Currently Browsing: Karen Sheer
Speedy Greek Sautéed Shrimp with Fennel, Dill & Ouzo
A wonderful shrimp sautĂ© with a harmonious balance of flavors. Wonderful topped with Greek Feta Cheese, lots of Dill and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes on the Vine. A Quick SautĂ©: Rub Shrimp with seasonings; set aside as you cook the vegetables Cook shrimps in EVOO until golden on both sides, but not cooked through SautĂ© Fennel […]
Karen’s Lucious Orange-Lemon Bars
A Creamy and Glossy Zesty Filling sits on top of a Press- In Shortbread Crust. Orange together with Lemon naturally flavors the bars with the happiness and look of sunshine! My Orange-Lemon Bars features a Press-In Buttery Shortbread Crust with a Tangy & Zesty Curd with a smooth creamy consistency. The Method: The Curd ingredients […]
Goat Cheese Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette – Inspired by Alice Waters
Goat Cheese Medallions are Coated with Crispy Quinoa over Lettuces and Vegetables and Drizzled with a Zesty Blood Orange Vinaigrette. Gluten Free. This vibrant salad is one of my favorites. My take on Alice Water’s Goat Cheese Salad served at Chez Panisse, Berkeley, CA. Alice’s iconic salad coats the goat cheese medallions with breadcrumbs and […]
Karen’s Blood Orange Vinaigrette
A Tart- Sweet Vinaigrette with a Gorgeous Hue and lots of Zesty Favor! Simply whisked together. Adds a super pop of color to all your salad creations! A very juicy vinaigrette with just enough extra virgin olive oil to emulsify. I squeeze my own blood oranges! I like a little pulp in the vinaigrette. I […]
Karen’s Moroccan Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Harissa Vinaigrette
Easy – Gorgeous & Healthy Roasted Carrots are topped with Sprouts & Endive and bathed in a Hearty Harissa Vinaigrette The EASY Method: Scrub Carrots, trim ends – add to a roasting sheet pan Add Olive Oil, Sea Salt and Chili Flakes Roast at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, turn over, cook 5 minutes more […]
New Cooking Class: Best of the Mediterranean
I’m excited to introduce my next Cooking Class! “Best of the Mediterranean” Sunday, March 10, 1 – 3:30pm; Leicht Cooking Studio Greenwich Menu and details are below. I’m focussing on the fresh flavors of this healthy cuisine from this magnificent region. It have been fun and enjoyable testing new recipes and hope you will enjoy this culinary […]
Best Winter Soups! Healthy, Comforting & Warming
21 Soups to Make right now in Winter’s Cooler Months. Creative, original soup recipes with wholesome ingredients bursting with flavor. A wonderful collection – get cooking! Oh-La-La ~ Warm up with a Classic Crock of Onion Soup with a Secret Ingredient – Shiitake Mushrooms! Using Vegetable & Chicken Broths – no beef broth. A bowl […]
Karen’s Chicken, Wild Rice & Veggie Soup
A Healthy & Hearty Soup loaded with vegetables – start by making homemade chicken broth…. nothing better than that! A nutrient-dense soup with good for you ingredients in every bite; so comforting. Pulled chicken teams with Wild & Brown Rice, Zucchini, Summer Squash, Carrots, Celery, Leeks and Fresh Corn The Method: Cook in-bone Chicken Breasts […]
Karen’s Valentine’s Day Delicious Desserts
14 Delicious Dessert Recipes to Fall in Love With! Creative, Crave-Worth and Lightened-Up Love is in the air with tempting recipes you can successfully make at home! NEW: Karen’s Vegan Milk Chocolate Pudding Creamy and delicious with added chopped toasted hazelnuts – easy, done in under 10 minutes! Perfect for Valentines Day! I’m adding Caramelized […]
Karen’s Vegan Milk Chocolate Pudding
Creamy and delicious with added chopped toasted hazelnuts – easy, done in under 10 minutes! Perfect for Valentines Day! I’m adding Caramelized Sugar Shards with Freeze Dried Strawberries. See my pick for the BEST Vegan Milk Chocolate! It is not easy to find a good Vegan Milk Chocolate! Milk Chocolate contains milk… d-a-i-r-y! And almost […]
