Currently Browsing: Everything Tomatoes
Speedy Greek Sautéed Shrimp with Fennel, Dill & Ouzo
A wonderful shrimp sauté with a harmonious balance of flavors. Wonderful topped with Greek Feta Cheese, lots of Dill and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes on the Vine. A Quick Sauté: Rub Shrimp with seasonings; set aside as you cook the vegetables Cook shrimps in EVOO until golden on both sides, but not cooked through Sauté Fennel […]
Karen’s Thai Tomato Coconut Soup with Lentils and Silken Tofu
A creamy delicious Vegan soup that boasts a bevy of protein with Panang curry flavors. The toppings make it most special! Packed with healthy ingredients and zesty Thai seasonings. Yes ~ Creamy Deliciousness… I blend half the soup until smooth, leaving some wonderful texture. Winter is here, and it’s SOUP-MAKING-TIME in my Kitchen! Love soup […]
Crazy for Heirlooms – 24 Tomato Recipes to Cook Now!
Summer is my favorite season – and Heirloom Tomatoes are my best-loved fruit (botanically.) See ALL the Recipes: Salads, Soups, Condiments, Fresh Tomato Sauce, Risotto and More! Salads Featuring Heirloom Tomatoes: Heirloom Tomatoes are at their peak right now – take advantage of their superior taste and beautiful hues. A wonderful summer pasta salad – […]
Candyland Marinated Tomatoes with Pasta & Halloumi Cheese
The Best Pasta Dish of the Summer Season! Marinated Candyland Tomatoes are tossed with Pasta, Toasted Garlic Breadcrumbs, Grilled Halloumi Cheese, Softened Red Onions and Fresh Basil Leaves. These little cuties ~ Candyland Tomatoes (named after the classic children’s board game) are just about ½-inch in diameter – yet every bit is packed with super sweet, […]
Karen’s Spanish-Style Grilled Bread With Tomato
Pan con Tomate: bread with tomato has never tasted so good! Grilled Garlicky Bread, Grated Heirloom Tomatoes with Topping Options I Love. Variation: Zucchini & Garlic topping! A simple EASY recipe using stellar ingredients! The Method: Brush bread slices with a fruit olive oil Broil or grill bread until toasty and edges have blackened Cut […]
Grilled Romaine Lettuce with Corn, Green Bean & Tomato Salad
Crispy Romaine with a smoky essence – topped with Farm Fresh Veggies, Lemony Tahini Dressing and Garlic Sourdough Toasted Breadcrumbs A brilliant technique! Romaine Lettuce halves are grilled until slightly charred offering a gently smoky essence. Lettuce remains crispy ~ add a bevy of veggies, dressing, and crispy breadcrumbs for extra crunch & flavor. Elements of […]
Egyptian Sheet Pan Dukkah Salmon with Veggies & Chickpeas
Weeknight delicious! Distinctive Dukkah Seasoning gets a revamp with Lemon Essence. Roast all on one pan. Top with a simple Minted Herb-Yogurt Sauce and Mint Leaves. A fabulous all-in one pan cooking perfect for weeknights, company and holidays… think Easter and Passover! Dukkah seasoning lends tons of Middle Eastern savory flavors to the salmon; the veggies and […]
Corn Tortilla “Lasagne” with Green Veggies and Roasted Red Pepper Chile Sauce
Naturally Gluten Free – A New twist on Lasagne! Layer it up and enjoy an extra bevy of vegetables with three cheeses between the tortilla layers. Dried Guajillo Chiles enhance the zesty Roasted Pepper and Tomato Sauce with a mild kick. Elements of this Lasagne you will Love: Naturally Gluten Free using cut tortillas in […]
Karen’s Roasted Pepper and Tomato Chile Sauce
Delightfully creamy & robust – a nice mix of Red Roasted Peppers, San Marzano Tomatoes, Garlic and Guajillo Chiles. A versatile tomato based sauce with a spicy kick. Simple Ingredients: Roasted Red Pepper, San Marzano Tomatoes, Guajillo Chile Peppers, Garlic, Tomato Paste and Mexican Oregano. Guajillo peppers have a rich, slightly earthy, and fruity flavor profile with […]
Karen’s Mexican Pulled Chicken Tinga – and how to make fabulous tacos!
