Currently Browsing: Karen Sheer
Pistachio Lemon Bars for Passover
Bakery-style bars from my kitchen to yours! Who can resist tangy, zesty lemon bars? These are that good… especially at Passover – they taste just like the real deal. Adding sweet and colorful pistachio nuts adds a little interest and sophistication. The base of the bars is a short crust made with matzo cake […]
Karen’s Gluten Free Homemade Matzo
In my test kitchen, I used carefully measured gluten-free “flours,” pulsed the ingredients in a food processor, rolled and cut the dough, then cooked each piece for a moment in a hot cast iron skillet until it slightly blackened. Finally, the matzo crackers were baked in the oven at a low temperature, just to crisp […]
Delicious Date & Walnut Bars ~ Gluten Free
Easy and moist, these bars are simple to make and cut into 24 bars. Regular flour works great too!See recipe for a fabulous Passover Version. These irresistible bars are an updated version from vintage 1940 and 50’s recipes – when baking was simple. They do not contain any butter or oil; the only fat is […]
Delicious Date & Walnut Bars ~ Gluten Free
Easy and moist, these bars are simple to make and cut into 24 bars. Regular flour works great too! See Passover substitutions below. These irresistible bars are an updated version from vintage 1940 and 50’s recipes – when baking was simple. My Date & Walnut Bars are gluten free and vegan.
How to Use Your Pantry Ingredients: Mediterranean Aromatic Chickpea Stew
Today’s recipe: Use what you have available for a nourishing meal! How to survive COVID-19: Nourishment can be found in our pantries ~ I’ll give some hints on how to make the best of what you have on hand and make some delicious meals to savor. As we all hunker down in our homes and […]
Mediterranean Chickpea Stew with Pantry Ingredients
An Aromatic Stew made with pantry ingredients: chickpeas, extra virgin olive oil, diced tomatoes in juice, sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, Add fresh ingredients you have – potatoes carrots, onions, spinach and cupboard Mediterranean spices.
Radicchio Salad with Mustard Croutons and Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette
This Radicchio Salad has a nice sweet & bitter elements. Add Frisée lettuce, Watermelon Radish, Shaved Heirloom Carrots, Crispy Croutons with Grainy Mustard and Garlic and Karen’s Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette with Shallots and Garlic. A flavor sensation!
Karen’s Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette with Shallots and Garlic
The perfect Zesty Vinaigrette for Salads and Beyond! This vinaigrette is my daily salad dressing staple! Easily whisk ingredients together and store in the refrigerator. Terrific paired with my: Radicchio Salad with Mustard Croutons and Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette
Crispy Croutons with Grainy Mustard and Garlic
Just the most flavorful croutons! Tons of delicious zesty flavors.
The Best Homemade Grainy Dijon Mustard! And how to use it.
The best homemade mustard! Mine has a rustic, grainy texture that adds a pleasant pop of flavor to many recipes. Delicious homemade mustard takes minutes to make, and cures in a few days. No unwanted preservatives – and yields a big batch for oh-so-many recipes! It’s fun and quite simple to make your own full flavored […]
BEST tasting Turkey Meatballs ever!
Want to make the best tasting meatballs? I’ve got you covered. Just-ground turkey with loads of veggies – and a technique that adds ton of flavor, and yields a tender meatball! I have been making meatballs for more years than I can count.Always experimenting with different ingredients and techniques – – –I am now reporting […]
RECIPE: This is how you make the BEST Turkey Meatballs!
Want to make the best tasting meatballs? I’ve got you covered. Just-ground turkey with loads of veggies – and a technique that adds ton of flavor, and yields a tender meatball! The Technique: brown meatballs in a skillet, then cover with sauce and bake.