Caramelized Sugar Shards with Freeze Dried Strawberries and Hazelnuts
A wonderful, beautiful confectionery decoration that is simple to make with a luminescent glow. Make one sheet and break apart to decorate cakes, cupcakes and – my milk chocolate pudding. So simple to prepare – make a GORGEOUS impact when broken into shards with a glass-like look. Has a stunning amber stained glass look – […]
15 Super Bowl Party Food Recipes – And Yes – They’re a Little Healthier
Crowd-Pleasing Updated Party Foods with a Healthier Twist that all will enjoy. I might not be your source for Chicken Wing Recipes… BUT  here are some SPECTACULAR Game-Day party suggestions with Less Calories, Carbs, Sodium, Fat & Preservatives – Will help you feel good without sacrificing flavor! A nice shift from the same old appetizers and heavy, uninspired so […]
Outrageous Orange-Chipotle Honey Glazed Salmon
Salmon Fillets Beautifully Caramelize in a Pan for an Easy Weeknight Dish. The Zesty Orange-Chipotle Glaze doubles as a marinade – less work for you! It’s Citrus Season and oranges are bursting with juicy flavor! The Flavors: Rich citrus orange flavor from the Freshly Squeezed Juice and Orange Rind Smoky essence from the Chipotle Peppers […]
Karen’s Oven Fries! Three Recipes: Seasoned Russets, Celeriac and Sweet Potatoes
My go-to weeknight staple… oven fries! Crispy and tender inside – cooks quickly and perfectly seasoned. Unlike fried potatoes -oven fries retain their vitamins and minerals SazĂłn Seasoned Russet Oven Fries: Crispy and Full Of Flavor – Toss with a little EVOO and my seasonings for the ultimate Oven Fries! Delicious Option: adding Parmesan & Parsley. […]
Easy Russet Oven Fries with My SazĂłn Seasoning
Crispy and Full Of Flavor – Toss with a little EVOO and my seasonings for the Ultimate Oven Fries! Option: adding Parmesan & Parsley. For a Vegan option, sprinkle on Nutritional Yeast, replacing the parmesan. Keep the skins on for extra fiber! With potatoes you get the energy, potassium (more than a banana) and vitamin C you […]
Celeriac Oven Fries with Cajun Seasonings
A fabulous low-carb alternative to potatoes with a nutty-celery flavor. Roasted to perfection with golden edges and just the right amount of heat. Crispy and easy to prepare! Cut the Peeled Celery Root into batonettes (thick chunky-cut) – add them to boiling water to soften and cook for just 3 minutes; drain and pat completely […]
Karen’s Ultimate Veggie Plant-Based Burger
These Burgers are Not Impossible to make and enjoy and Beyond Delicious! This Plant Based Burger is better than any store bought product without a bevy of unwanted ingredients. Gluten Free. Why Make your own Plant-Based Burgers? Use healthful real food, not chemicals – compared to processed commercial plant-based burgers Mine includes: Legumes: Lentils & […]
Fabulous Salads to make now in Winter
Healthful Salads using the Freshest Ingredients available in Winter. Hearty and loaded with fiber and natural goodness. Say NO to boring salads! Learn how to combine crisp ingredients with special vinaigrettes to make Winter blues a little more exciting & delicious! Salads with Chicken: Packed with Zesty Flavor, Crunchy Texture – a Salad to Savor! […]
Karen’s Spatchcocked Smoky Chili Seasoned Chicken
A well seasoned Spatchcocked Chicken (flattened) that produces a crispy skin and unbelievable tender meat. Dry Brine for 24 hours, add whole lemon & garlic bulb halves and simply roast. So Delish! My Smoky Chili Seasoning & Rub adds incredible flavor! Which do you prefer Light or dark pieces? Both well seasoned and delicious. The Biggest […]
Karen’s Smoky Chili Seasoning & Rub
A well-rounded blend with four different chilies and spices that’s nice and smoky and perfectly blended with a good kick, but not fiery hot. I’m loving it rubbed all over chicken be roasted. Use with coarse salt when dry brining… amazing crispy skin results! Created to add a deep-smoky, spicy aura to many of your […]
