Blog
Holiday Hors D’Oeuvres , Pick-Up Appetizers & Nibbles
Stress free entertaining: Christmas, New Years Eve and New Year’s Day. Get cooking with these Well-Tested Recipes. Creative, Healthy and Inspiring. The holiday season continues as we ring in the new 2022 year! 16 Must-Make Crave-Worthy Appetizers for People Who Love Party Food! Let’s start with a CHEESY selection – recipes that incorporate cheese in […]
Totally Homemade Spinach & Chicken Meatballs
Loads of Spinach mixed in to Freshly Ground Chicken – that you grind! This makes the most delicious and nutritious meatballs with an amazing texture. Recipe makes 50 medium sized meatballs or – 35 plus 30 miniature for hors d’oeuvres. I make a big batch here – eat some for the week, tuck the rest away […]
How to Make the BEST Potato Latkes! & After Thanksgiving Recipes for your Leftovers
Just when we have digested the Thanksgiving dinner (and leftovers the entire weekend) – Chanukah is here! And it’s time to enjoy some crispy latkes. There is still time to creatively use up your tasty leftovers… see below. Enjoy Potato Latkes this week ~ learn the tricks of a crispy yet light potato pancake. There are many interesting flavor combinations. […]
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, Frittata and more – create new meals for the week with minimal effort. After Thanksgiving – besides dunking roast turkey into russian dressing (homemade of course) I crave this soup! It’s zesty lemony flavor with many vegetables mingling in […]
Thanksgiving Appetizers, Mains, Sides & Desserts – I’ve Got You Covered!
Finish writing your grocery lists with some of these classic, inventive and healthy recipes for Thanksgiving! Appetizers! Some light nibbles while your guests are arriving, drinking, toasting and anticipating the holiday meal. Keep recipes simple – light & tasty. Nothing too filling before the main course! Simple to make – roll mixture into a log […]
Creative Thanksgiving Desserts! Plus NEW: Lightened-Up Dark Chocolate Crème Brûlée
Make it homemade this holiday with my selection of well tested sweets you will want to save room for! Recipes have dynamic and vibrant flavors with a healthier profile. Something for everyone! A cracked caramel-sugar top with a creamy chocolate dessert underneath.Made entirely with milk, not a drop of heavy cream! Lightened-Up: Creamy, decadent and delicious… […]
Thanksgiving 2021 – Mastering Turkey & Gravy PLUS All the SIDES
Make the most flavorful turkey with a memorable gravy you will make every year. See my tricks and hints! Plus – let’s also get serious with a Creative & Healthy Mix of Crave Worthy SIDE DISHES. It’s all about the gravy! Learn how to make a dark, caramelized and flavorful gravy – and it’s not […]
Sunchoke & Kabocha Soup with Fabulous Garnishes
Sunchokes lend a creaminess to warm soups, perfectly paired with the velvety smooth Kabocha Squash for a wonderful Fall & Winter Soup. A great festive yet simple recipe for Thanksgiving. Vegan. I love serving soup on Thanksgiving! Why not try serving a soup with appetizers in individual shot glasses? A simple soup with 6 yummy garnishes! […]
Pistachio-Allspice “Biscuit” Shortbread – Ode to Ted Lasso
A delicious melt-in-your-mouth shortbread you will love! And wouldn’t Rebecca from the Ted Lasso television series approve? Here are traditional British Biscuits, in America they are Shortbreads – revived with nuts & spice. While watching Apple TV’s series Ted Lasso, I would wonder as Ted (Jason Sudeikis) drops off a little pink box of biscuits to Rebecca […]
Garlic Garlic Pizza!
Karen’s Perfect Pizza Dough is topped with a Roasted Garlic purĂ©e, Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, dollops of Ricotta Cheese & Marinara and Chopped Garlic. Fresh Oregano & Basil with a pinch of Hot Pepper Flakes add to this crave-worthy Pizza! Back from the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival – Garlicky Pizza is what I’m craving to use […]
Flavors of Fall – 20 Irresistible Squash & Apple Recipes!
Here to inspire you – what to cook that is in season right now! Comforting & nutritious recipes prepared with seasonal ingredients to warm you up from the inside and make you enjoy the fall season at its fullest. Cook & Bake with confidence with my healthy and well-tested recipes. Press on the green titles for all […]
Sesame Blistered Shishito Peppers – Mine are Multi-Colored!