Lemon Biscotti with Dried Cherries and Almonds ~ Gluten Free
Light and crunchy with lots of zesty flavor! Here is your go-to recipe with healthful ingredients. These biscotti are the ultimate snack, dessert and great for gift giving! I love a little home baking – fills the house with fabulous aromas and tastes better than store bought! Also – you are in control of the […]
Lemon Biscotti with Dried Cherries and Almonds ~ Gluten Free
Light and crunchy with lots of zesty flavor! Here is your go-to recipe with healthful ingredients. Crisp and not-too-sweet – these biscotti are the ultimate snack, dessert and great for gift giving! It’s a good idea to flavor the dough itself – boring and bland is not an attractive combination in a biscotti! Made with […]
Tagine Chicken with Apricots, Dates and Chickpeas
A Moroccan feast! Perfectly balanced with aromatic spices. “Tagine” recipes are slow-cooked savory stews rich with delicious Mediterranean spices such as, saffron, cumin, cloves and cinnamon. A rich broth with chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, carrots and chunks of dried dates & apricots with aromatic global spices ~ this is a stew to make again and […]
Tagine Chicken with Apricots, Dates and Chickpeas
A Moroccan feast! Perfectly balanced with aromatic spices. “Tagine” recipes are slow-cooked savory stews rich with delicious Mediterranean spices such as, saffron, cumin, cloves and cinnamon. You’ll love the Mediterranean flavors in this one pot good-for-you stew! A rich broth with chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, carrots and chunks of dried dates & apricots with aromatic […]
Mint Chip Chocolate Chip Ice Cream – It’s Vegan!
Creamy, Delicious and Refreshing!! A natural “Ice Cream” that’s irresistible! Here are 4 more desserts perfect for Valentine’s Day! Chocolate is supposed to symbolise affection, attraction, deep love, luxury, passion and sensuality. Eating chocolate – you are going to achieve peace and happiness in life since chocolate is a mood booster.Chocolate is considered aphrodisiac food since the time […]
Mint Chip Chocolate Chip Ice Cream – It’s Vegan!
Creamy, Delicious and Refreshing!! A natural “Ice Cream” that’s irresistible!
Valentine’s Day Treat: Homemade Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
The Perfect Irresistible Valentine’s Day treat for your loved ones ~ keep some for yourself for snacking! These chocolate peanut butter cups are super-simple to make, with just a few ingredients. Use the best quality chocolate ~ I like an extra dark type, although, yes – you can use milk chocolate if you desire (has a much […]
Homemade Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
The Perfect Irresistible Valentine’s Day treat for your loved ones! Make these delicious treats with healthful ingredients. These chocolate peanut butter cups are super-simple to make, with just a few ingredients. Use the best quality chocolate ~ I like an extra dark type, although, yes – you can use milk chocolate if you desire (has a much higher […]
Salmon in Parchment with Multi-Citrus Salsa
It’s Citrus Season! Slow cooked Salmon with a Tart & Zesty Multi-Citrus Salsa is an easy meal cooked in a Parchment Package. Produces tender salmon with a sauce baked in. Fresh Mint offers a bright, fresh flavor! A seriously easy recipe ~ I’ve laid out all the steps how to create a parchment package with seasoned […]
Multi-Citrus Salsa
A Zesty and Tart Salsa that uses in- season Winter Citrus. Colorful, light and tasty with a hint of sweetness and heat. A delicious salsa using Blood Oranges, Pink Grapefruit & Honeybell Tangelo Segments with Chopped Mint
Winter Warm-Up: Spinach and Parsnip Soup with a Crispy Crouton Skewer
A velvety soup without dairy products… Parsnips and Yukon Gold Potatoes give the soup it’s creaminess when blended. The trick to it’s glorious color is blending the soup right after the spinach is added. An absolutely delicious soup with no dairy or cream. It gets it’s texture from blending half of the prepared soup, made […]
Crispy Crouton Skewers
These skewers offer a nifty way to serve croutons!
Spinach and Parsnip Soup with a Crispy Crouton Skewer
A velvety soup without dairy products… Parsnips and Yukon Gold Potatoes give the soup its creaminess when blended. Make these nifty Crispy Crouton Skewers to garnish the soup. The trick to its glorious color is blending the soup right after the spinach is added.
