A Zest for Life

Karen's Iraqi Seasoning Spice Blend on perfectly cooked grilled chicken over naan bread

Iraqi Seasoning Spice Blend with my Fabulous Iraqi Seasoned Grilled Chicken

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Fabulous Iraqi Grilled Chicken with Iraqi Pesto and Preserved Lemon Relish

Capturing the essence and flavor of the region – start with my Iraqi Seasoning Spice Blend for the most delicious meal you will want to make over and over again! See how to: Make the Iraqi Seasoning Spice Blend Marinate and Grill Chicken and Vegetables Make Iraqi Pesto Make Preserved Lemon Relish See How to […]

Spring Egg Drop Soup

Classic Egg Drop Soup gets a healthy overhaul with Spring Veggies and a topping of Fresh Crab. Spring Produce is popping up everywhere – so I’m using glorious green vegetables and enhancing the classic Egg Drop Soup – I think for the better! The crab is optional, yet adds a lingering sweetness and a pop of color… fresh […]

Spring Grilled Asparagus Salad ~ Blood Orange Buttermilk Dressing

Spring Inspiration – 20 Recipes to Try!

Get ready to take on Spring with my favorite recipes including lightened-up options (to help with the COVID-19 added pounds), creative first courses, tempting main courses and must-make desserts that celebrate the current and long awaited new season! Let’s start here – time to uncover the grill and savor these fat asparagus in this restaurant quality […]

Salmon with Rhubarb Jam Butter Sauce with Spring Vegetables

Salmon with Rhubarb Vanilla Bean Butter Sauce

My favorite Spring Meal! Perfectly cooked Salmon with a luscious Rhubarb Vanilla Bean Sauce and a Spring Vegetable Salad Simple to prepare ~ Make my Rhubarb Vanilla Bean Jam and the sauce is a snap. On the plate: Steamed Chinese Long Beans, Jumbo Asparagus, Spinach and Watermelon Radish dressed with my Simple Rhubarb Vinaigrette.

Rhubarb Vanilla Jam with Toast on vintage plate

Karen’s Rhubarb Vanilla Bean Jam

Spring Rhubarb cooks into a delectable jam! I add a little chopped apple for balance and love the lingering vanilla bean aroma. These vibrant pink to crimson stalks are tart with a flavor all their own. I find the taste to be intoxicating. Easy to make – stir up chopped rhubarb and apple in a […]

Karen’s Simple Rhubarb Vinaigrette

The perfect vinaigrette for your Spring Salads and great for drizzling on top of vegetables! This Rhubarb Vinaigrette has just a few simple ingredients. Start with my Rhubarb Vinegar, and add minced garlic & sea salt. Drizzle in neutral oil slowly until beautifully emulsified. Yes, you can add a few more flavoring ingredients – like […]

Chicken with Balsamic- Rosemary Sauce in baking pan

Braised Tzimmes Chicken with Balsamic-Rosemary Sauce for Passover and Beyond (with 19 more recipes for Passover!)

This recipe has what you are looking for! Roast succulent pieces of chicken, seasoned perfectly with the addition of allspice – with hints of cloves, cinnamon and pepper. Chock full of ingredients – as you can see! Brimming with Colorful Heirloom Carrots, Shallots, Prunes and Garlic and the most delicious Balsamic-Rosemary Sauce… or should I […]

Stacked Parmesan Crisps with assorted seasonings

Parmesan Crisps – Master Recipe with Flavoring Suggestions

These are so easy, crunchy & delicious! The crisps are made with grated Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and your choice of seasonings (I have many suggestions!) Easy Parmesan Crisps can be made into these clever Caesar Salad Tacos. Crush these crisps on top of salads, side dishes like risotto – anywhere you crave a rich Umami flavor-boost. It’s […]

Caesar Salad Tacos – In a Parmesan Crisp Shell

Ready for a Umami-rich treat? A creative genius recipe that is so delicious and low in carbs! All your favorite Caesar Salad Ingredients – I love to add roasted red peppers too. Gluten Free – no problem! I have used gluten free bread for the garlic croutons. East these immediately after preparing! Taco Shells can […]

Quick Caesar Salad Dressing with Caesar Tacos and Garlic Breadcrumbs

Quick Caesar Dressing You Will Love!

This method takes away the raw egg yet adds all the zesty flavors! Add all ingredients to a bowl, whisk in extra virgin olive oil until nicely emulsified. Ingredients you will use: Fresh garlic, grainy mustard & dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, worcestershire sauce, grated parmesan cheese, natural mayonnaise, anchovies, freshly cracked pepper and extra […]

Tomato & Fennel Soup with Parmesan Crisps in a mid-century bowl

Herbed Tomato and Fennel Soup with Parmesan Crisps

In the Mediterranean Tradition – the flavors here are a combination of mellow and bold. Aromatic Basil and Fennel both have hints of anise (licorice) and team beautifully with sweet San Marzano Tomatoes. Soup making is about using the best quality ingredients and understanding the method of how to prepare it to perfection. I like the […]

Red Coconut Curry with Sesame Tofu and Roasted Vegetables in vintage bowl with vintage aqua linens

Red Coconut Curry with Sesame Tofu & Roasted Vegetables

A delicious & healthy Thai inspired meal. Totally satisfying and hearty with out being heavy. Vegan – Vegetarian – Gluten Free! I’m in love! ~ with this Red Coconut Curry Sauce. Coconut Milk creates a creamy essence and Red Curry Paste lends deep flavor, color and heat. Tip: this little can of red curry paste is a cook’s […]