An amazing, fun & delicious EASY appetizer and side dish – these charred peppers are addictive and healthy! When pan-roasted the skin of the shishito pepper becomes blackened, resulting in an amazing smoky flavor. Pick one up and nibble to the stem! These Super-Trendy Peppers are on many restaurants menus as they are a wonderful, […]
Crazy Delicious Cedar Planked Salmon with Honey, Soy & Ginger Glaze
Tender Fillet Of Salmon gets a smokey essence from the cedar plank – but most of all the texture is outrageous and silky smooth! An easy whisked Asian-inspired Marinade also becomes the Glaze! Don’t be intimidated – this is a quite simple recipe and on you should be making if you are a salmon lover. […]
Favorite Summer Recipes! New: Corn Salad with Browned Butter Vinaigrette
There still are a few weeks of Summer left to use up all those fabulous fresh local veggies! Try a new recipe while the weather is still warm… Fall rolls in on September 22nd. It feels like I have been eating corn every night all summer long! I created this salad with minimal ingredients and […]
Karen’s Raspberry Glazed Honey Cakes
The Most Delicious Honey Cake with a Secret Ingredient… Dates! Made in Large Texas Tins and Glazed to Perfection. Parve (non dairy) for Rosh Hashanah and Gluten Free. See some interesting modern recipes for the holiday on the bottom. The coming of Rosh Hashanah signals Jewish cooks everywhere to get ready to bake their much-loved […]
Fabulous Fresh Tomato Vinaigrette
In the height of the Tomato Season – make this vinaigrette for many salads and for drizzling over roasted or grilled proteins and vegetables. Tomato Vinaigrette is creamy, assertive yet mellow  – I’m loving it over lettuce hearts Made in a few minutes in a blender! Made in a blender!  The method ~ remove seeds […]
Burst Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes over Pasta & Shrimp
Create a Quick Sauce with Local Cherry Heirloom Tomatoes to Toss With Pasta and Shrimp. Tomatoes “burst” – fall slightly apart with all of their natural sweet juices. Your choice – use the sauce with or without the shrimp. Vegan if you omit the cheese (and of course the shrimp.)Â I have used Gluten Free Pasta […]
Poke Bowl with Tuna, Rice & Summer Veggies
Combine Asian umami flavors and great quality tuna with a dash of local veggies for color and taste. A light summer meal that is a snap to prepare! No two Poke Bowls are alike! I would say Marinated Ahi (Sushi Grade Tuna) and Steamed short grain rice are the start – the base of the […]
Perfect Peach Pie with Whipped Coconut Cream & Basil Syrup
A classic foolproof Summer Peach Pie with all the instructions you need for a flaky crust and perfectly spiced peach filling. Try something new! Instead of whipped cream – try whipped coconut cream! I refrigerate a can of coconut milk, scoop out the thick cream and whisk until light. A little basil syrup adds sweetness […]
Corn Pudding with Cheddar & Chipotle Crust
14 CORN RECIPES to Make and Savor All Summer! Plus NEW Corn Pudding with Cheddar and Chipotle Crust – a must side-dish that is healthy, light & delicious. See bottom for recipe. Butter and Sugar corn is considered the best tasting corn. It is a favorite for its sweet flavor, texture and quality. I’m obsessed […]
12 Beet Recipes You Will Love for Summer + NEW Quattro Colore Beet Salad
I can’t get enough of the earthy-sweetness of Beets! Especially in summer when they are just pulled from the ground in a myriad of colors. They are healthy, easy to prepare –  adds a little color to your life. A Simple Beet Salad Showing Off Their Natural Glorious Colors. Four different colored beets are sliced […]
Chicken Breasts Under a Brick with a Vegetable Ragoût
Tender chicken with an outrageous crispy crust pairs with a vegetables melange of carrots, turnips & corn and a rosemary pan-sauce. The ultimate one-pan healthy comfort food main dish. Cooking chicken breasts under a brick creates not only a crispy skin – but a perfectly cooked and tender interior. “Brick Chicken” is seared skin-side down with a […]
Watermelon & Coconut Salad with Thai Dressing
Keeping it simple – Crunch, Color and Flavor! A wonderful and refreshing summer salad. Such an easy salad to put together – a cool salad for warm Summer days and nights. Shaved Fresh Coconut is a must! (Easily found at many grocery store & health food shops – coconut meat chunked out of it’s shell – […]
Karen’s Apricot – Cherry Cobbler with Cinnamon Biscuits
Fresh Fruit Gently Sweetened in Individual Ramekins are Begging You to Dig Into! Apricots and Cherries are in season right now – add a quick Cobbler- Cinnamon Biscuit topping for an incredible dessert. This casual fruit dessert Is made in individual one cup ramekins – the PERFECT Summer treat! Light with just the right amount […]
Karen’s Chickpea “Baked Beans”
Tastes like the best homemade baked beans but better! More easily digested than all beans! No barbecue feast or picnic is complete without them! Vegan, Vegetarian & Gluten Free. Any homemade baked beans are superior to canned! See below all the preservatives, chemicals and “natural flavors” most major companies add. I Love Baked Beans – just […]
Karen’s Zesty Ponzu Dipping Sauce
Citrusy Ponzu Sauce can be made ahead of time – adds flavor and Zest to all! See all my Make Ahead Sauces, Salsas and Condiments for easy-breezy meals! Ponzu is a citrus based sauce used in Japanese cooking. Ponzu meaning “punch” – does just that… punches up flavor with Umami tastes and benefits. It’s incredibly fragrant ~ […]
Grilled Caponata – A New Twist with Deep Flavor!
