Currently Browsing: Karen Sheer

Hummus and Grilled Veggie Tacos with Corn Salsa

My favorite hard shell Tacos filled with Za’atar seasoned Hummus and brimming with colorful Vegetables just off the grill. Corn Salsa adds a layer of natural sweetness, heat and crunch. Vegan and Gluten-Free. A wonderful meal for a weeknight or special enough for company – these Vegan and Gluten-Free Tacos are healthy, delicious and have […]

Karen's Hummus with Za'atar in an Instant Pot

Karen’s Hummus with Za’atar in an Instant Pot

You will love the texture of this Creamy Hummus ~ wonderful Middle Eastern flavors with Za’atar seasonings: a mix of toasted Sesame Seeds, Sumac, Thyme and Sea Salt. An Instant Pot produces perfectly plump, cooked chickpeas.

Hummus and Grilled Veggie Tacos with Corn Salsa

Hummus and Grilled Veggie Tacos with Corn Salsa

My favorite hard shell Tacos filled with Za’atar seasoned Hummus and brimming with colorful Vegetables just off the grill. Corn Salsa adds a layer of natural sweetness, heat and crunch. A wonderful meal for a weeknight or special enough for company – these Vegan and Gluten-Free Tacos are healthy, delicious and have great visual appeal! […]

Karen’s Corn Salsa

Karen’s Corn Salsa

This simple corn salsa has a puréed base which gives it stability and creaminess.

Shrimp with Charred Brocollini and Shiitake “Bacon” – Browned Butter Balsamic Drizzle

Shrimp with Charred Brocollini and Shiitake “Bacon” – Browned Butter Balsamic Drizzle

A skillet dish with an amazing flavor combination – healthful and colorful. Shiitake “Bacon” is a game changer – my tasters said taste just like the real thing… but vegan I’m so loving this inventive dish! As you know, shrimps cook really quickly – so with a little prep, this meal while come together quickly. […]

Karen's Shiitake Mushroom "Bacon" VEGAN

Karen’s Shiitake Mushroom “Bacon” VEGAN

My Shiitake “Bacon” is a game changer – my tasters said taste just like the real thing… but vegan Cooked on a stovetop skillet so no need to overheat the kitchen in warmer weather. There are a few secrets to the method, so follow carefully. Fabulous addition to deviled eggs, in sandwiches, salads and stir-fries. […]

A skillet dish: Shrimp with Charred Brocollini and Shiitake

Shrimp with Charred Brocollini and Shiitake “Bacon” – Browned Butter Balsamic Drizzle

A skillet dish with an amazing flavor combination – healthful and colorful. Shiitake “Bacon” is a game changer – my tasters said taste just like the real thing… but vegan!

Sunset Salad and Vinaigrette

Spring & Mother’s Day Recipes!

Whether you’re cooking for Mom or need some Recipe Inspiration – check out my Favorite Spring Recipes! Get a full taste of Spring with these colorful, fresh, inventive and flavorful dishes. Choose from crispy salads and dressings, tempting egg dishes, creative main courses and knock-out desserts. Here are some photos ~ check them all out! […]

How to Roast Nuts: Two Fabulous Recipes

Rosemary & Spice Mixed Nuts and Curry Coconut Slow Roasted Nuts ~ Two recipes which are quite easy to prepare take the guess work of  ‘What To Serve Guests with Drinks.’ Great for snacking too! Just the right touch of sweet and heat. These two recipes will be a hit at any party – think […]

how to make the best Curry Coconut Slow Roasted Nuts

Curry Coconut Slow Roasted Nuts

Raw cashews are soaked for easier digestion and are cooked in a slow oven until golden and crispy. Coat with sweet and savory seasonings: curry powder, ginger, cinnamon, cumin, smoked paprika, pink sea salt, coconut nectar, coconut palm sugar and unsweetened shredded coconut

Rosemary & Spice Mixed Nuts

Pecans, Walnuts, Almonds and Brazil Nuts are roasted in a slow oven until fragrant and lightly golden. Kissed with fresh rosemary and a hints of a sweet-salty flavor. No overwhelming flavors, all complement each other.