Harissa Sauce – The Perfect Zesty and Flavorful Condiment
Harissa can change how you cook! A flavor-bomb with a Kicky and Zesty Flavor. A North African spicy chili paste you can make at home. An easy and quick condiment ~ mild & hot chiles and roasted red pepper are blended into a thick paste with garlic, olive oil, cumin, oregano, tomato paste, red wine […]
Karen’s Creamy Hummus with Harissa
Harrisa is a flavor-bomb sauce/condiment and pairs wonderfully with mellow hummus.
Bolognese Sauce with Tempeh and Mushrooms: It’s Vegan!
This Plant-Based Sauce is a lightened up, hearty and delicious! A recipe to master. This Vegan Bolognese is big on flavor with a “meaty texture” ~ the sauce get more flavorful with age (best made a few hours earlier to mingle the ingredients.) Tempeh is an amazing fermented soy product, full of fiber – “a […]
Bolognese Sauce with Tempeh and Mushrooms: It’s Vegan!
This Plant-Based Sauce is a lightened up, hearty and delicious! A recipe to master. Tempeh is a staple protein source and perfect for a vegetarian and vegan diet – a great substitute for meat… really grabs flavors! Cooked with classic techniques: Sweating, Sautéing and Braising.
Healthy Side: Butternut Squash Purée with Ginger and Browned Butter
Delicious and creamy… sick of quinoa, potatoes and pasta? The perfect side dish to accompany many meals.It’s January 2020 – and I am going to test and write many Healthy and Plant Based Recipes this month to get you back on track, after the holidays indulgences! Also ~ see more of my favorite Butternut Squash […]
Healthy Side: Butternut Squash Purée with Ginger and Browned Butter
Delicious and creamy – chock full of nutrients Simple to prepare, just 3 main ingredients! – plus salt & pepper and parsley. Browned Butter – also called beurre noisette, named because it smells like hazelnuts and has a similar nutty color, plus a nutty, toasted flavor. It enhances the flavor of almost everything!
Karen’s Skewered Shrimp Scampi Appetizer
Sautéed Shrimp in a Hearty Garlic Herbal Butter Sauce Skewered with a Cube of Sourdough Bread to Soak up the Flavors I’m loving how the toasted bread cube sits in the perfectly delicious (and easy) scampi sauce. Who is going to resist these?? A Simple Scampi Sauce – I’ve added a boost of flavor with […]
Pecan Pie Bars (with a Secret Ingredient)
The Ultimate Pick-Up Bar ~ Perfect for the Holidays! A press-in shortbread crust with a pour-on-top filling enriched with a crunchy pecan topping. Delish! These bars have it all! Quicker to bake than pecan pie with a high, creamy rich filling that’s sweet, but not cloyingly sweet. The Secret Ingredient: Lyle’s Golden Syrup from England. Typically […]
The Ultimate Kale, Romaine and Chickpea Salad with Roasted Garlic Tahini Dressing
Chock full of antioxidants and complementary flavors! The Roasted Garlic Tahini Dressing is a game-changer for every cook, full of zesty-robust tang. I enjoy serving with spiced grilled chicken for a main course salad. My go-to-salad for a healthy dinner (and next day lunch!)Wonderful to serve for a party – just dress it before serving. […]
Roasted Garlic Tahini Dressing and Dip
A fabulous dressing and dip that is a game-changer for every cook! Creamy, garlicky (yet mild from the roasted garlic), slightly sweetened with maple syrup and enough zesty flavor from fresh squeezed lemon.
The Ultimate Kale, Romaine and Chickpea Salad with Roasted Garlic Tahini Dressing
Chock full of antioxidants and complementary flavors! The Roasted Garlic Tahini Dressing is a game-changer for every cook, full of zesty-robust tang. I enjoy serving with spiced grilled chicken for a main course salad.
How to Roast Whole Garlic Heads in Olive Oil and How to Use It
Mellow yet with deep concentration – oven roasted garlic cloves enhances the flavor of everything!
Fried Summer Zucchini with Garlic – Lightened-Up
A lightened-up Fried Zucchini Recipe inspired from the famous Il Mulino Restaurant in New York City. A healthier yet delectable version! My master recipe is Gluten-Free.
