Currently Browsing: Condiments for Flavor
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 […]
Grilled Asparagus & Hearts of Palm Salad with Chimichurri
A creative and healthy stunning salad with my master Chimichurri sauce/condiment I had fun putting this together! First, I found these amazing FAT asparagus from Mexico. I’ll have to wait a few more weeks until local asparagus are cut from the fields. I thought Hearts of Palm are a similar size, so I paired the […]
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 […]
Salmon with Rhubarb Vanilla Bean Butter Sauce
My favorite Spring Meal! Perfectly cooked Salmon with a luscious Rhubarb Vanilla Bean Sauce and a Spring Vegetable Salad Spring Rhubarb Season is Here at Last! Rhubarb Jam is easily transformed into this luscious Rhubarb Butter Sauce. I love the process of Jam-making! Finding the perfect seasonal fruit and stirring it up in a pot […]
Karen’s Rhubarb Vanilla Bean Jam
Spring Rhubarb cooks into a delectable jam! I add a little chopped apple for balance and I love the lingering vanilla bean aroma. These vibrant pink to crimson stalks are tart with a flavor all their own. I find the taste to be intoxicating. Easy to make – stir up chopped rhubarb and apple in […]
Karen’s Parmesan Crisps – Master Recipe with Flavoring Suggestions
These are so easy, crunchy & delicious! The crisps are made with grated Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and your choice of seasonings (I have many suggestions!) Easy Parmesan Crisps can be made into these clever Caesar Salad Tacos. Did you know one tablespoon of Parmesan Cheese has a mere 20 calories? That’s one crisp! Crush these crisps on top […]
Quick Caesar Dressing You Will Love!
This method takes away the raw egg yet adds all the zesty flavors! Add all ingredients to a bowl, whisk in extra virgin olive oil until nicely emulsified. Ingredients you will use: Fresh garlic, grainy mustard & dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, worcestershire sauce, grated parmesan cheese, natural mayonnaise, anchovies, freshly cracked pepper and extra […]
Red Coconut Curry with Sesame Tofu & Roasted Vegetables
A delicious & healthy Thai inspired meal. Totally satisfying and hearty with out being heavy. Vegan – Vegetarian – Gluten Free! I’m in love! ~ with this Red Coconut Curry Sauce. Coconut Milk creates a creamy essence and Red Curry Paste lends deep flavor, color and heat. Tip: this little can of red curry paste is a cook’s […]
Preserved Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette and How to Use It
Tangy, Mellow and Zesty! A Fabulous Full-Of-Flavor Vinaigrette with many uses beyond salads. This dressing is simple to make – a few tricks, and you will learn how to emulsify it correctly! Preserved Lemons are special. The lemon flavor intensifies and the salt and fermentation creates a punchy umami characteristic that lends incredible depth to dishes. […]
Preserved Meyer Lemons – Speedy Recipe
Meyer Lemons are perfect for preserving! With their thin skins, bright lemony-color and fragrant flesh they have a sweeter, more floral taste. These beauties will pickle in their own juices. I’m curing my Meyer Lemons in a vintage Ball Jar ~ inside the screw cap in a lining, is white milk glass. Once […]
Roasted Wild Mushrooms with Chili Oil & Vegan Pesto Cream Sauce over Pasta
Wonderful Meaty Roasted Mushrooms Team with a Vegan Pine Nut-Pesto Creamy Sauce Layered over Pasta. Mushrooms are basted with my quick homemade Chili Oil for a spicy bite. This Vegan recipe includes many Wild Mushrooms, a luxurious texture and hearty flavor – cooked perfectly with crisp edges! Toss with Pasta in a Vegan Pine Nut-Basil […]
Quick-n-Easy Chili Oil
A great little flavored oil condiment to have in the refrigerator! Takes minutes to make and adds a blast of heat and complexity to many dishes. Uses for Chili Oil: Add part chili oil to the oil in your stir-fries. Use in a marinade As a dipping sauce – adding a splash of soy sauce […]
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 Summer Squash off the grill served with a flavorful Miso Glaze and Cashew Crema
Sungold Tomato Butter – Slather on Everything!