TINGA is a Mexican Specialty with pulled chicken in a full- flavored Chipotle-Tomato Sauce. Moderately spicy and definitely smokey – top warm corn tortillas and add veggies of your choice such as Charred Corn & Onions, Avocado, Radishes and Herbs. Cotija cheese tops them off. Great for a weeknight meal – or invite friends for […]
French-Style Cod & Vegetable Chowder
A healthy chowder with vibrant French flavors and colors. Loaded with vegetables and perfectly seasoned with French aromatics. Healthy & filling, yet light! Now, in Winter – this chowder really satisfies and tingles your tastebuds. Atlantic cod is sweet-flavored fish that absorbs surrounding flavors in a dish. So, most importantly we are going to season […]
Karen’s Very Veggie Grilled Summer Pizza
Summer is a Wonderful Time to Grill Pizza! All Vegetables Have Local-Picked Flavor. My simple pizza dough recipe is easy to work with and gets blackened on the grill. Use VEGGIES you like… I have used a mix of: Fairy Tale Eggplant (the little guys), Zephyr Zucchini, Yellow Pattypan Squash, Red Onion, Red, Orange & […]
No-Cook Heirloom Yellow Tomato Sauce with Pasta
For Tomato Lovers! A simple and delicious sauce – serve over pasta with plenty of basil leaves. Puréed Tomatoes team with sliced cherry & oblong Heirloom Tomatoes with Cooked Garlic Cloves in Olive Oil – a light and flavorful “No-Cook” Sauce! What is a No-Cook Tomato Sauce? The skins are not removed and the sauce is […]
Summer Roasted Cod with Zucchini & Tomatoes and a Fresh Garlicky Breadcrumb Topping
All Roasted on a Single Sheet Pan – Incredible Caramelized Vegetables Surround Fresh Garlicky Breadcrumb Roasted Cod. A healthy and delicious dinner when vegetables are at their peek of flavor. I’m loving the flavors that accompany this perfectly roasted Cod! The freshest summer veggies – summer squash, zucchini & heirloom tomatoes (my favorite!) are roasted until […]
20 Best Summer Salads! And NEW: Karen’s Summer Greek Salad with Peaches & Fennel
My collection of FABULOUS, Creative & Healthy Salads for Everyday and Special Occasions. The freshest ingredients produce the most flavorful salads! Summer salads are about mixing up nature’s bounty ~ “the true taste of summer!” I’ve added Fresh Summer Peaches and Fennel (found at a farmers’ market) to classic ingredients of the Greek Salad. Adds […]
Karen’s Summer Greek Salad with Peaches & Fennel
I’ve added Fresh Summer Peaches and Fennel (found at a farmers’ market) to classic ingredients of the Greek Salad. Adds interesting flavors and natural sweetness. I use crispy Romaine Lettuce, Local Red Leaf Lettuce, Heirloom Tomatoes, Purple Peppers, Red Onions, Colorful Radishes, Cucumbers, Kalamata Olives, Sheep Milk Feta, Dill and Parsley. The Salad is Topped with […]
Corn Salad with Browned Butter Vinaigrette
Fresh Corn off the Cob teams with Heirloom Green Tomatoes and tossed with a Nutty & Toasted Brown Butter Vinaigrette. Fresh Zesty Flavors with Crunch! A treasured Summer Recipe. I like this color combo – minimalist; just yellow & green. These tiger striped green heirloom tomatoes are incredibly sweet and low in acid. The vinaigrette […]
Karen’s Puttanesca Rice Stuffed Tomatoes
Intensely Flavored Rice Salad with Mediterranean Flavors: Olives, Onions, Garlic, Capers and Fresh Herbs – Served Cold or Room Temperature. A wonderful side dish or light lunch! Terrific addition to Summer Meals & Picnics. Next week – Look for my FAVORITE SUMMER RECIPES to make right now! Summer Tomatoes will soon be ready to be […]
Homemade Chicken & Veggie Burgers with Maple Glazed Shallots and Roasted Tomato Ketchup
The Best Homemade Healthy Burgers brimming with Veggies and topped with addictive Maple Glazed Shallots… and a recipe for Homemade Ketchup with Canned Plum Tomatoes! For BEST Chicken Burgers – grind fresh chicken and then form into patties with veggies and seasonings. Use a food processor and pulse chicken tenderloins and boneless, skinless chicken thigh […]
Karen’s Roasted Tomato Ketchup
