A Zest for Life

Holiday Nibbles & Hors d’oeuvres Plus NEW: Mediterranean Slow-Baked Appetizer with Feta, Colorful Peppers, Olives & Garlic

Mediterranean Slow-Baked Appetizer with Feta, Colorful Peppers, Olives & Garlic

A wonderful and easy appetizer for the holidays all will enjoy! Spread on toasted bread and soak up all the amazing flavors. Cooks slowly in the oven until the peppers actually melt into the olive oil. Serve with toasted pita triangles or toasted baguette slices. Mediterranean Cuisine has bright, fresh flavors ~ mostly plant food […]

Karen’s Butternut Squash, Apple, Leek & Goat Cheese Frittata

A light and flavorful frittata that has plenty of vegetables, apples, cheeses & eggs. Creates beautiful Mosaic Layers! Baked until puffy with a creamy-like texture – a meal in itself! The recipe that keeps giving! I can’t stop eating this frittata! Reheats brilliantly! Makes 9 BIG wedge portions. Great for lunch, a light dinner, snack, brunch… […]

The BEST Russian Dressing for Roast Turkey & Beyond

After Thanksgiving Recipes with your Leftovers And NEW: Karen’s Russian Dressing for Turkey

Here’s what I’m cooking up with the holiday’s leftovers. Soup, Salad, Throw-back Casserole, Tacos, Chef Salad, The Best Russian Dressing for Roast Turkey and more – create new meals for the week with minimal effort. This easy and ZESTY Russian dressing features just 3 Ingredients! Perfect for dipping turkey, slathering on a sandwich or tossing […]

The BEST Russian Dressing for Roast Turkey

The BEST Easy Russian Dressing for Roast Turkey & Beyond

This easy and ZESTY Russian dressing features just 3 Ingredients! Perfect for dipping turkey, slathering on a sandwich or tossing in a salad. Includes Mayonnaise, Ketchup and Karen’s “Shaken” Italian Dressing. Here’s How I like my Russian Dressing: One part Mayonnaise – I use Organic without Natural Flavorings One part Ketchup – I use Organic without […]

Karen’s Marsala Turkey Gravy for Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! Here IS MY MUST-MAKE GRAVY RECIPE

As your turkey is going in the oven for the big holiday – Make your gravy magnificent these few tricks & methods! Karen’s Marsala Turkey Gravy for Thanksgiving OVERVIEW – this is what you will do: METHOD (with turkey): Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Scatter the carrots, celery, onions, shallots and garlic on the bottom […]

Roast Thanksgiving Turkey Basted with Fruit Juices and Marsala Gravy

How to cook the perfect turkey, stuffing and gravy. I have developed this recipe after years in the kitchen. You will use this recipe over and over again! Karen’s trusted Turkey recipe. Detailed instructions that are easy to follow. Isn’t it all about the gravy? Aromatic roasted vegetables on the bottom of the pan, with […]

oast Turkey with Marsala Gravy, Sautéed Asparagus with Cranberries and Almonds and Layered Purple & Ivory Mashed Potatoes

Thanksgiving 2022 MAINS & SIDE-DISHES “MY FAVORITE RECIPES” – plus NEW: Delicata Squash Bake with Parmesan Breadcrumbs

Thanksgiving is upon us ~ One of my favorite times to cook delicious food for friends and family. Here are my best-loved dishes to cook ~ classics with healthy twists! Main Dishes and Sides: (Next week Appetizers, Soups and Desserts!) Your New Thanksgiving Side Dish! Sweet & Nutty Delicata Squash layered with a Zesty Cider […]

Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Aged Gouda – Maple Syrup Glaze recipe

Thanksgiving Overview: What to Cook Right Now & NEW Sautéed Spinach with Pine Nuts & Lemon

The Countdown to Thanksgiving is Upon Us – Create the most memorable meal with my creative, original & well tested recipes! See all: Appetizers, Salads, Side-Dishes, Turkey with the BEST Gravy and Desserts. The perfect Easy Sauté for a Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dish. Great to master for weeknight meals too. Large leaf spinach pairs with […]

Sautéed Spinach with Lemon, Garlic & Pine Nuts

The perfect Easy Sauté for a Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dish. Great to master for weeknight meals too. Large leaf spinach pairs with golden sliced garlic, lemon rind and toasted pine nuts. Why Large Leaf Fresh Spinach? These leaves have a thicker wall – will not wilt as easily as “baby spinach” found in bags, which […]

Cheddar and Herb “Pennies” ~ Savory Shortbread Crackers on a marble platter

Thanksgiving Appetizers, Soups & Desserts – I’ve Got You Covered!

Thanksgiving is almost here – time to organize and cook delicious food! Here are my best-loved dishes to cook ~ classics with healthy twists! Today: Appetizers, Soups & Desserts NEW! Chocolate Caramel Pie with Granola Coconut Crust – Vegan (Gluten Free too) A wonderful decedent but not-too-rich pie with a press-in crust with a chocolate […]

Chocolate Caramel Pie with Granola Coconut Crust – Vegan

A wonderful decedent but not-too-rich pie with a press-in crust with a chocolate base and caramel top layer. Finished with coconut whipped cream, honey-sugared peanuts and toasted coconut flakes. Love at first bite! Gluten Free too! Is this a delicious pie that just happens to be Vegan? ALL will enjoy this one! I cleverly use […]

Delicata Squash Bake with Cider Reduction and Parmesan Bread Crumbs

Your New SIDE DISH for Thanksgiving! Sweet & Nutty Delicata Squash layered with a Zesty Cider Reduction and Topped with Sourdough-Parmesan-Thyme Breadcrumbs that bakes up Crispy & Golden. Yes ~ can be made a few days in advance! Pairs well with all your Thanksgiving Mains. How to Make this Recipe: Prepare Cider-Honey-Butter mixture. Cut Delicata […]