Blog
Veracruz-Style Snapper with Fresh Garden Tomatoes
I’ve taken a classic dish and reworked it with Just Picked Local Tomatoes and have added Fresh Garden Herbs.The result – a lighter and aromatic dish bursting with flavor.Serve with my delicious Arroz Blanco – Simple Mexican White Rice enriched with Thyme Branches. A wonderful mix of Fresh Peeled Garden Tomatoes with Onions, Garlic, Green […]
Fabulous Black Raspberry Pie!
Summer Black Raspberries lie under a buttery & flaky lattice crust. Perfection with every bite. Ahh – Pie! Handmade from scratch with the finest ingredients ~ is there anything more scrumptious? Making a pie is an art. It requires careful attention to the crust and the filling. In Summer – there are so many delicious […]
Thai Basil Pesto – and what to do with it!
The flavor has a pronounced licorice essence and a little spicy kick. So many uses – see my list. Find this wonderful variety at farmers’ markets.Makes a delicious and unique pesto! Thai Basil Pesto adorns Pasta Squares and Roasted Zucchini Karen’s Thai Basil Pesto is a little different than classical Pesto Genovese. The basil variety […]
Strawberry Shortcake Frozen Yogurt
A COOL take on “strawberry shortcake.” Creamy and refreshing on a hot Summer’s day – with Brown Sugar Shortcake Pieces Folded in! It’s Gluten~free. It’s fun to experiment with ice cream flavors at home! This mix-in idea came to me as I returned home with a quart of just picked strawberries. Their color was insane! […]
Steamed Baby Beets with Garlic Scape Vinaigrette
Plus 6 more of my favorite Beet Recipes! A Simple Recipe using Ingredients from a local Farmers’ Market. It’s easy to steam beets! Add to an assertive and zesty vinaigrette with Green Garlic Scapes; the curly shoot of the garlic bulb… they’re like scallions with a garlic kick! For the best flavor choose baby or […]
BBQ Recipes for the 4th of July!
I’ve got you covered! Well-tested recipes always with a healthy profile that are satisfying for all who join in to celebrate.I’m including my best Creative Sauces, Salads, Side Dishes, Chicken, Fish, Shrimp, Vegan options and tempting desserts. Remember these recipes through the summer months!There are many pleasures of cooking for yourself ~ try something new, […]
3 Essential Puerto Rican Recipes / Sofrito / Salt-Free Sazón & Sofrito Rice
Sofrito is the mother starter sauce of Latin Cuisine.A mixture of aromatic ingredients, either chopped or pureed, used to add layers of flavor to different foods. Serve raw, or add a few tablespoons to your cooking to jazz it up! The local cuisine of Puerto Rico comes alive with vibrant colors and a melange of […]
Velvety Cool Corn Soup
Velvety corn soup to cool you down! Minimum ingredients so you have lots of Pure-Corn-Flavor. Roasted Pepper with Jalapeño and EVOO adds just the right punch of interest. I must say… thus is HOW you make Corn Soup! The cold cool-you-down variety. The difference from all the rest? The recipe is mostly corn. No confusing […]
Weeknight Lightened-Up Shrimp Scampi
A quick recipe for everyday with TONS of flavor All the buttery, garlicky and lemony flavor with a sprinkling of fresh herbs in a lighter sauce you can make in minutes! We all have a need to simplify – especially at dinnertime.This is a simple and quick recipe perfect for a weeknight meal. A quick […]
Best Blueberry Frozen Yogurt with a Sugar Cookie Crumble
Homemade Creamy Deliciousness!I’m loving it with chunks of sugar cookies – great with or without! You might know – I love making all types of Ice Cream at home.Lately I’ve been making Vegan “Ice Cream” and decided to make Frozen Yogurt again – which is what I first started to test in my kitchen. Making […]
Really Amazing Rhubarb BBQ Sauce
Seasonal Fresh Rhubarb is blended in a tangy & zesty Barbecue Sauce! Plus, see 7 more rhubarb recipes. An easy Sauce & Glaze – terrific using on the grill and as a side sauce. Ah -my favorite Spring vegetable ~ Rhubarb is technically a vegetable, but is legally considered a fruit.Rhubarb stalks are famous for […]
Chicken and Veggie Tacos with Mulato Chile Sauce
Delicious with Authentic Flavors!Warm and Zesty Grilled Chicken & Vegetables are bathed in a Flavorful Chile Sauce. Let’s make it Taco Night!Making tacos at home… you can control your ingredients to your liking and serve them fresh and warm. Choose either blue corn or yellow corn tortillas.Yes – as good as the ones you enjoy […]
Mother’s Day Recipe Inspirations
Some awesome Spring Recipes! For some, this Mother’s Day might require some technology; a Zoom meeting!For others – a mother, grandmother and family may be living with you, and so you might be lucky to celebrate and honor those women who have made an impact on your lives. Here are some inspiring recipes Mom will […]
Honey Walnut Banana Bread