Grilled Lebanese Chicken with Garlic Sauce and Pickled Turnips

Grilled Lebanese Chicken with Garlic Sauce

Yogurt Marinated Chicken, Lebanese-Style Garlic Sauce, Harissa Sauce and Pickled Turnips come together for the ultimate healthy Middle Eastern Feast at home. Recipes: Marinated Chicken – for grilling Lebanese-Style Garlic Sauce Pickled Turnips Karen’s Quick Harissa Sauce Mediterranean food is certainly popular, yet the culinary traditions of the Middle East offers a range of delicious and unusual […]

Grilled and Yogurt & Spice Marinated Lebanese Chicken

Grilled Lebanese Chicken with Yogurt & Spices

Yogurt Marinated Chicken, Lebanese-Style Garlic Sauce, Harissa Sauce and Pickled Turnips come together for the ultimate Middle Eastern Feast at home. Here is my version of a similar dish: Shish taouk or tawook (chicken kebab) – a Lebanese staple. It is quite a common chicken bbq dish in virtually every Middle Eastern country, and a popular street-food. […]

Pickled Parsnips takes only minutes to prepare. The gorgeous hue... the addition alf a few slices of red beets

Easy Pickled Turnips – Lebanese Style

Delightful little pink Middle Eastern Pickles – great crunch… fabulous punch of color! This simple recipe adds a pungent note to flavorful, spiced foods.

A little condiment with big, bold flavors

Karen’s Quick Harissa Sauce / Paste

The main ingredients in this zippy and zesty Harissa are chili peppers, red bell pepper, caraway seeds, cumin and extra virgin olive oil. Can alter the spiciness… the pungent and earthy flavor of  the caraway seeds make it special.. and quite versatile! A quick sauce, packed with flavor and gorgeous color. Keep some in the fridge […]

You must try this Lebanese-Style Garlic Sauce – a bold alternative to mayonnaise.

Easy Lebanese Garlic Sauce

You must try this Lebanese-Style Garlic Sauce – a bold alternative to mayonnaise. Called “toum” –  a delicious condiment and can be used as a dip, spread or whisked into many culinary creations. The addition of a little steamed potato, insures the sauce does not break, and tames the garlic’s pungency a bit. This pungent garlic flavor is […]

Strawberry Rhubarb Cottage Cheese Cheesecake with an Oat & Almond Press In Crust

You’ll fall in love with the lighter texture of this amazing cheesecake. A simple topping with luscious Spring Rhubarb and Strawberries add just the right tart-sweet flavor and gorgeous color! Gluten-Free. The one dessert you will make over and over again this Spring. Delight Mom… the perfect Mother’s Day Dessert! Rhubarb is one of those […]

A tart-sweet flavor, perfectly thickened.

Strawberry Rhubarb Topping

Rhubarb is one of those flavors that is deliciously addicting…. pairs wonderfully with Strawberries. A tart-sweet flavor, perfectly thickened.

Strawberry Rhubarb Cottage Cheese Cheesecake with an Oat & Almond Press In Crust – Gluten Free

Strawberry Rhubarb Cottage Cheese Cheesecake with an Oat & Almond Press In Crust – Gluten Free

You’ll fall in love with the lighter texture of this amazing cheesecake. A simple topping with luscious Spring Rhubarb and Strawberries add just the right tart-sweet flavor and gorgeous color! The one dessert you will make over and over again this Spring. Delight Mom… the perfect Mother’s Day Dessert! Rhubarb is one of those flavors […]

Spring Asparagus Cooked in Parchment Over Pasta

Spring Asparagus Spears are cooked in Parchment Paper with Lemon Rind, Garlic, Tarragon and Butter ~ an easy method with delicious results! A wonderful light dish which is simple to prepare. I love adding sautéed Jerusalem Artichoke slices and Fresh Peas into the mix… see recipe. Loaded with Vegetables… actually more veggies than pasta! Cooking […]

Spring Asparagus Spears are cooked in Parchment Paper with Lemon Rind, Garlic, Tarragon and Butter ~ an easy method with delicious results

Spring Asparagus Cooked in Parchment Over Pasta

Spring Asparagus Spears are cooked in Parchment Paper with Lemon Rind, Garlic, Tarragon and Butter ~ an easy method with delicious results! A wonderful light dish which is simple to prepare. I love adding roasted Jerusalem Artichoke slices and Fresh Peas into the mix… see recipe. Loaded with Vegetables… actually more veggies than pasta!

