Currently Browsing: First Course & Sides
Raspberry Crunch Salad with Raspberry-Almond Oil Vinaigrette
Crispy, Crunchy & Sweet ~ a brilliant, colorful, healthy salad… make place at your Thanksgiving table for this treat! Make the dressing ahead and adorn with my Nut and Seed Crunch (see recipe)
This recipe is included in The Salad… Read More
Butternut Squash Gnocchi ~ It’s Gluten Free
Using flavorful Honeynut squash – these pillowy gnocchi include the roasted squash in the dough and also served in the finished dish. Serve with simple browned butter and fresh herbs – delish!
So much fun to make! See recipe for… Read More
Karen’s Pasta Puttanesca with Fresh Tomatoes
A vibrant sauce takes makes only minutes to prepare – this is one of my favorite dishes ~ Buon appetito!
The sauce is cooked in a big skillet – pasta is folded in, then served
Puttanesca Sauce is big on… Read More
Grilled Zucchini with Japanese Miso-Glaze and Cashew Crema
Zucchini & Summer Squash off the grill get jazzed-up with these Japanese inspired flavors
Local Zucchini is simply sliced and grilled. I add the Miso Glaze on the bottom of the plate, and Cashew Crema on top.
Beautiful Zucchini and… Read More
Mediterranean Stuffed Shishito Peppers
Blistered Shishito Peppers are cut in half and stuffed with a medley of Mediterranean ingredients for an addictive appetizer
Stuffed with softened goat cheese, colorful peppers. tomatoes and herbs, then broiled one minute
Recipe makes 24 pick-up stuffed Shishitos
The… Read More
Cheddar and Herb “Pennies” ~ Savory Shortbread Crackers (yes, gluten free option too!)
Simple to make – roll mixture into a log – chill, slice & bake! Top with garden herbs for an elegant touch.
A revised recipe from the 1950’s – these popular Cheesy Shortbread “Pennies” are the perfect little crackers with… Read More
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.
The Heirloom Tomatoes I have used: Red Zebra, Green… Read More
Gluten Free Summertime Panzanella Tomato Salad
Ripe Heirloom Tomatoes team with Garlicky Toasted Gluten Free Bread and Plenty of Basil Leaves. Top with my Zesty “Shaken” Italian Dressing and scatter some thinly sliced Red Onions and cubes of Cucumber.
This Zesty Italian Dressing pairs perfectly with… Read More
Sungold Tomato Butter – Slather on Everything!
A deeply flavored whipped butter combined with slow-roasted Sungold Cherry Tomatoes. The uses are endless!
Slather on Sourdough Bread
The finished slow-cooked tomatoes – ready to blend with the butter
Recipe Overview: Slow-roast halved tomatoes over thyme branches. Cook garlic… Read More
Karen’s Arroz Blanco (Mexican White Rice)
My version of a simple side rice dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. I’m serving it with my Veracruz-Style Snapper with Fresh Garden Tomatoes.
The perfect little side dish
Adding Fresh Thyme Branches elevates the flavor… Read More
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, Roasted Zucchini… Read More
Steamed Baby Beets with Garlic Scape Vinaigrette
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!… Read More
Karen’s Garlic Scape Vinaigrette
An assertive and zesty vinaigrette with Purple Scallions (can use shallots or red onion) with delicious Garlic Scapes
Garlic Scapes available now ~ late Spring through Summer
Green Garlic Scapes; the curly shoot of the garlic bulb… they’re like scallions… Read More
Karen’s Puerto Rican Sofrito Rice
The local cuisine of Puerto Rico comes alive with vibrant colors and a melange of flavors. A few tablespoons of Sofrito will transform everyday rice into zesty deliciousness!
An easy flavorful rice – fluffy & flavorful every time!
Sofrito is… Read More
Karen’s Essential Puerto Rican Sofrito
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!
A… Read More
Velvety Cool Corn Soup with a Roasted Peppers & Jalapeño Garnish
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 a punch of interest.
The BEST cold corn soup! The difference from all the rest?The recipe is… Read More
Weeknight Lightened-Up Shrimp Scampi
All the buttery, garlicky and lemony flavor with a sprinkling of fresh herbs in a lighter sauce you can make in minutes!
What’s different about this recipe?
The sauce has been “lightened-up” ~ which means ALL OF THE FLAVOR with… Read More
Really Amazing Rhubarb BBQ Sauce
Seasonal Fresh Rhubarb is blended in a tangy & zesty Barbecue Sauce!An easy Sauce & Glaze – terrific using on the grill and as a side sauce.