2019 Thanksgiving Survival Guide ~ the Best A Zest For Life Holiday Recipes!
I’ve got you covered with 23 well-tested and fabulous recipes for your celebration! Plus 13 Desserts ~ Something for everyone! How to make a tender and flavorful turkey?Aromatic Vegetables are placed on the bottom of the pan – and let them caramelize until they develop a rich, deep color ~ then you will add the […]
Desserts for Thanksgiving!
Make it homemade this holiday with my selection of well tested sweet endings. Recipes have dynamic and vibrant flavors with a healthier profile. Something for everyone! Let’s start with Apple Desserts – a must have for your dessert table: For an extra layer of “yum” top the cake with my Caramelized Apples and Caramel Drizzle. […]
Haricot Vert (Thin French Green Beans) Recipes for the Holidays!
French Green Beans are special for the holidays – I always serve them on Thanksgiving. 2 Fabulous recipes to try! Both Vegan.Haricot Vert with Sliced Radishes and Pan-Fried Shallots with a Miso-Lemon-Maple Glaze andHaricot Vert with Garlic, Almonds, Pomegranate Seeds and Shiitake “Bacon” with Za’atar Seasoning Haricot Vert Beans are longer and thinner than American […]
Haricot Vert with Sliced Radishes and Pan-Fried Shallots with a Miso-Lemon-Maple Glaze
The perfect side dish for Thanksgiving and the Holidays! Full of color & flavor – can be made early in the day. Sauté Haricot Verts in a hot skillet to blacken the edges. Add Sliced Radishes and a quick stir in of Miso, Lemon Juice and Pure Maple Syrup. All tastes delicious with Pan-Fried Shallot […]
Haricot Vert with Garlic, Almonds, Pomegranate Seeds and Shiitake “Bacon” with Za’atar Seasoning
The perfect side dish for Thanksgiving and the Holidays! Full of color & flavor – can be made early in the day. Vegan. Sauté Haricot Verts in a hot skillet to blacken the edges. Add Garlic Chips, Shiitake “Bacon”, Toasted Almonds, Pomegranate Seeds and Za’atar Seasoning.
Pumpkin Stuffed Shells with Lightened-Up Alfredo Sauce
Taking Comfort Food to a Whole New Level! Italian Pasta Shells Stuffed with Fresh Ricotta Cheese, Smoked Mozzarella, Roasted Pumpkin, Fresh Spinach, Shiitake Mushrooms in a Creamy Lightened-Up Alfredo Sauce. Delizioso! I visited Arthur Avenue in “da” Bronx last week ~ a food loving Italian section with real charm and truly very authentic. Sure tourists […]
Karen’s Lightened-Up Alfredo Sauce
A versatile sauce you’ll make again and again. Light on calories ~ big on flavor! The recipe uses Homemade Chicken Broth, yet use Vegetable Broth for Vegetarian.
Pumpkin Stuffed Shells with Lightened-Up Alfredo Sauce
Taking Comfort Food to a Whole New Level! Italian Pasta Shells Stuffed with Fresh Ricotta Cheese, Smoked Mozzarella, Roasted Pumpkin, Fresh Spinach, Shiitake Mushrooms in a Creamy Lightened-Up Alfredo Sauce. Delizioso!
Amazing Veggie Chili Without Beans
A Healthy and Hearty Chili Chock Full of Veggies with Chickpeas, Lentils, Butternut Squash and Cremini Mushrooms in a Tomato Based Sauce with Homemade Chili Seasoning – dig in and be creative with your toppings! There are benefits of eating more vegetarian meals – embracing a plant-based diet just one day a week. We know […]
Amazing Veggie Chili Without Beans
A Healthy and Hearty Chili Chock Full of Veggies with Chick Peas, Lentils, Butternut Squash and Cremini Mushrooms in a Tomato Based sauce with Homemade Chili Seasoning – dig in and be creative with your toppings!