From the Mediterranean area – Caponata is a Sicilian eggplant relish or eggplant salad typically served room temperature. I’m seriously grilling lately – so I have turned one of my favorite dishes into a grilled spectacular Italian dish. Caponata is a Sicilian eggplant relish or eggplant salad typically served room temperature. This vegetarian feast has […]
Memorial Day – 20 Inspiring Recipes and 3 Menus I Love
Best Memorial Day BBQ Recipes: creative, inspiring and something for everyone! Beyond Hamburgers and Hot Dogs – there are so many healthy & tasty Memorial Day recipes to explore… plan ahead and Heat Up the Grill! Three Fabulous MENUS I am recommending are: The Perfect Healthy ALL AMERICAN BBQ Menu Global Flavors – The Ultimate […]
Savory Cheese Shortbread Linzer Thins with Tomato Jam
A creative play on the beloved “Linzer Cookie” Â – savory, cheesy melt-in-your-mouth shortbread sandwiched with Tomato Jam! To make the shortbread thins: Roll this easy dough out 1/8 inch thin. Cut rounds. Cut out a circle in half of the rounds and bake until golden. Add 3/4 teaspoon of tomato jam on the bottom thin […]
Fantastic Healthier Falafel to Make At Home – With Zesty Tahini Sauce
A Middle Eastern plant-based healthful fritter does not need to be deep fried. See my method for pan-frying and then finishing in the oven for the tastiest falafel! Gluten Free. Crispy & Crunchy with tender insides and bold flavors – enjoy making them at home! Falafel is a fantastic vegan-friendly meal that is packed full of […]
Mother’s Day Inspirations – 18 Recipes She Will Love!
Spoil Mom with some home cooking! She will love the effort… and results ~ and you might learn a few new recipes and techniques. Look for local Spring ingredients – the best and freshest you can find and make this year a bountiful celebration for the special Moms in your life. Here is a gathering of […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
Passover 2021 Survival Guide with NEW Tzimmes Chicken with Balsamic-Rosemary Sauce
20 Recipes you can make with confidence – a mouthwatering array of some inspiring modern recipes. 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, […]
Herbed Tomato and Fennel Soup with Parmesan Crisps
In the Mediterranean Tradition – the flavors here are a combination of mellow and bold. Aromatic Basil and Fennel both have hints of anise (licorice) and team beautifully with sweet San Marzano Tomatoes. Soup making is about using the best quality ingredients and understanding the method of how to prepare it to perfection. Use the freshest […]
Chocolate Lava Cakes with Peanut Butter Truffles
Let Your LOVE Flow this Valentine’s Day with this Yummy, Fudgy Treat! Dark Chocolate Cake – with an oozing filling of swirling chocolate & peanut butter. This Valentine’s Day treat your sweetie to a delicious, rich, dense and fudgy cake – perfect for sharing! A chocolate treat that has a warm, gooey, flowing chocolate-peanut butter center. Who […]
Preserved Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette and How to Use It
Tangy, Mellow and Zesty! A Fabulous Full-Of-Flavor Vinaigrette with many uses beyond salads. Two recipes below for using this vinaigrette: Shaving vegetables brings a nice look and texture to a salad. Shave with a sharp, wide vegetable peeler… so easy and fun. I like to have watermelon and purple daikon radishes in my fridge, they […]
Three Chili Recipes to Warm You Up!
This time of year I yearn for the perfect bowl of chili. Enjoy one of these Soul- Satisfying Recipes! You know I’m always adding loads of vegetables… but what makes them truly delicious are the seasonings! Today I’m adding this one: Very Veggie Tempeh Chili with Homemade Chili Powder – a Vegan recipe. I’m serving it […]
Winter Citrus Salad – It’s the Season!
