Currently Browsing: Fall
Best Winter Soups! Healthy, Comforting & Warming
21 Soups to Make right now in Winter’s Cooler Months. Creative, original soup recipes with wholesome ingredients bursting with flavor. A wonderful collection – get cooking! Oh-La-La ~ Warm up with a Classic Crock of Onion Soup with a Secret Ingredient – Shiitake Mushrooms! Using Vegetable & Chicken Broths – no beef broth. A bowl […]
Karen’s Oven Fries! Three Recipes: Seasoned Russets, Celeriac and Sweet Potatoes
My go-to weeknight staple… oven fries! Crispy and tender inside – cooks quickly and perfectly seasoned. Unlike fried potatoes -oven fries retain their vitamins and minerals Sazón Seasoned Russet Oven Fries: Crispy and Full Of Flavor – Toss with a little EVOO and my seasonings for the ultimate Oven Fries! Delicious Option: adding Parmesan & Parsley. […]
More Holiday Party Nibbles & Hors d’oeuvres for 2023
Must-Make Crave-Worthy Appetizers for People Who Love Party Food! 32 of them! Includes my favorite Creative & Healthier options from Latkes to Crostinis. Get the party started! Latkes: Hanukkah Latkes are that ethereal treat; a potato mixture made by dropping large tablespoons into a skillet of shimmering, hot oil. Karen’s Best Latke Latkes are crispy, naturally […]
Karen’s After Thanksgiving Recipes with your Leftovers
Here’s what I’m cooking up with the holiday’s leftovers. Soup, Salad, Throw-back Casserole, Tacos, Chef Salad, Savory Cranberry Chicken Thighs, The Best Russian Dressing for Roast Turkey and more – create new meals for the week with minimal effort. NEW RECIPE! Perfectly Seasoned Chicken Thighs team with a luscious Cranberry Sauce with Rosemary & Thyme. […]
Crispy Chicken Thighs with Savory Cranberry Sauce (using your leftover cranberry sauce!)
Perfectly Seasoned Chicken Thighs team with a luscious Cranberry Sauce with Rosemary & Thyme. Use up your leftover Chunky Cranberry Sauce for this lucious meal! (Mine has ginger and pineapple in it.) Why I LOVE this Recipe: A great use for your leftover Cranberry Sauce (I know you have some!) Learn how to make CRISPY […]
Karen’s Appetizers / Hors d’oeuvres & Soups for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is almost here – time to organize and cook delicious, homemade food! Here are my best-loved appetizers to make ~ from inventive to classics… with healthy twists! Cheesy Options: A crowd-pleasing Melty-Cheese Appetizer that’s easy to make and fun to eat! Sauté Red Onions low & slow, add apples and seasonings and simply top […]
Karen’s Duchess Potatoes with Butternut Squash Swirl
Make these Gorgeous Potatoes ahead of time for the Perfect Thanksgiving Side-Dish. Enriched Mashed Potatoes are piped with a Butternut Squash Swirl for a Beautiful Presentation, that’s actually easy to make. Crispy outside, light & airy inside. A wonderful Potato Side-Dish I’m’Serving for Thanksgiving! How I came up with this Recipe: So, I’m writing my list […]
Thanksgiving Desserts! My Favorite Scrumptious Holiday Recipes!
Delicious Desserts – Something for Everyone! What would you think is the quintessential holiday dessert? See my picks – 18 to choose from. Creative & Updated Classics with Healthy Twists! Something Apple: An impressive freeform type of apple pie – sliced apples are placed on a round of flaky dough, edges get folded over then baked until […]
Karen’s Amazing Apple Galette
An impressive freeform type of apple pie – sliced apples are placed on a round of flaky dough, edges get folded over then baked until golden… so delish! Perfect for Thanksgiving! I’m already thinking about Thanksgiving… and what desserts I want to make & serve. I though this recipe would be enjoyed by all ~ […]
Karen’s 21 Fabulous Winter Squash Recipes!