Spring Grilled Asparagus Salad ~ Blood Orange Buttermilk Dressing

The perfect restaurant quality Spring Salad! Choose fat asparagus and cook indoors in a grill pan – or outdoors in warmer weather. What makes a restaurant salad so special? –  – layering the multitude of ingredients. Mache Lettuce, Radicchio, Purple Spring Onions, Toasted Almonds, Fresh Mango Cubes, Blood Orange Slices and Grilled Fat Asparagus Spears […]

Spring Grilled Asparagus Salad ~ Blood Orange Buttermilk Dressing

Spring Grilled Asparagus Salad ~ Blood Orange Buttermilk Dressing

The perfect Restaurant Quality Spring Salad! Choose fat asparagus and cook indoors in a grill pan – or outdoors in warmer weather. Mache Lettuce, Radicchio, Purple Spring Onions, Toasted Almonds, Fresh Mango Cubes, Blood Orange Slices and Grilled Fat Asparagus Spears all come together for a memorable, Restaurant-Syle Salad at Home. Enjoy the flavors of […]

The perfect Restaurant Quality Spring Salad - choose fat asparagus and cook indoors in a grill pan – or outdoors in warmer weather

Blood Orange Buttermilk Dressing

A Zesty Citrus Dressing – adds a great tang and balance to your favorite salads – and a wonderful color Try: Spring Grilled Asparagus Salad ~ Blood Orange Buttermilk Dressing (see recipe) A restaurant quality Spring Salad

Incredible Instant Pot Mole Chicken & Vegetables

A Mexican style rich stew with chicken, lots of vegetables, spices, tomatoes, chiles, sesame seeds, cocoa powder and bittersweet chocolate. An Instant Pot (easy pressure cooker) produces succulent ingredients. A stovetop recipe too! Many moles pronounced (MOE- lay) have over 20 ingredients in the sauce alone (I’ve simplified a bit) – the bitter-sweetness of the […]

A Mexican style rich stew with chicken, lots of vegetables, spices, tomatoes, chiles, sesame seeds, cocoa powder and bittersweet chocolate.

Incredible Mole Chicken & Vegetables on the Stovetop

A Mexican style rich stew with chicken, lots of vegetables, spices, tomatoes, chiles, sesame seeds, cocoa powder and bittersweet chocolate. Slow and even stovetop heat produces succulent ingredients. A one-pot meal… it’s all in there ~ chicken, vegetables, garbanzo beans and a complex just-spicy-enough mole sauce.

A Mexican style rich stew with chicken, lots of vegetables, spices, tomatoes, chiles, sesame seeds, cocoa powder and bittersweet chocolate.

Incredible Instant Pot Mole Chicken & Vegetables

A Mexican style rich stew with chicken, lots of vegetables, spices, tomatoes, chiles, sesame seeds, cocoa powder and bittersweet chocolate. An Instant Pot (easy pressure cooker) produces succulent ingredients. A one-pot meal… it’s all in there ~ chicken, vegetables, garbanzo beans and a complex just-spicy-enough mole sauce.

Spicy Red Kale Chips with Cashews and Miso

The Ultimate Kale Chip Recipes

Kale Chips are Easy and Fun to Make! Try both of my recipes: Spicy Red Kale Chips with Cashews and Miso & Tahini Sesame Kale Chips with Za’atar Seasonings… Oh-So-Tasty!! Homemade Kale Chips are crunchy with an addictive flavor, yet they have few calories and are a source of several essential nutrients. The ultimate healthy snack! […]

Homemade Kale Chips with miso and cashews are crunchy with an addictive flavor

Spicy Red Kale Chips with Cashews and Miso

Crispy, light & flavorful – these chips are quite easy to make. The ultimate healthy snack! Recipe: Baked and RAW Make a flavor paste~seasoned topping and simply massage into leaves and bake. An explosion of flavor!