Karen’s Thai Tomato Coconut Soup with Lentils and Silken Tofu
A creamy delicious Vegan soup that boasts a bevy of protein with Panang curry flavors. The toppings make it most special! Packed with healthy ingredients and zesty Thai seasonings. Yes ~ Creamy Deliciousness… I blend half the soup until smooth, leaving some wonderful texture. Winter is here, and it’s SOUP-MAKING-TIME in my Kitchen! Love soup […]
My Favorite Brunch Recipes for New Year’s Day
Ring in the New Year with some Home Cooked Delicious and Healthy Food you make yourself! Stay in and enjoy a leisurely brunch – many recipes can be made ahead of time. Try these NEW RECIPES: Breakfast Fried Egg Tacos with Karen’s Bloody Mary Hot Sauce AND learn how to make you own fabulous Hot Sauce! […]
Breakfast Fried Egg Tacos with Karen’s Bloody Mary Hot Sauce
Wake up your taste buds with these savory tacos! Sunny side up fried eggs top tacos and a bevy of veggies and Mexican cheeses. Top with my homemade spicy hot sauce for the perfect chile-tang Why Do My Egg Yolks Look Super-Orange in Color? I use Pasture Raise Eggs! Free range hens that have access […]
Karen’s Somewhat Spicy Bloody Mary Hot Sauce
An Easy to Make At-Home Hot Sauce with a great tang and just the right heat! Addition of horseradish, celery seeds, worcestershire sauce and lime juice lends a definite Bloody Mary taste profile. Simple to Make! Add water to your Chili Flakes and let the flavor bloom I love these Sichuan Chili Flakes. Bright red, spicy and […]
2023 Holiday Cookies and Desserts that are Crave Worthy!
Get baking with my line up of Holiday Cookies & Desserts to Eat, Share & Enjoy! You’ll love my new Rocky Road Candy plus 22 more creative & delicious recipes. (Press on titles for recipes) For the holidays – do not miss: More Holiday Party Nibbles & Hors d’oeuvres for 2023 This classic Rocky Road recipe is studded […]
Karen’s Holiday Rocky Road Candy – Gluten Free
This classic Rocky Road recipe is studded with nuts and marshmallows ~ makes many sliced squares for eating, serving & gift giving. I’m adding traditional Shortbread Chunks ~ see my Gluten Free delicious recipe! An Easy & Fun Recipe to make! Melted chocolate are encased with nuts, marshmallows & cubed shortbread. I do not use […]
Karen’s Crisp & Crunchy Shortbread Squares – Gluten Free
An easy press-in dough recipe that produces a Crispy, Light & Buttery Shortbread. Cut into easy squares ~ eat & enjoy … drizzle them with chocolate, or crumble them into my Rocky Road Candy the way the Brits do! What make them Gluten Free? I’m using Oat Flour, Fine Almond Flour and a Gluten Free […]
More Holiday Party Nibbles & Hors d’oeuvres for 2023
Must-Make Crave-Worthy Appetizers for People Who Love Party Food! 32 of them! Includes my favorite Creative & Healthier options from Latkes to Crostinis. Get the party started! Latkes: Hanukkah Latkes are that ethereal treat; a potato mixture made by dropping large tablespoons into a skillet of shimmering, hot oil. Karen’s Best Latke Latkes are crispy, naturally […]
Weeknight Cooking – My Favorite Recipes to Learn, Eat & Repeat
My favorite Weeknight Dinners you’ll want to make these over and over again… Weeknight cooking does not need to be bland, unimaginitive and boring – or take hours to prepare. Some inspiration if you are out of ideas – and cook the same dishes over and over again! Here is what I like to stir […]
Karen’s After Thanksgiving Recipes with your Leftovers
Here’s what I’m cooking up with the holiday’s leftovers. Soup, Salad, Throw-back Casserole, Tacos, Chef Salad, Savory Cranberry Chicken Thighs, The Best Russian Dressing for Roast Turkey and more – create new meals for the week with minimal effort. NEW RECIPE! Perfectly Seasoned Chicken Thighs team with a luscious Cranberry Sauce with Rosemary & Thyme. […]
Crispy Chicken Thighs with Savory Cranberry Sauce (using your leftover cranberry sauce!)