Gluten Free, Moist and Delicious! I’m making it today using my mini loaf pans which offers a full, beautiful rise.Mash some bananas ~ leave some in chunks for the ultimate banana bread! Instead of adding chocolate chips to the batter, I make a simple chocolate-yogurt frosting and frost some for a decedent taste. I had […]
Tomato Risotto – Northern Italian Style
Delicious and Creamy!! I’m using Three Tomatoes – Peeled Plum Tomatoes, Sun Dried Tomatoes and Fresh Sliced Cherry Tomatoes Make a meal of this cupboard staple by using a specific type of short grain or medium grain rice. It requires constant attention to ensure a perfectly finished dish… stir, stir stir – until it reaches a […]
Weeknight Lemon Chicken
In the style of French “Francaise” and “Piccata” ~ this is an updated version, a recipe every cook should master! A timeless recipe you can serve during Passover and Easter.Use rice flour to coat the chicken; which I use and is gluten free, matzo cake meal or use regular flour too! The difference between the two is […]
The Ultimate Coconut Macaroons
Two Varieties: Chocolate Dipped and Dried Apricot & Cherry Pyramids Coconut Macaroons are a staple for Passover.My favorite version has a crispy exterior with a chewy and tender interior. My version is easy! I whip egg whites until frothy, and add them to a large skillet with unsweetened shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla (I […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
Cajun Seasonings with Blackened Halibut, Dirty Rice and Caper Remoulade Sauce
A Zippy & Zesty Cajun Blend for seasoning and blackening. Make a batch which is salt-free and sprinkle salt when needed. This is a wonderful, well balanced meal with flavors from the South. Four recipes:How to make Karen’s Best Cajun Seasoning BlendHow to Blacken Fish (Local Halibut)Dirty Rice Cajun Style – a lightened up versionQuick […]
Best of Summer 2019 Recipes: azestforlife.com
Enjoy the flavors of Summer with fresh seasonal ingredients and some inventive, well-tested and healthful recipes! Soups, Sides, Mains & Something Sweet. Summer Soups! Blend the season’s best garden-fresh veggies into bowlfuls of summery goodness. Best Side Dishes ~ Visit a local Farmers’ Market, be inspired! Satisfying Mains: A Sweet Finish ~ Desserts: Enjoy the […]
Pesto Compound Butter over Grilled Swordfish with Slow-Roasted Heirloom Tomatoes & Peppers
Have too much Summer pesto on hand? Make delicious compound butter in minutes! Slice and add to just-off-the-grilled local swordfish ~ melts into a dreamy sauce. Slow Roasted Vegetables make everything it touches taste better.I add minced shallots, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt & pepper and a pinch of cayenne pepper to roasted heirloom […]
Quick Pickled Vegetables
Crunch on these! Eat them right out of the jar, or chop them up – they lend bright flavors to all kinds of dishes. These Pickled Vegetables have a little spice going on too — mustard seeds, chile peppers, multi-colored peppercorns, sliced garlic along with vinegars. It’s super easy and fun to pickle vegetables ~ especially […]
Grilled Peach Salad with Sweet & Sour Vinaigrette
A Must Try Summer Salad! So simple, fresh & delicious! Summer peaches are sweet and juicy and their flavor intensifies on the grill. I love shopping at various Farmers’ Markets in the Summer. You will find just-pick fruit and veggies and buy directly from the farmer. The selection is much different than your local supermarket […]
Watermelon Gazpacho ~ Your Summer Cool-Down in a Bowl
An easy Summer soup topped with grated feta cheese and fresh mint ~ it’s light, vibrant and has a spicy kick Gazpacho is a cold soup made of raw, blended vegetables – here I’m adding a good dose of watermelon, adding naturally sweet fruit to the mix. Packed with antioxidants, this chilled soup is perfect for everyday […]
Beet Tzatziki Sauce with Spiced Chicken Skewer
Healthy and Oh-So Colorful! A Zesty But Light Sauce enriches many recipes and perfect with my Grilled Chicken Skewers. This is an intense and creamy tzatziki ~ grated beets transform it into this bright rose pink color. Make this beautiful colored Beet Tzatziki and use it as a sauce, dip or spread. It’s simple to […]
Cold Tomato Bread Soup with Basil
THE Summer Soup to devour! Healthy and delicious ~ a lightened up version with personality, creaminess and flavor. My take on Spanish Salmorejo. Vegan. Ah… Summer Tomatoes ~ anyone who knows me understands my special affinity for this vegetable (well, really a fruit.) What’s better to eat and cook with than a perfectly ripe tomato? […]
Awesome Summer Grilling Recipes
Inspiring & Healthy Barbecue Recipes for Every Taste! Grilling is a simple way in the summer to get dinner on the table in lightning speed. Pay special attention to marinades, sauces and salsas – and use the freshest ingredients you can find. Summer is finally here and that means the grilling ideas are absolutely endless […]
Seven Terrific Strawberry Recipes! And New: Summer Strawberry Salad with Walnuts, Feta and Maple-Walnut Vinaigrette