Tahini Sesame Kale Chips with Za’atar Seasonings

Tahini Sesame Kale Chips with Za’atar Seasonings

Crispy, light & flavorful – these chips are quite easy to make. The ultimate healthy snack! Recipe: Baked and RAW Middle Eastern Flavors are rubbed into the leaves and baked until crunchy. An explosion of flavor!

Three bite tarts with a Chocolate Heart Decoration with Crushed Pretzels and Cacao Nibs

Black Bottom Chocolate Tarts with a Caramel Pretzel Crust

The Perfect Valentine’s Day Treat: Three bite tarts with a Chocolate Heart Decoration with Crushed Pretzels and Cacao Nibs These miniature chocolate tarts will bring a smile to your Valentine. Say “I Love You” with these homemade treats! These velvety chocolate filled tarts with a a crisp press-in crust will dazzle everyone who’s lucky enough to […]

Three bite tarts with a Chocolate Heart Decoration with Crushed Pretzels and Cacao Nibs

Black Bottom Chocolate Tarts with a Caramel Pretzel Crust

The Perfect Valentine’s Day Treat: Three bite tarts with a Chocolate Heart Decoration with Crushed Pretzels and Cacao Nibs Add a dollop whipped coconut cream. Say “I Love You” with these homemade treats! Dairy Free and Gluten Free tips!

easy to make Chocolate Heart Cut-Out Decorations with Pretzels and Cacao Nibs

Chocolate Heart Cut-Out Decorations with Pretzels and Cacao Nibs

So easy to make – use a good quality, not too sweet chocolate.. the ultimate finishing touch!

Warm Asparagus and Spinach Dip – Lightened Up

Warm Asparagus and Spinach Dip – Lightened Up

This delicious warm dip is a perfect appetizer for game day! Asparagus replaces artichokes for a flavor-twist. A bevy of vegetables keeps the fat content at bay.  A Killer Dip that won’t kill your waistline! Many love the Super Bowl because of one thing and one thing alone: the food. The ultimate game day foods can be tasty and good […]

Warm Asparagus and Spinach Dip Lightened-Up

Warm Asparagus and Spinach Dip – Lightened Up

This delicious warm dip is a perfect appetizer for game day! Asparagus replaces artichokes for a flavor-twist. A bevy of vegetables keeps the fat content at bay.  A Killer Dip that won’t kill your waistline! A spin on the classic spinach artichoke dip… hot and bubbling from the oven, is pretty hard to beat.

Baked Applesauce Donuts with Brown Butter Caramel Maple Glaze

A super-satisfying treat you bake in donut tins. Decadent Glaze or Cinnamon-Sugar…your choice! Winter blues seems to fade away after a few bites of these healthier donuts. Baked and coated in cinnamon and sugar, or a decadent brown butter caramel maple glaze are a lighter and equally delicious version of donuts without the frying. ~ A […]

Great caramel glaze for dipping my Baked Applesauce Donuts

Brown Butter Caramel Maple Glaze

Great for dipping my Baked Applesauce Donuts (see recipe) Browned Butter adds a nutty flavor to this glaze… Simple to prepare with natural caramel and maple syrup flavor

Baked Applesauce Donuts with Brown Butter Caramel Maple Glaze

Baked Applesauce Donuts with Brown Butter Caramel Maple Glaze

A super-satisfying treat you bake in donut tins. Decadent Glaze or Cinnamon-Sugar…your choice!

Portobello Pizzas with Slow Baked Cherry Tomatoes and topped with Basil Leaves and Crispy Baked Kale Ribbons

Portobello Mushroom Pizzas with Crispy Kale Ribbons

Magnificent Meatless Monday Recipe! Roast the mushroom caps (on a rack – they don’t get soggy!) add Marinara Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, Slow Baked Cherry Tomatoes and top with Basil Leaves and Crispy Baked Kale Ribbons A healthy and filling Vegetarian recipe I love to prepare and enjoy! Mushrooms have a heavenly “meaty” texture and savory, […]

Portobello Pizzas with Slow Baked Cherry Tomatoes and topped with Basil Leaves and Crispy Baked Kale Ribbons