Perfectly Seasoned Chicken Thighs team with a luscious Cranberry Sauce with Rosemary & Thyme. Use up your leftover Chunky Cranberry Sauce for this lucious meal! (Mine has ginger and pineapple in it.)Â Why I LOVE this Recipe: A great use for your leftover Cranberry Sauce (I know you have some!) Learn how to make CRISPY […]
Karen’s Appetizers / Hors d’oeuvres & Soups for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is almost here – time to organize and cook delicious, homemade food! Here are my best-loved appetizers to make ~ from inventive to classics… with healthy twists! Cheesy Options: A crowd-pleasing Melty-Cheese Appetizer that’s easy to make and fun to eat! SautĂ© Red Onions low & slow, add apples and seasonings and simply top […]
NEW Cooking Class: Holiday Hors d’oeuvres – From Tostadas to Tapas
Come join me for my next Cooking Class at Leicht Kitchen Studio, Greenwich CT. Get in the Holiday Spirit – learn & eat four tempting & delicious recipes in this beautiful modern kitchen. Space is limited, registration below. Venmo:Â @Karen-Sheer Zelle:Â karen@azestforlife Or, you can kindly send me a check to: Karen Sheer 14 Montgomery Lane, […]
Turkey Talk + Thanksgiving 2023 – All the Delicious Recipes!
The Countdown to Thanksgiving is Upon Us – Create the most memorable meal with my creative, original & well tested recipes! See all: APPETIZERS, SOUPS, SALADS, SIDE-DISHES, TURKEY WITH THE BEST GRAVY & DESSERTS! Let’s Talk Turkey! What type of turkey buy? The different types of Turkeys available for Thanksgiving can be a little overwhelming… […]
Karen’s Thanksgiving Recipes: Turkey, Gravy and All the Sides to Make, Serve & Devour!
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! Also see: Karen’s Appetizers / Hors d’ouevres & Soups for Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Desserts! My Favorite Scrumptious Holiday Recipes! Thanksgiving Recipes Start Here! I’ve got you covered […]
Karen’s Duchess Potatoes with Butternut Squash Swirl
Make these Gorgeous Potatoes ahead of time for the Perfect Thanksgiving Side-Dish. Enriched Mashed Potatoes are piped with a Butternut Squash Swirl for a Beautiful Presentation, that’s actually easy to make. Crispy outside, light & airy inside. A wonderful Potato Side-Dish I’m’Serving for Thanksgiving! How I came up with this Recipe: So, I’m writing my list […]
Party Caramelized Red Onions & Apple Baked Brie
A crowd-pleasing Melty-Cheese Appetizer that’s easy to make and fun to eat! SautĂ© Red Onions low & slow, add apples and seasonings and simply top a wheel of brie and bake. THE Perfect Appetizer for Thanksgiving… and any holiday! Get the Party Started! To serve ~ have fun assembling, add the Baked Brie to a […]
Thanksgiving Desserts! My Favorite Scrumptious Holiday Recipes!
Delicious Desserts – Something for Everyone! What would you think is the quintessential holiday dessert? See my picks – 18 to choose from. Creative &  Updated Classics with Healthy Twists! Something Apple: An impressive freeform type of apple pie – sliced apples are placed on a round of flaky dough, edges get folded over then baked until […]
Karen’s Amazing Apple Galette
An impressive freeform type of apple pie – sliced apples are placed on a round of flaky dough, edges get folded over then baked until golden… so delish! Perfect for Thanksgiving! I’m already thinking about Thanksgiving… and what desserts I want to make & serve. I though this recipe would be enjoyed by all ~ […]
Karen’s Best Flaky Pie Dough
An easy to make and use pastry dough, makes a flaky pie crust! I use this trusted recipe for pies and galettes. See the beautifully risen, golden & crispy pie crust! Tips for Pie Making Success: For a flaky and flavorful crust – add very cold butter cut into tablespoons. Use a pastry blender and […]
Skillet Stir-Fried Blackened Green Beans
Dip these irresistible Crunchy Blackened Green Beans into my Roasted Garlic Remoulade Dip with Bread & Butter Pickles! CRUNCH- FLAVOR + EASE… one of my favorite veggie dishes to make! Makes an interesting Side-Dish for your Thanksgiving Table too! Use any fresh beans you like – Green Beans and or Yellow Wax Beans… or a combination […]
Roasted Garlic Remoulade Dip with Bread & Butter Pickles
A luscious southern-style remoulade sauce (a fancy-spiced flavored mayonnaise.) Use as a dip for my Stir-Fried Blackened Green Beans My version of an early Creole recipe. Because of the creamy texture and bevy of assertive ingredients, it’s easier to compare this version to the tartar sauce-like remoulade within classical French cuisine. Add some cool flavorings such as […]
Karen’s Plum-Raspberry Jam Oat Linzer Bars
An easy “press-in” dough recipe! Learn how to make homemade Plum Jam for the bars as well. Buttery, jam-filled bars based on the classic Viennese Linzer torte – dusted with confectioner’s sugar. I’m serving these delectable bars at my next Cooking Class! A Classic Recipe Updated into Easy-To-Make Bars! Linzer “Cookies” are named after a Linzer […]
Karen’s 21 Fabulous Winter Squash Recipes!