Seasonal Lettuces and Vegetables team with the juiciest Strawberries with the perfect Zesty Vinaigrette Finally the Summer season begins tomorrow!I’ve been inspired to create this new salad – and have added six other Strawberry Recipes for you to try. This is a wonderful plant based salad with just-in-season June vegetables and strawberries. I’ve added walnuts […]
Mediterranean EVOO Herb & Corn Sauce
A light and hearty Mediterranean “Sauce” for Chicken, Fish and beyond. An Extra Virgin Olive Oil Based Pan Sauce combines Garlic, Shallots, Five Herbs and Fresh Corn. A super-quick and healthy sauce you whip up in a skillet in minutes.What does this sauce work with? … well everything!Perfect topping grilled proteins, yet mingles well with […]
Fresh Peach Frozen Yogurt
A refreshing treat on a warm Summer Day – Lightened up with less sugar.Choose juicy, ripe delicious peaches for the recipe. In just a few steps – in just a few minutes the base for the frozen yogurt is ready to chill.Leave to cool in the refrigerator until cold, then churn. Choose juicy, ripe delicious […]
Skillet Jalapeño Cornbread
Crispy on the exterior, tender inside – this skillet cornbread is big on flavor! Additions include Jalapeños, Poblano Chiles, Chives and Fresh Corn. Gluten Free. The perfect side dish to complement everything you’re cooking this summer.Crispy yet moist, tender and crumbly – you will make this recipe over and over! When you pour the batter […]
Charred Sugar Snap Peas on the Grill with Hazelnut-Sesame Sauce
Tender crisp with a smokey essence ~ these peas are finished with a zesty and spicy nutty sauce… time to heat up the grill! Finally fabulous weather in Connecticut! The rain has subsided and sunny skies and greener grass are abound.Time to uncover the grill and get cooking outdoors! Cooking vegetables are a breeze in […]
Shiitake Stuffed Mushrooms with Tomatillo Salsa Topping
Delectable with Mexican Spices – these caps are stuffed with flavor! Lots of colorful vegetables and ground turkey. I’m all for stuffing mushrooms with a healthy portion of vegetables – yes we should all be eating more plant-based foods!Here I sauté lots of veggies and ground turkey – add some smokey ground chiles, cumin and […]
Mother’s Day Inspiration: SALADS!
Treat Mom to a Tasty & Delicious Healthy Meal The tartness of the Rhubarb balances nicely with the tang of the goat cheese, and earthiness of the fresh herbs in the Bruschetta. The Vinaigrette adds a toasted, mellow shallot essence and a hint ground cloves to the lettuce leaves. Make the easy Rhubarb Vinegar, which […]
Vegan Strawberry Rhubarb “Ice Cream”
I’m a rhubarb fanatic! Perfectly blended into a fabulous creamy dessert. It’s sweet-tart flavor and gorgeous pinky hue set off the sweeter strawberries. I have a special place in my heart for Rhubarb… ready to pick now through summer. My grandparents had plentiful rhubarb plants sprawling in their garden, and rhubarb pie was typically served […]
Thai Coconut Ginger Chicken in an Instant Pot
Stewed Chicken is so tender and delicious in an Instant Pot! This is a favorite recipe of mine I thought I would share. What’s for dinner?? Try this fabulous Thai flavored recipe and eat it for days. The chicken stays succulent in this rich sauce… but not heavy or too caloric. I always add plenty […]
Karen’s Best Matzo Balls with Dill
My foolproof recipe for tender and tasty Matzo Balls for Passover or anytime! I find matzo balls fun to make. A few ingredients are stirred together, the mixture is refrigerated until cold. Then the fun begins!With oiled hands (I do use some chicken schmaltz… fat) gently roll balls and drop in a large pot of […]
Spring Asparagus Soup – Vegan – with Cashew Crema Swirl and 6 Asparagus Recipes to Make
You’ll love this seasonal soup ~ fresh, local asparagus is now hitting the markets. See too my favorite Asparagus Recipes for Inspiration and Healthy Meals! This Vegan and Dairy-Free Soup is made with healthy ingredients – the secret is some soaked raw cashews – it blends into a luscious texture. The Cashew Crema is made […]
Grilled Pineapple Salsa a la Plancha
This vibrant salsa with a bright and fresh taste adds pizzaz to many meals. (Yes you can just devour with a spoon! )Easy to prepare – pineapple cooks on a seasoned cast iron skillet until beautifully caramelized and golden. Golden Pineapple Is wonderful grilled in a hot, seasoned cast iron skillet. Only takes one minute […]
New for Spring: Strawberry and Beet Salad with Strawberry-Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
Spring Produce is soon coming to markets ~ this salad is crave-worthy and perfect for entertaining! Roasted beets are luscious and naturally sweet – but very earthy and aromatic. Correctly roasting brings a wonderful flavor and texture to beets. I have prepared them every way: shaved raw, grated, boiled, steamed and roasted. My oven roasting method I […]