Portobello Mushroom Pizzas with Crispy Kale Ribbons

Magnificent Meatless Monday Recipe! Roast the mushroom caps (on a rack – they don’t get soggy!) add Marinara Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, Slow Baked Cherry Tomatoes and top with Basil Leaves and Crispy Baked Kale Ribbons Mushrooms have a heavenly “meaty” texture and savory, irresistible “Umami” flavor. The perfect lunch, side dish, snack, dinner or appetizer […]

Celery Root Bisque Soup with Garlic Pita Croutons

Celery Root Bisque Soup with Garlic Pita Croutons

A healthy soup with a creamy texture from the celery root (celeriac) and potatoes. Delicious and Silky Smooth. Dairy Free. Add a swirl of Cashew Cream for a decorative touch. SEE BELOW FOR MY FAVORITE WINTER SOUP RECIPES! Celeriac, more commonly referred to as celery root, is a variety of celery that’s grown especially for its […]

Celery Root Bisque Soup with Garlic Pita Croutons Recipe

Celery Root Bisque Soup with Garlic Pita Croutons

A healthy soup with a creamy texture from the celery root (celeriac) and potatoes. Delicious and Silky Smooth. Dairy Free. Add a swirl of Cashew Cream for a decorative touch. Vegan. A warming soup garnished with Garlic-Herb Pita Croutons and a Cashew Crema Swirl. Cashew Crema Swirl: Soak Raw Cashews – combine with 1/4 cup coconut […]

Fabulous Tandoori Chicken in an Instant Pot

New Year’s Cooking Resolution: Try Something New. An Instant Pot transforms this Tandoori Chicken into a fall-off-the-bone delicious delight! Flavorful and Juicy! A Classic Dish You Can Master at Home in and Instant Pot (recipe give for oven- method as well.) A countertop kitchen gadget that combines an electric pressure cooker with a slow cooker, rice […]

The perfect refreshing condiment with Indian cuisine.

Quick Pesto “Chutney”

Compliments my Fabulous “Tandoori Chicken in an Instant Pot.” Basil replaces mint in this easy to prepare condiment.

An Instant Pot transforms this Tandoori Chicken into a fall-off-the-bone delicious delight!

Fabulous Tandoori Chicken in an Instant Pot

New Year’s Cooking Resolution: Try Something New. An Instant Pot transforms this Tandoori Chicken into a fall-off-the-bone delicious delight! Recipe given for oven method too.

A hearty bowl of Chili with extra vegetables, plenty of chipotles and homemade Chili Powder for the ultimate flavor.

Turkey Chili with Homemade Chili Powder

A hearty bowl of Chili with extra vegetables, plenty of chipotles and Homemade Chili Powder for the ultimate flavor In Spanish, the word chile from the Nahuatl “chīlli” refers to a “chili pepper”, and carne is Spanish for “meat.” This is a big batch of Chili! Low in fat and chock full of all the good […]

A hearty bowl of Chili with extra vegetables, plenty of chipotles and homemade Chili Powder for the ultimate flavor.

Turkey Chili with Homemade Chili Powder

A hearty bowl of Chili with extra vegetables, plenty of chipotles and homemade Chili Powder for the ultimate flavor. Gluten-Free. This is a big batch of Chili! Low in fat and chock full of all the good things in life: beans, fresh spices and loaded with vegetables.

Homemade chili powder with Guindilla Chiles and Pasilla Negro Chiles

Karen’s Homemade Chili Powder

Use the kick of chili peppers with complementary spices to create lively Mexican or Tex Mex fare. Mildy spicy ~ better than store-bought… you grind it fresh! Used as a spice to add pungency or piquancy and flavor to dishes. Homemade Chili Powder adds authentic essence and a freshly ground chili flavor that’s only mildly […]

Winter White Salad with Pink Peppercorn Vinaigrette

Winter White Salad with Pink Peppercorn Vinaigrette

Seasonal Winter Vegetables are teamed with Shaved Manchego Cheese and Pine Nuts. A Zesty Pink Peppercorn Vinaigrette adds tang and bite A beautiful, crispy and crunchy salad with Winter-White Vegetables. Chioggia Beets add a touch of crimson color, as does the rind of the Pears and Black Radish. An All-White salad is an elegant one […]

A beautiful, crispy and crunchy salad with Winter-White Vegetables. Chioggia Beets add a touch of crimson color, as does the rind of the Pears and Black Radish.

