Treat mom to some delicious homemade food – a gift from you she will appreciate and savor. Creative Salads, Larger Plates and Sweets… inspiring recipes
All women become like their mothers.
That is their tragedy.
No man does.
That’s his.
Oscar Wilde
Creative Salads:
THE pasta salad for any gathering, picnic or barbecue. Healthy Veggies surround Pasta and a Zesty Parsley Vinaigrette. See all my methods and tips for success!
Choose the right pasta – a small sized on that will grab the Vinaigrette & Veggies – I Love Orecchiette! You can definitely use your favorite gluten free pasta!
A Cool Asian Noodle Salad includes a healthy mix of ingredients and a Sensational Blender Sesame Dressing – Gluten Free
Essential garnishes: Basil Leaves, Sliced Scallions, Cucumbers & Toasted Sesame Seeds
My version of they healthy Middle Eastern Salad spiked with a melange of Vegetables is tossed in a Zesty Lemony- Scallion Dressing. One of the healthiest salads you can eat. Refreshing and Addictive!
Spinach & Frisee Salad with French Baguette topped with Goat Cheese and Strawberry Swirl
THIS RECIPE INCLUDES:
Spinach & Frisée Salad with French Baguette topped with Goat Cheese and Strawberry Swirl
Karen’s 30 Minute Strawberry Jam (no pectin)
Karen’s Strawberry Vinaigrette
I’ve reinvented a classic french salad where a slice of garlic rubbed baguette slice is topped with goat cheese (baked until warmed through) and sits on top of greens with a vinaigrette dressing.
Adding Strawberry Jam to the goat cheese adds a pop of color and natural sweetness. Complementary lettuces I chose are spinach, frisee and microgreens.
Wonderful Textures team with Crispy Cheese Croutons and a Creamy Hazelnut Dressing
YES! ~ Adaptable for Spring! Add your favorite spring veggies such as Radishes, Sprouts, Asparagus and Arugula.
A wonderful deliciously nutty vinaigrette that’s a little creamy with tahini.
The perfect restaurant quality Spring Salad! Choose fat asparagus and cook indoors in a grill pan – or outdoors in warmer weather.
You’ll love the Blood Orange Buttermilk Dressing – simply whisk all ingredients together for a creamy, yet light dressing with a gorgeous pink hue from the deep ruby colored blood orange… yes a zesty flavor!
I’m in love with this salad! Crispy, Crunchy & Sweet ~ a brilliant, colorful, healthy salad. Make the dressing ahead and adorn with my Nut and Seed Crunch (see recipe.)
I ♥️ this salad!
EASY: Use a Rotisserie Chicken and slice – add Lettuces, Veggies, Walnuts, Green Goddess Dressing and a dusting of Pink Peppercorns.
A thick Blender Dressing with healthful ingredients adorn this easy, tasty and visually beautiful Salad!
Larger Plates:
Who would not love a great shrimp & pasta combo?
Good quality multi colored cherry tomatoes from Mexico are easily found at better grocery shops.
Create a Quick Sauce with Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes to Toss With Pasta and Shrimp.
Tomatoes “burst” – fall slightly apart with all of their natural sweet juices. An easy whisked Asian-inspired Marinade also becomes the Glaze! No cedar plank – no problem… roast in the oven for wonderful results.
Steamed Spiralized Zucchini topped with a Pungent Sun Dried Pesto with Basil Leaves and Pine Nuts – A healthy low-carb delicious dish!
It is always the right time to make this amazing pasta dish! I have ROASTED Zucchini instead of fried… and added lots to the final dish! Easy, economical and one you should master! Mom will love!
I’ve added this recipe because this is exactly what I want to eat on Mother’s Day!
Includes SUPER FOODS : salmon, green leafy vegetables, fresh mint leaves, crunchy raw multi-colored carrots, watermelon radish, micro greens, quinoa and pistachios. A bonanza of health!
Yogurt Marinated Chicken, Lebanese-Style Garlic Sauce, Harissa Sauce and Pickled Turnips come together for the ultimate healthy Middle Eastern Feast at home.
Topped with plenty of healthy and crunchy vegetables – a Mediterranean treat!
Healthy and Oh-So Colorful! A Zesty But Light Sauce enriches many recipes and perfect with my Grilled Chicken Skewers. This is a versatile sauce that is the perfect accompaniment to many Mediterranean dishes. You can also slather it on your sandwiches; or simply use it as a dip with warm pita and your favorite vegetables.
My version of they healthy Middle Eastern Salad spiked with a melange of Vegetables is tossed in a Zesty Lemony- Scallion Dressing. One of the healthiest salads you can eat. Refreshing and Addictive!