A deeply flavored whipped butter combined with slow-roasted Sungold Cherry Tomatoes. The uses are endless! Compound Butter ~ (“beurre composé” in French) is simply butter mixed with other ingredients that add sweet or savory flavor. Summer little golden Sungold Tomatoes are one of the sweetest varieties. Simply cut them in half and slow-cook in the […]
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 and Toasted Pignoli Nuts Karen’s Thai Basil Pesto includes Thai Basil Leaves, Garlic, Pignoli Nuts, Nutritional Yeast, […]
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 fresh mix to stir into so many recipes… the essential flavors of Puerto Rican Cuisine! […]
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 be flavorful. Homemade is better ~ no unwanted preservatives and flavorings!
Karen’s Mulato Chile Sauce
An Authentic Sauce for tacos and versatile for many Mexican creations! Cooked in a cast iron skillet, then quickly whirled in a blender. 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. I recommend these Mulato Chiles. […]
Crispy Croutons with Grainy Mustard and Garlic
Just the most flavorful croutons! Tons of delicious zesty flavors.
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. Delicious homemade mustard takes minutes to make, and cures in a few days. No unwanted preservatives – and yields a big batch for oh-so-many recipes! It’s fun and quite simple to make your own full flavored […]
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. Fresh Mint offers a bright, fresh flavor! A seriously easy recipe ~ I’ve laid out all the steps how to create a parchment package with seasoned […]
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
Harissa Sauce – The Perfect Zesty and Flavorful Condiment
Harissa can change how you cook! A flavor-bomb with a Kicky and Zesty Flavor. A North African spicy chili paste you can make at home. An easy and quick condiment ~ mild & hot chiles and roasted red pepper are blended into a thick paste with garlic, olive oil, cumin, oregano, tomato paste, red wine […]
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.
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!
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 them.
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.
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 — mustard seeds, chile peppers, multi-colored peppercorns, sliced garlic along with vinegars. I’ve chosen Fiesta Striped […]
Stuffed Shiitake Mushrooms with Tomatillo Salsa Topping
Delectable with Mexican Spices – these caps are stuffed with flavor! Lots of colorful vegetables and ground turkey.
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.
Unbelievable Mild Apple Cider Hot Sauce
A mild kick – this homemade hot sauce you can slather on! Easy and fun to prepare in just a few minutes. Homemade Hot Sauce adds zip to healthy, often ordinary table fare. You’ll have control of the ingredients and level of heat. I love a flavorful “mild version” although you can add a higher level […]
Summer Charred Tomato Salsa Over Brined Grilled Chicken
Learn how to Char Tomatoes over a wood fire to make the perfect light Summer Salsa. Brining Chicken Breasts insures a juicy interior. Soaking wood chips – and adding them to a V-shaped metal smoking box transforms a gas grill to something special… a smoky essence lingers in the Salsa and Chicken.
Beet and Tahini Dressing
A creamy tart-nutty dressing with a gorgeous pink hue. Healthy and a great addition to a composed salad Try this dressing on my: Buddha Bowl With Beets, Quinoa and a Bevy of Vegetables (see recipe)
Crispy Onion Bhajis with Grated Mango Chutney
Pan fried and similar to a fritter, these pop-in-your-mouth treats are simple to make and well worth the effort. Indian seasonings add a punch of flavor – and they are Vegan and Gluten-Free! Bhajis are crispy little fritters – mine are pan-fried, not deep fried. Little morsels packed with flavor and spice!
Fresh Cherry BBQ Sauce ~ Over Chicken & Veggie Kebobs
A fabulous Basting and Dipping BBQ Sauce to make During Cherry Season! A gorgeous color with Fresh Cherry Flavor. See recipe below for Chicken & Veggie Kebobs.