How to Roast Whole Garlic Heads in Olive Oil and How to Use It
Mellow yet with deep concentration – oven roasted garlic cloves enhances the flavor of everything! Recipes: How to Roast Whole Garlic Heads in Olive OilMashed Roasted Garlic Cloves with Cherry Bomb Peppers and HerbsTopping of Roasted Garlic Cloves with Olive Oil – Balsamic Reduction ~ Topping for Fish I’ve got an amazing garlic stash! Just […]
Acorn Squash and Celeriac Soup for Fall
A Creamy & Chunky Soup with a Coconut Cream Swirl and Hatch Chiles… very comforting and healthy! Perfect for weekdays, special enough for company and holidays. I’m a pretty consistent soup maker. I find it relaxing to stir up interesting flavors and make soup at least once a week. Always setting a side a portion […]
Acorn Squash and Celeriac Soup for Fall
A Creamy & Chunky Soup with a Coconut Cream Swirl and Hatch Chiles… very comforting and healthy! Perfect for weekdays, special enough for company and holidays. Many types of winter squashes make glorious soups. I recently picked up some Acorn Squash and thought – maybe an underdog squash for soup… is butternut squash really superior? […]
Baba Ganoush with Roasted Peppers
Fabulous & Smokey Eggplant Mediterranean Dip & Spread you’ll keep making! Healthy and Delicious. A silky, creamy, delectable eggplant dip – light on calories…big on flavor!!A recipe all good cooks should master – the perfect healthy nosh or appetizer. Baba Ganoush is a typical Lebanese/Middle Eastern meze (‘starter’) often eaten as a dip with pita bread, and is sometimes […]
Baba Ganoush with Roasted Peppers
Fabulous & Smokey Eggplant Mediterranean Dip & Spread you’ll keep making and enjoying! Healthy and Delicious. A recipe all good cooks should master – the perfect healthy nosh or appetizer.
How to Make Fresh Tomato Sauce
End of Summer / Early Fall Tomatoes are put to great use in a wonderful simmered sauce you can savor well into Fall and Winter. Use it to make my terrific Ground Turkey “Meat Sauce” with Fresh Tomato Sauce. Tomato sauce – made with fresh peeled tomatoes tastes entirely different from the jarred variety. With […]
Ground Turkey “Meat Sauce” with Fresh Tomato Sauce
Doesn’t get more delicious than this! Laced with Onions, Shallots, Garlic and my Fresh Tomato Sauce – it’s my go to sauce for a comforting weeknight meal.
How to Make Fresh Tomato Sauce
End of Summer / Early Fall Tomatoes are put to great use in a wonderful simmered sauce you can savor well into Fall and Winter. Make my wonderful Ground Turkey “Meat Sauce” with Fresh Tomato Sauce too!
Fall Salad with Chèvre and Pink Pearl Apples
A salad to “fall” in love with! Starring Fall ingredients like Radicchio, Pink Pearl Apples, Pink Radishes, Delicata Squash and teamed with Chèvre Cheese and Pistachios. Fresh fall produce makes this salad stand out, and will satisfy your healthy cravings. Farmers’ markets are jammed now with end-of-summer delights! Visit one and let the season offerings motivate you […]
Dehydrated Heirloom Tomatoes Packed in Olive Oil and Thyme
Preserve summer by dehydrating or oven drying your favorite tomatoes. Pack some in jars with extra virgin olive oil and thyme branches. A refreshing burst of sweetness! I like to dehydrate my tomatoes until somewhat dry and chewy. These are not very dry tomatoes. They still have tomato texture a little chewy with dry edges. […]
How To Dehydrate Cherry Tomatoes (oven recipe too!)
Savor Summer and learn how to dehydrate all those fabulous tomatoes! I save some for adding to many recipes ~ layer others in jars and cover with olive oil and thyme branches. See below all my brilliant ideas for using them.
Karen’s Maple Zucchini Walnut Bread – Gluten Free
A delicious and moist Gluten Free Zucchini Quick Bread using Maple Syrup three ways ~ in the bread, glaze and glazed walnuts. Not too sweet with healthful ingredients. Easily made vegan. Use a good quality natural maple syrup (not pancake syrup!!) You know – the kind with one ingredient: maple syrup! I used a Grade […]