An Easy Brine Produces Tender and Succulent Chicken with A Zesty Buffalo Hot Sauce Glaze
Brined Chicken creates a juicy, succulent chicken! It’s EASY and takes only 30 minutes! Simply grill chicken (that has been brushed with oil & smoky paprika or chiles) – then pour over the 5 minute Buffalo Hot Sauce Glaze – a delectable, sweet-savory flavor!
Love shrimp as much as I do?
A Comeback for a Classic Dish! This fresh, seafood-rich trendsetter recipe of the early 20th century takes on a modern flair with Fresh (not frozen) Pink Shrimp and a zippy Louis Sauce
A delightful Shrimp Louis Salad for today’s palate; healthy and refreshing!
Something Sweet:
With everyone raving about this cake… show some some love and bake it!
There is a lot to LOVE about this cake! Rose water (my recipe) adds a bloom of floral notes to this super-moist cake adorned with pistachios and dried rose petals. Can use pomegranate juice if rose water is unavailable (also see my recipe – and easily make it yourself.
Make this pie! Just made it again for a family get-together… devoured! An Unbelievable, Simple Pie with only 4 ingredients and a press-in Granola Crust.
Dream-like light filling with plenty of fresh raspberry flavor.
Yes all cottage cheese – no cream cheese!
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!
I’m not Vegan… yet love the flavor and texture of this homemade ice cream.
I’m a rhubarb fanatic! Perfectly blended into a fabulous creamy dessert. It’s sweet-tart flavor and gorgeous pinky hue sets off the sweeter strawberries.
A “Blonde Brownie” with a rich caramel- butterscotch like flavor dotted with chocolate chips.
Keep the recipe – you will make it many times to come…
Baked in a pan – you cut them into squares or rectangles. Simple to make and a family favorite of mine!
Sure – you can use regular flour too!
Crunchy, light and crispy – an Elegant French Cookie that is baked then draped in a stylish, curved shape. Buttery, nutty and delicious! Perfect for Mother’s Day!
They are super quick to make, and once you get the hang of the technique… beautiful French cookies are born in your kitchen. And they look very impressive!
An easy “press-in” dough recipe! Learn how to make homemade Plum Jam for the bars as well. Can Use ANY JAM you like!
Buttery, jam-filled bars based on the classic Viennese Linzer torte – dusted with confectioner’s sugar.
Happy Mother’s Day!
“Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.”
Karen
Burst Heirloom Tomatoes over Pasta & Shrimp
Ingredients
- 6 cups heirloom cherry tomatoes, multi colored, stemmed; washed & dried
- 3/4 pound pasta*, or gluten free pasta
For the Shrimp:
- 1 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 18 whole shrimp, 16-20 size, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
Cherry Tomato Sauce
- 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup shallots, coarsely chopped
- 6 cloves fresh garlic, peeled, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper flakes, use 1/2 t. if you like spicy
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs, such as thyme leaves & fresh parsley leaves
- 3 tablespoons pasta water, saved from cooking pasta
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, cleaned, dried; packed
- 1/2 cup parmesan reggiano cheese, shaved
Instructions
- Cook shrimp first (if using.) Add 1 tablespoon oil to a large 14" skillet. Set heat to medium- low. When hot add the shrimp, cook on the first side until a touch golden, about 3 minutes. Turn over with tongs and cook until almost cooked through, one minute. Remove to a plate, add 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme and 2 teaspoons parsley and mix in; set aside. (Shrimp will be tossed in the warm sauce.)
- To the skillet, add 5 tablespoons EVOO, set heat to low. Add the shallots and garlic. Give a big stir and cook 5 minutes until softened but not colored. Add hot pepper flakes, stir in.Bring a large pot of water to a boil, boil pasta al dente and drain – saving at least 3 T. pasta water.
- Keep heat on medium-low, add all the tomatoes, sea salt & pepper – give a big stir and cook until tomatoes have burst (they will crack and release some juice.) This will take from 6 – 8 minutes depending on the size of the cherry tomatoes**. If the tomatoes are stubborn and do not burst, try raising the heat to medium and cover.Add 1 T. fresh herbs; stir well.
- To Finish the Dish: Add the drained pasta and 3 T. pasta water to the skillet of tomatoes. Give a big stir, taste for seasonings – add shrimp (if using) and toss to warm through.Toss in basil and parmesan cheese. Portion the pasta out of the skillet. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Hi – everything looks delish – wanted to let you know that the link to the salmon recipe seems to be missing.
Thank you Paula!! I have included the recipe link for: Spring Salmon Brochette Salad with Minted Lime Dressing,Toasted Quinoa and Pistachios. It is a special salad! 😀Karen
Recipe: https://azestforlife.com/recipe/spring-salmon-brochette-salad-minted-lime-dressing-toasted-quinoa-and-pistachios/