooking style and ability will increase as you take advantage of my obsession with details. Whether you are a novice cook or a skilled experienced one looking to improve skills and enhance your menus, I’m dedicated to helping make your daily routine more interesting and enjoyable.

So many of you are craving simple approachable food - and are bored of cooking the same tired recipe.

You have come to the right place !

I will teach in categories of Simple, Intermediate, and Obsessed.

Learn the techniques it takes to be a great success in your kitchen…

I am here to inform and listen.

Be motivated to expand your creativity with me and

Be the kind of cook who has a zest for life and a passion for food.

Let’s get started !

Karen Sheer