It’s Winter Squash Season in Fall! Learn how to prepare and cook many varieties…in these well tested and modern recipes – 21 to choose from. Winter Squash is harvested in the fall and has a hard rind, which allows it to keep well for months. Summer Squash has a thinner, edible rind and is harvested in […]
Fall Crostini with Whipped Roasted Butternut Squash Goat Cheese and Fresh Figs
THE Fall Appetizer – almost too pretty to eat featuring in-season Fresh Figs. Goat Cheese is whipped with Roasted Butternut Squash and topped with Fresh Figs, Maple-Balsamic Drizzle and Fresh Rosemary. Satisfying, Easy and Real Crowd Pleasers! Just filling enough with healthful ingredients. All About Crostinis: A crostini is a toasted bread appetizer or snack […]
Karen’s Easy Baked Chicken Breast with Mustard, Apples & Honey
Juicy & Tender Chicken Breasts that are simple to prepare with wonderful complimentary flavors. Marinate, Season, top with Apple Slices & Bake. I’m LOVING the 3 ingredient Apple Cider Sauce for drizzling. Three Easy Steps: Marinate the chicken in Coconut Milk and Grated Garlic Season the chicken with spices, a coating of grainy mustard and […]
New: Cooking Class “Cooking with Garlic” October 5th, Leicht Cooking Studio, Greenwich
My Next Cooking Class ~ Thursday, October 5, 2023  Cooking with Garlic It’s an exciting menu, and I will be visiting The Hudson Valley Garlic Festival just prior to the class. Gift for you: A Head of Garlic for you from the festival! Learn to prepare delicious dishes using Garlic in many ways: raw, […]
Karen’s Spaghetti alla Nerano: Zucchini & Pasta Lightened-Up
A total Ode to Stanley Tucci’s CNN “Searching for Italy” series which he shed light on this terrific dish in a hotel kitchen on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. I have ROASTED Zucchini instead of fried… and added lots to the final dish! Easy, economical and one you should master! When the actor Stanley Tucci visited Nerano, a […]
Karen’s Thai Basil Mince Chicken Stir- Fry
A Stir-Fry with True Restaurant Quality Flavor! A redux of the Thai dish Pad Krakow Gai – with extra vegetables and totally Gluten Free. Comforting, savory, aromatic, and garlicky – can be as spicy as you like!! In Thai, pad means “stir-fried,” krapow means “holy basil,” and gai is “chicken,” so literally, “stir-fried holy basil chicken.” […]
Crazy for Heirlooms – 24 Tomato Recipes to Cook Now!
