A Zest for Life

Spinach, Feta and Tomato Quiche with Wild & Brown Rice

Mother’s Day Inspirations – 18 Recipes She Will Love!

Chimichurri sauce in a vintage glass bowl

Zesty Chimichurri Sauce and How To Use It!

This classic Argentinian Sauce takes only minutes to make and the perfect little sauce/condiment to pair with all your grilling specialties. Chimichurri is a herb-based raw sauce & condiment – you simply chop and stir all the ingredients together. No two recipes are alike – this is how I make it ~ “a mixture of […]

Grilled Asparagus & Hearts of Palm in a quilted pattern with Chimichurri Sauce on a vintage white plate

Grilled Asparagus & Hearts of Palm Salad with Chimichurri

A creative and healthy stunning salad with my master Chimichurri sauce/condiment I had fun putting this together! First, I found these amazing FAT asparagus from Mexico. I’ll have to wait a few more weeks until local asparagus are cut from the fields. I thought Hearts of Palm are a similar size, so I paired the […]

Delicious Dan Dan Noodles with Tofu & Mushrooms in modern white bowls

Delicious Dan Dan Noodles – They’re Vegan!

Dan Dan Noodles are a traditional street food from Sichuan, China and can easily be recreated in your home kitchen! I’m lightening them up with Tofu & Mushrooms in place of pork, and adding vibrant greens. I love these noodles! A combustion of flavors — savory, nutty, spicy, and smoky. It’s Earth Day! We’re celebrating […]

11 spices for Iraqi Seasoning Spice Blend on a vintage board

Iraqi Seasoning Spice Blend with my Fabulous Iraqi Seasoned Grilled Chicken

Spice Blends adds zest & power-house of flavor and aroma – and totally transforms food from bland to fabulous. Experience New Flavors with this versatile Spice Blend. Are you passionate about adding flavor to foods? Be adventurous with spices and elevate your cooking to a whole other level! Spices allow you to be creative and adventurous […]

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

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 […]