Quick Scallion Kimchee
The perfect condiment to add flavor and a layer of heat to many foods. Try it with my Spring Minty Pea Soup
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.
Karen’s Corn Salsa
This simple corn salsa has a puréed base which gives it stability and creaminess.
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. […]
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.
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 […]
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 […]
Quick Easy Marmalade Jam
Three ingredients stirred together and cooked for 30 minutes until jammy. Terrific on your morning toast! Try this marmalade in my Lemon Poppy Linzer Cookies – Vegan & Gluten Free. Also wonderful as a base for savory glazes.
Karen’s Smoked Paprika Aioli (Garlicky Flavorful Mayonnaise)
Whisked by hand in a few minutes ~ a smokey, garlicky mayonnaise with a zesty flavor. An ingredient in my Spanish Mushroom Tapas Recipe. Use wherever you need a flavorful mayonnaise.
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.
Quick Pesto “Chutney”
Compliments my Fabulous “Tandoori Chicken in an Instant Pot.” Basil replaces mint in this easy to prepare condiment.
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.
Karen’s Homemade Applesauce – Perfect for Applesauce Linzer Bars
A simple, not too sweet applesauce that cooks in about 15 minutes. Better than store-bought! Use in recipes, or eat by the spoonful…
Zesty Garlic Confit Vinaigrette
A Zesty-Lemony Vinaigrette with mellow Garlic Confit ~ softened Garlic and Oil
Raw Tomatillo Salsa
A Zesty Salsa with an extraordinary- fresh flavor. Choose tomatillos that are ripe, firm with a nice vibrant green color.
Karen’s Fresh Caramelized Corn and Roasted Tomato Salsa
Charred and stirred in a skillet, then cooled, this summer salsa packs a lot of flavor! Who doesn’t love a good homemade salsa? Summer corn is at it’s glory right now! Varieties like Silver Queen (a generic name for white corn), Golden Bantam for yellow and Butter and Sugar for bicolor corn – take your pick…all […]
Lettuce Wrapped Chicken Burger with Zesty Ranch
The Ultimate Grilled Burger Wrapped in Lettuces with Onion and Heirloom Tomatoes ~ Homemade Ranch Dressing. Pulse chicken in a food processor, then add vegetables and seasonings for these amazing burgers
Homemade Zesty Ranch Sauce and Dressing
So much better than store-bought! Whisk these ingredients together – for a sauce… add some lemon juice for a dressing If you like this recipe, SUBSCRIBE (here) to my weekly newsletter ~ never miss a recipe!
Cedar Planked Salmon with Pistachio-Tarragon & Lavender Gremolata
Cedar Planked King Salmon is an Easy Summer-Time Dish with a lush, smokey essence ~ the Flavorful Gremolata takes only minutes to prepare
Pistachio-Tarragon & Lavender Gremolata
Easy to prepare ~ adds a blast of flavor with citrusy notes. Perfect for fish, vegetables, chicken and grains.
Karen’s Amazing Jerk Chicken
This Jerk Marinade EXPLODES with Flavor! A spicy Jamaican mixture including hot chili peppers, allspice, cinnamon, and thyme.
Fresh Cherry Salsa
During the height of the “cherry season” ~ try this wonderful Cherry Salsa that’s tart, spicy with a hint of sweetness. Add to layers of tortilla chips and cheeses for the ultimate, updated NACHOS ~ YUM!
Layered Cheese Nachos with Fresh Cherry Salsa
These nachos is very satisfying and craveable. Fresh Cherry Salsa adds tart-sweet and spicy notes – addicting!!
Karen’s All Natural Smokey Apricot-Tomato Barbecue Sauce
Better than store-bought bottled – yes you can make your own BBQ sauce at home! This is the best down-home All American Barbecue Sauce!