How to Make Homemade Ketchup Year-Round: Use Italian Canned Plum Tomatoes! I just couldn’t wait for ripe summer tomatoes ~ so I created this recipe using the best quality canned tomatoes. I love making my own ketchup, not too sweet with savory intense flavors. You can whirl it smooth or leave slightly chunky. The First […]
Karen’s Roasted Winter Kumato Tomato Salsa
The Best Homemade Salsa features Kumato Tomatoes available year-round and prized for their sweet, juicy flavor and firm texture. With a dark-red brown hue and a blush of green – they will roast to a burgundy color… the perfect complement with the chipotle peppers. Kumato tomatoes luckily are available year round! My go-to tomato in Winter. What’s in the […]
Spinach & Chicken Meatball Appetizer with Fontina Fondue
A killer appetizer!! These pop-in-your-mouth meatball~crostini~marinara bites are topped with a flowing, easy fontina cheese fondue. Spinach & Chicken Meatballs have a light texture and roast beautifully. Recipe makes 50 miniature Spinach & Chicken Meatball Appetizers with Fontina Fondue. Can also freeze some mini meatballs for another use. This recipe can be made gluten free using gluten […]
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 […]
Fantastic Fennel Parmesan
Perfectly sliced Roasted Fennel is getting topped with Garlicky Bread Crumbs, Tomato Sauce, Fresh Cut Tomatoes and topped with Shaved Parmesan. A Lightened-Up Veggie Parmesan! Fennel is delicious raw – thinly sliced and tossed into salads. When cooked, fennel softens, the flavor becomes sweet and mild with a luscious creamy texture. Similar to anise, fennel […]
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 […]
Heirloom Tomatoes Over Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs and Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette
Heirloom Tomatoes are at their peak right now – take advantage of their superior taste and beautiful hues. A wonderful summer pasta salad – best served at rom temperature. This recipe is a breeze ~ Tomatoes Marinate in a Zesty Vinaigrette (adds a burst of bright flavors) – then tossed with Spaghetti (while it’s still warm […]
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. Made in a blender! The method ~ remove seeds from tomatoes with your fingers, cut tomatoes in half and grate, discard the skins. Add all ingredients to the blender saving some […]
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.) I have used Gluten Free Pasta […]
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 […]
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 […]
Savory Cheese Shortbread Linzer Thins with Tomato Jam
A creative play on the beloved “Linzer Cookie” – savory, cheesy melt-in-your-mouth shortbread sandwiched with Tomato Jam! Your company will be amazed! I’m turning the Linzer Cookie upside down – what is traditionally a sweet cookie is now a savory upscale treat! To make the shortbread thins: Roll this easy dough out 1/8 inch thin. […]
Karen’s Tomato Jam with Shallots – Less Sugar
A Savory and Sweet Interesting Jam with Tomatoes and Shallots – not overly sweet! I’m using it to fill my Savory Cheese Shortbread Linzer Thins, has so many other uses. Uses for Tomato Jam: As a filling for my Savory Cheese Shortbread Linzer Thins A topping for a chunk of cheese on a cracker – […]
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 […]
Roast Turkey & Veggie Mexican-Style Hard Shell Tacos
Cubes of your Thanksgiving turkey are totally transformed into a fabulous filling for tacos. Assertive seasonings are needed to create just the right smokey and a little spicy infused flavor. I love Mulato Dried Chiles (dried poblano) typically used in Mexican mole sauces with a delicate smoky flavor. The tacos are mildly spicy – adjust […]
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 flavor! Use fresh tomatoes if you can; the rest are pantry ingredients. Chock full of fresh […]
Mediterranean Stuffed Shishito Peppers
Blistered Shishito Peppers are cut in half and stuffed with a medley of Mediterranean ingredients for an addictive and delicious appetizer The Shishito Pepper is so versatile! In abundance in Summer at Framers’ Markets and your local grocer. Trader Joe’s seems to carry them year-round. The pepper is a 3 to 4 inches long and finger-long, […]