Winter White Salad with Pink Peppercorn Vinaigrette

A beautiful, crispy and crunchy salad with Winter-White Vegetables. Chioggia Beets add a touch of crimson color, as does the rind of the Pears and Black Radish. A restaurant quality salad which is easy and fun to prepare.

A Zesty Pink Peppercorn Vinaigrette adds tang and bite. Drizzle over: Winter White Salad

Pink Peppercorn Vinaigrette

A Zesty Pink Peppercorn Vinaigrette adds tang and bite. Drizzle over: Winter White Salad (see recipe) Pink Peppercorns have a fruity and peppery flavor. They aren’t actually, in fact, a member of the peppercorn family, but are the berries of Peruvian pepper tree that grows throughout South America. Buy them whole and grind in a spice grinder, crush […]

Karen’s Beet Cured Gravlax on a Latke for the holidays and beyond!

Six Latke Recipes for Chanukah and Entertaining

My best Latke recipes for Eight Days of Chanukah and all-year-round! Latkes are crispy, naturally sweet, salty and irresistible! I love serving and eating them with homemade applesauce… or thinly sliced Gravlax. Tomorrow is the first night of Chanukah “the festival of lights” which keeps a burning flame shining for eight days – and oil heated on […]

Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies – Gluten-Free!

Finally… the perfect chocolate chip cookie that’s deliciously gluten-free (you would never know they are!) Chocolate Hazelnut Butter adds depth ~ add plenty of Bittersweet Chocolate Chunks  Want to create really good homemade crispy chocolate chip cookies that rival the best? The best ingredients make the best cookies. Holiday gift giving? Holiday Entertaining? These are […]

Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies – Gluten-Free!

Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies – Gluten-Free!

Finally… the perfect chocolate chip cookie that’s deliciously gluten-free (you would never know they are!) Chocolate Hazelnut Butter adds depth ~ add plenty of Bittersweet Chocolate Chunks Delicious crispy cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture  

A wonderful, hearty and healthy Vegetable Soup with Mediterranean ingredients.

Mediterranean Vegetable Soup – packed with healthful goodness

Here is how I make a wonderful, hearty and healthy Vegetable Soup with Mediterranean ingredients. This is a guide… use the ingredients you have or prefer to your taste. Easily made gluten-free. Like Oprah loves bread… I LOVE SOUP!! (I see she loves soup too these days – with natural flavors, stabilizers and questionable gmo’s in […]

Basil, Kale & Chive Pistou

Basil, Kale & Chive Pistou

An Herbal Pistou ~ Basil, Kale and Chives with garlic and extra virgin olive oil processed to a creamy paste. Adds a zesty and flavorful essence to soups, brushetta, pasta, vegetables and more! Similar to Pesto, but without nuts. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is optional…delicious without.

A wonderful, hearty and healthy Vegetable Soup with Mediterranean ingredients.

Mediterranean Vegetable Soup

Here is how I make a wonderful, hearty and healthy Vegetable Soup with Mediterranean ingredients. This is a guide… use the ingredients you have or prefer to your taste. Easily made gluten-free.

Thanksgiving Leftover Chef Salad ~ Cranberry Sauce Vinaigrette

Make the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers with this healthy & tasty salad. Use what you have! Drizzle with this Cranberry Sauce Vinaigrette (it takes minutes to prepare!) Like me, you have extra turkey meat from your Thanksgiving feast. A Chef Salad is a great way to use up leftovers! – and a great alternative […]

Thanksgiving Leftover Chef Salad ~ Cranberry Sauce Vinaigrette

Thanksgiving Leftover Chef Salad ~ Cranberry Sauce Vinaigrette

Make the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers with this healthy & tasty salad. Use what you have! Drizzle with this Cranberry Sauce Vinaigrette (it takes minutes to prepare!)

a luscious vinaigrette made with your leftover cranberry sauce

Cranberry Sauce Vinaigrette

Use your leftover Cranberry Sauce… you know you’ll have some! Make a delicious Vinaigrette, perfect for your salad creations after Thanksgiving.

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