Summer is my favorite season – and Heirloom Tomatoes are my best-loved fruit (botanically.) See ALL the Recipes: Salads, Soups, Condiments, Fresh Tomato Sauce, Risotto and More! Salads Featuring Heirloom Tomatoes: Heirloom Tomatoes are at their peak right now – take advantage of their superior taste and beautiful hues. A wonderful summer pasta salad – […]
Karen’s Cornbread Loaf with Jalapeño
The perfect Cornbread Loaf recipe – rises high with a moist crumb, just the right sweetness and heat. I’m loving it with my Chunky Easy Red Plum Jam! Rises high and square with no high center dome. Slices beautifully; tender crumb with good structure. Here I toasted the cornbread loaf slice with crispy darkened edges… […]
Karen’s EASY Red Plum Jam
A delicious refreshing jam – wonderful natural fruit flavor shines through. Makes a great gift too! Try with Karen’s Cornbread Loaf with Jalapeño. In Summer it is easy to find sweet farm-fresh plums. What’s more palate pleasing than Jam on Toast? I got an idea… Jam on a slice of Cornbread Loaf! Use ripe, not […]
Candyland Marinated Tomatoes with Pasta & Halloumi Cheese
The Best Pasta Dish of the Summer Season! Marinated Candyland Tomatoes are tossed with Pasta, Toasted Garlic Breadcrumbs, Grilled Halloumi Cheese, Softened Red Onions and Fresh Basil Leaves. These little cuties ~ Candyland Tomatoes (named after the classic children’s board game) are just about ½-inch in diameter – yet every bit is packed with super sweet, […]
White Peach & Raspberry Cobbler – Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
A wonderful summer dessert when peaches are ripe & juicy! Perfectly sweetened with easy crispy yet tender drop biscuits. I love to serve with my Caramel Vanilla Bean Vegan Ice Cream Reasons to make this Cobbler: Quite easy to prepare: 2 Steps – Bake peach filling part way; Make cobbler topping, drop on top & […]
Karen’s Spanish-Style Grilled Bread With Tomato
Pan con Tomate: bread with tomato has never tasted so good! Grilled Garlicky Bread, Grated Heirloom Tomatoes with Topping Options I Love. Variation: Zucchini & Garlic topping! A simple EASY recipe using stellar ingredients! The Method: Brush bread slices with a fruit olive oil Broil or grill bread until toasty and edges have blackened Cut […]
Karen’s Mango Sorbet with Ginger & Turmeric
A Creamy & Luscious Sorbet made with five ingredients ~ Fresh Mango, Ginger-Turmeric Tea, Pure Cane Sugar, Fresh Ginger and Lime Juice. Simple to prepare – silky texture! Tropical mangos making a smooth purĂ©e to create a refreshing sorbet treat with sweet fruit intensity. Using Tea in the recipe: Turmeric adds a nice color and earthy […]
NEW Summer Cooking Class August 1, 2023 Leicht Greenwich
See my latest COOKING CLASSES here! I’m teaching a wonderful menu celebrating Summer’s Heirloom Tomato Bounty! Class held in the modern and roomy Leicht Kitchen Studio in Greenwich, CT Enjoy delicious food and up-close techniques and skills to make yourself an accomplished cook. Help participate, or sit back and enjoy four courses & a surprise […]
Summer Pasta with Sugar Snap Peas, Fresh English Peas & a Creamy Herbal Vegan Sauce
A simple pasta dish LOADED with two kinds of Fresh Peas – simple sautĂ©ed with Garlic then folded with Pasta and a Creamy Herbal Vegan Sauce (which is cashew based.)          How to Make a Pasta Dish Healthier? Add MORE VEGGIES!  There are almost as many peas in […]
Fennel Salad and Perfect Grilled Chicken with Karen’s Lemon-Oregano Marinade
Packed with Zesty Flavor, Crunchy Texture – a Salad to Savor! A refreshing mix of Fennel, Vadalia Onions, Fresh Peaches, Local Cucumbers & Perfect Grilled Lemony Marinated Chicken TODAY ~ Here are Two Recipes! 1. Karen’s Lemon-Oregano Marinade 2. Fennel Salad and Perfect Grilled Chicken (that has been marinated in the Lemon-Oregano Marinade) Fennel has a […]
Karen’s Lemon-Oregano Marinade ~ with Perfect Grilled Chicken
A Hearty & Zesty Marinade adds tons of tang and pungency to Chicken! Coat chicken with this zesty marinade for 2 hours – a flavor-bomb! Boneless chicken breast marinades for 2 hours to penetrate the lemony-herbal essence into the meat. Â I like to use chicken tenderloins too! Steps for this RECIPE: Make the Lemon- Oregano […]