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 Simple Ingredients: IN SEASON Heirloom Tomatoes Gently Toasted Bread Red Sweet Onion Local Cucumbers Fresh Basil Karen’s “Shaken” Italian Dressing The Heirloom Tomatoes I […]
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 my Panzanella Salad. Gluten Free Bread is garlicky, tasty and cut the same size as the […]
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 […]
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 and simple Arroz Blanco Recipe Overview: Skin, seed and chop the Garden Tomatoes. Make the Veracruz sauce in a 12″ skillet or […]
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! […]
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. […]
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 mixture made from a starchy short or medium-grained rice. Arborio is the most popular short-grain […]
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.
RECIPE: This is how you make the BEST Turkey Meatballs!
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! The Technique: brown meatballs in a skillet, then cover with sauce and bake.
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. You’ll love the Mediterranean flavors in this one pot good-for-you stew! A rich broth with chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, carrots and chunks of dried dates & apricots with aromatic […]
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 techniques: Sweating, Sautéing and Braising.
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!
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.
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!
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.
Watermelon Gazpacho with Shaved Feta
An easy Summer soup topped with grated feta cheese and fresh mint ~ it’s light, vibrant and has a spicy kick
Cold Tomato Bread Soup with Basil (Karen’s take on “Salmorejo”)
THE Summer Soup to devour! Healthy and delicious ~ a lightened up version with personality, creaminess and flavor. Vegan. My Cold Tomato Bead Soup with Basil is a take on the Andalucia region’s famous soup: Salmorejo from Spain. The ingredients are few – ripe, dark red vine ripened tomatoes are a must.
Free Form Veggie and Turkey Lasagne (Gluten Free)
This Gluten Free recipe has layers of vegetables, marinara, herbed ricotta, light-on-the cheeses and no-boil-ready-to-use gluten free lasagne sheets. My inspiration came from a restaurant with a healthy menu ~ True Food Kitchen, after tasting their Lasagne Bolognese.
Grilled Chicken Buffalo Nachos (Vegetarian version too)
Loaded Nachos don’t need to be a fattening, processed mess! Serve these on Super Bowl Sunday… rave reviews to come! This recipe make enough for a hungry crowd – 12 – 16 appetizer portions. Easily Gluten Free (see my cheese sauce.)
Antioxidant Kale Salad with Lemony Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dressing
Healthful, good-for-you ingredients with amazing flavors. Say “YES” to more plant-based foods in your regime. This nutritious and delicious salad includes: organic red curly kale, heirloom cherry tomatoes, chick peas, breakfast radishes, cooked quinoa, roasted butternut squash, natural sliced toasted almonds, sun gold (yellow)kiwi and microgreens
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.
Buddha Bowl With Beets, Quinoa and a Bevy of Vegetables
Buddha bowls are trending for good reason – they’re one bowl meals packed with grains, veggies, protein, a homemade dressing and finished with seeds or nuts. Use ingredients you have on hand, love ~ or follow my delicious recipe How did it get its name? A bowl which is packed so full that it has a rounded […]
Grilled Sea Bass with Eggplant, Tomato & Herb Salad
Nothing better than really fresh fish with a wonderful vegetable preparation. Sea Bass has a meaty texture and pairs well with the Grilled Eggplant and Tomato Salad in a Zesty Vinaigrette This recipe has a Mediterranean feel, lack of dairy and loaded with local vegetables.