I’m combining many types of Citrus and teaming them with Shaved Fennel and Mint. Drizzling on top with a delicious Citrus Vinaigrette with Vanilla Beans. You will love this recipe – Refreshing and light – a ray of sunshine in Winter! Citrus, Fennel & Mint Salad – Citrus Vinaigrette with Vanilla Beans It’s a New […]
Cheesy Swiss Fondue with Garlic & Chives – Not Just for Entertaining
While fondue might be the ultimate party food- I’m in the mood for it’s silky, stingy texture and assertive flavor, and have decided to have a fondue night at home. Indulgent, okay just a little, but it only sounds fancy – it’s incredible simple to make! I really got into the idea and decided to […]
After Thanksgiving Recipes Plus NEW: Roast Turkey & Veggie Tacos
I’m hoping your Thanksgiving was enjoyable and tasty. Here’s what I’m cooking up with the holiday’s leftovers. Roast Turkey & Veggie Mexican-Style Hard Shell Tacos Have lots of leftover of everything? Maybe after purchasing many ingredients, you decided to limit your guests this year. This just happened to a friend who was in her kitchen […]
Three Sweet Potato Side Dish Recipes for Thanksgiving!
It’s all about the “SIDES!!” Punch it up a notch this Thanksgiving with these delicious, creative recipes. I’ve been busy compiling all of my well-tested Thanksgiving recipes to share next week. Bursting with flavor and creativity. I’ve got you covered ~ from Soup to Nuts! Natural Candied Yams with Apple Cider Cinnamon Glaze A beautifully […]
Fall Recipes to Make Now!
Seasonal Fall recipes to try and love! I’ve rounded up some spectacular dishes using local produce with a healthy profile. Need some inspiration? Try one… try them all! 21 Comforting recipes include Soups, Salads, Comfort Foods, Mains and Something Sweet. Before I get serious with all my Thanksgiving recipes ~ here are many of my […]
Sheet Pan Chicken & Vegetables with Apple Cider Glaze
Sometimes I’m craving One Pan Cooking!Chicken, Delicata Squash Rings and Shallots roast in the oven and produces a delicious simple dinner.Make the Apple Cider Glaze on the stovetop as the sheet pan cooks.In the style of French Chicken Normandy… this is a genius sauce… easy too! Cook Chicken & Veggies together; reduce sauce on the […]
Pumpkin & Oatmeal Pancakes
Delicious and loaded with healthy ingredients with tips on how to cook a pumpkin and make homemade Pumpkin Puree. These Pumpkin Pancakes are delicious on their own ~I love topping with Yogurt, Granola, Caramelized Apple Slices and drizzle with Pure Maple Syrup. To make the most luscious homemade Pumpkin Puree ~ Cut a cooking pumpkin […]
Mediterranean Gypsy Soup
A healthy, satisfying soup with all the flavor to awaken your taste-buds. “Gypsy” ~ a free spirited soup with a rich assortment of ingredients. Plus 10 more Mediterranean recipes you will love! Try Kabocha squash (also called Japanese pumpkin) ~ with its sweet taste and velvety texture. Gypsy Soup Ingredients:Tomatoes (fresh or San Marzano canned), […]
How to Make the Best Salads Year-Round!
You’ll love this creative Raspberry Crunch Salad with Raspberry-Almond Oil Vinaigrette (plus 9 salads I crave) I have been asked to be a part of The Salad Gazette from the great minds at The Devil Wears Salad in Australia.Including recipe creators from around the world – a celebration of food diversity and creativity.My RASPBERRY CRUNCH […]
Butternut Squash Gnocchi ~ It’s Gluten Free
These pillowy gnocchi include roasted butternut squash in the dough and also in the final dish ~ serve with simple browned butter and fresh herbs.A Fall-inspired recipe with healthy ingredients. I have used Honeynut squash for this recipe – a generally new breed that has a deep color and is rich in flavor. There are […]
Grilled Zucchini with Japanese Miso-Glaze and Cashew Crema
Summer Zucchini off the Grill gets jazzed-up with these Japanese style flavors Layers of flavors make this a must-make Summer Dish! My Japanese Style Miso Glaze is the perfect foil to add a splash of flavor to mild Zucchini and Summer Squash.Simple to make ~ add ingredients to a skillet and simmer for one minute.It […]
Summertime Panzanella Tomato Salad – you should be eating this right now!
Ripe Heirloom Tomatoes team with Garlicky Toasted Bread and Plenty of Basil Leaves.Top with my Zesty “Shaken” Italian Dressing and scatter some thinly sliced Red Onions and cubes of Cucumber. No two Panzanella Salads are the same! I have made two Panzanellas! One with “Candyland” Miniature Tomatoes with Gluten Free Bread… And One with Red […]