A fruity Barbecue Sauce does not need to be loaded with sugar to… Read More
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.
Filling ingredients: Marinated chicken tenderloins, portobello mushrooms, red onions, fresh corn and cotija cheese.
Experiment with ingredients you have on hand or love!… Read More
Karen’s Mulato Chile Sauce
An Authentic Sauce for tacos and versatile for many Mexican creations!
Mulato Chiles are dried Poblanos. The name Poblanos pays homage to the native region these chiles were first cultivated which is a city in Mexico called Pueblo.The flavor profile… Read More
Artichokes à la Grecque
Spring Recipe: the French version of an antipasto-style vegetable preparation with intense zesty flavors. Learn how to prepare fresh seasonal artichokes!
Vegetables à la grecque is a French dish ~ vegetables are typically slightly pickled in a broth of vegetable… Read More
Honey Walnut Banana Bread ~ Gluten Free
Gluten Free (I tell all my tricks) 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!
I am… Read More
Tomato Risotto – Northern Italian Style
Delicious and Creamy!! I’m using Three Tomatoes – Peeled Plum Tomatoes, Sun Dried Tomatoes and Fresh Sliced Cherry Tomatoes.
Risotto is a traditional Northern Italian dish, and a common way to cook rice in Italy. It’s a creamy & tender… Read More
Karen’s Gluten Free 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,… Read More
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.… Read More
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!… Read More
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… Read More
Crispy Croutons with Grainy Mustard and Garlic
Just the most flavorful croutons! Tons of delicious zesty flavors.… Read More
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.
It’s fun and quite simple to make your own full flavored and zesty Grainy Mustard!
I make my own because… Read More
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.
A seriously easy recipe ~ I’ve laid out all the… Read More
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… Read More
Crispy Crouton Skewers
These skewers offer a nifty way to serve croutons!… Read More
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.
Parsnips and Yukon Gold Potatoes give the Vegan soup it’s creaminess when blended. Make these nifty Crispy Crouton Skewers to garnish the… Read More
Harissa Sauce – The Perfect Zesty and Flavorful Condiment
Harissa can change how you cook! A flavor-bomb with a Kicky and Zesty Flavor.
An easy and quick condiment ~ mild & hot chiles and roasted red pepper are blended into a thick paste with garlic, olive oil, cumin, oregano,… Read More
Karen’s Creamy Hummus with Harissa
Harrisa is a flavor-bomb sauce/condiment and pairs wonderfully with mellow hummus.… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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
A Simple Scampi Sauce – I’ve added a boost of flavor with fresh herbs, scallions and jalapeño.
The perfect… Read More
Karen’s Garlic Confit ~ A Silky, Spreadable Condiment
Garlic Confit is a “must have” recipe for every cook. Luscious softened garlic surrounded by a blend of healthy oils. Use the cloves and garlic- infused oil for a subtle yet rich flavor
After making your confit, you’ll also end… Read More
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. … Read More
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.… Read More
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!… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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.… Read More
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!… Read More
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!… Read More
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… Read More
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.… Read More
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.… Read More
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!… Read More
Fall Salad with Chèvre and Apples
A salad to “fall” in love with! Starring Fall ingredients like Radicchio, Pink Pearl Apples, Pink Radishes, Delicate Squash and teamed with Chèvre Cheese and Pistachios.
There are endless ways to compile a Fall Salad ~ first think what’s in… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
Blackened Halibut with Cajun Seasonings and Caper Remoulade
Homemade Cajun Seasonings encrust Fresh Halibut finished with a Quick Caper Remoulade Sauce. Try with my Dirty Rice recipe too.… Read More
Dirty Rice Cajun Style
A healthier version of Southern Dirty Rice ~ lightened-up!
Brown rice teams with Caramelized Onions, Garlic, Pattypan Squash, Bacon (I’ve used turkey) and Karen’s Best Cajun Seasonings.… Read More
Karen’s Best Cajun Seasoning Blend
The most flavorful Cajun Seasoning Blend with a nice spicy kick!
See the important ingredients that make it special.
Salt-free ~ add salt when needed.… Read More
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.… Read More
How to Quick Pickle Vegetables
Crunch on these! Eat them right out of the jar, or chop them up – they lend bright flavors to all kinds of dishes. Fun, easy and super-quick to prepare!
These Pickled Vegetables have a little spice going on too… Read More