It’s Winter Squash Season in Fall! Learn how to prepare and cook many varieties…in these well tested and modern recipes – 21 to choose from. Winter Squash is harvested in the fall and has a hard rind, which allows it to keep well for months. Summer Squash has a thinner, edible rind and is harvested in […]
Fall Crostini with Whipped Roasted Butternut Squash Goat Cheese and Fresh Figs
THE Fall Appetizer – almost too pretty to eat featuring in-season Fresh Figs. Goat Cheese is whipped with Roasted Butternut Squash and topped with Fresh Figs, Maple-Balsamic Drizzle and Fresh Rosemary. Satisfying, Easy and Real Crowd Pleasers! Just filling enough with healthful ingredients. All About Crostinis: A crostini is a toasted bread appetizer or snack […]
Karen’s Easy Baked Chicken Breast with Mustard, Apples & Honey
Juicy & Tender Chicken Breasts that are simple to prepare with wonderful complimentary flavors. Marinate, Season, top with Apple Slices & Bake. I’m LOVING the 3 ingredient Apple Cider Sauce for drizzling. Three Easy Steps: Marinate the chicken in Coconut Milk and Grated Garlic Season the chicken with spices, a coating of grainy mustard and […]
Karen’s Butternut Squash, Apple, Leek & Goat Cheese Frittata
A light and flavorful frittata that has plenty of vegetables, apples, cheeses & eggs. Creates beautiful Mosaic Layers! Baked until puffy with a creamy-like texture – a meal in itself! The recipe that keeps giving! I can’t stop eating this frittata! Reheats brilliantly! Makes 9 BIG wedge portions. Great for lunch, a light dinner, snack, brunch… […]
Roast Thanksgiving Turkey Basted with Fruit Juices and Marsala Gravy
How to cook the perfect turkey, stuffing and gravy. I have developed this recipe after years in the kitchen. You will use this recipe over and over again! Karen’s trusted Turkey recipe. Detailed instructions that are easy to follow. Isn’t it all about the gravy? Aromatic roasted vegetables on the bottom of the pan, with […]
Thanksgiving 2022 MAINS & SIDE-DISHES “MY FAVORITE RECIPES”
Thanksgiving is upon us ~ One of my favorite times to cook delicious food for friends and family. Here are my best-loved dishes to cook ~ classics with healthy twists! Main Dishes and Sides: (Next week Appetizers, Soups and Desserts!) Your New Thanksgiving Side Dish! Sweet & Nutty Delicata Squash layered with a Zesty Cider […]
Sautéed Spinach with Lemon, Garlic & Pine Nuts
The perfect Easy Sauté for a Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dish. Great to master for weeknight meals too. Large leaf spinach pairs with golden sliced garlic, lemon rind and toasted pine nuts. Why Large Leaf Fresh Spinach? These leaves have a thicker wall – will not wilt as easily as “baby spinach” found in bags, which […]
Chocolate Caramel Pie with Granola Coconut Crust – Vegan
A wonderful decedent but not-too-rich pie with a press-in crust with a chocolate base and caramel top layer. Finished with coconut whipped cream, honey-sugared peanuts and toasted coconut flakes. Love at first bite! Gluten Free too! Is this a delicious pie that just happens to be Vegan? ALL will enjoy this one! I cleverly use […]
Delicata Squash Bake with Cider Reduction and Parmesan Bread Crumbs
Your New SIDE DISH for Thanksgiving! Sweet & Nutty Delicata Squash layered with a Zesty Cider Reduction and Topped with Sourdough-Parmesan-Thyme Breadcrumbs that bakes up Crispy & Golden. Yes ~ can be made a few days in advance! Pairs well with all your Thanksgiving Mains. How to Make this Recipe: Prepare Cider-Honey-Butter mixture. Cut Delicata […]
SOUPS ON! My Favorite Soups to Make Right Now
15 Soups to Make right now and into Winter’s Cooler Months. Creative, original soup recipes with wholesome ingredients bursting with flavor. A wonderful collection to try… before I send out all the Thanksgiving essential recipes! Sunchokes lend a creaminess to warm soups, perfectly paired with the velvety smooth Kabocha Squash for a wonderful Fall & […]
Thai Inspired Honeynut Squash Soup with a Toasted Rice Garnish
My Favorite New Soup of the Season – Perfectly Seasoned and Quite Easy to Prepare. The fabulous creamy texture of Honeynut squash makes a velvety soup – Thai spices from an unexpected place – in a little can… how convenient! Roasted Honeynut Squash is added to a quick base of onions, shallots, ginger and garlic […]
Karen’s Chunky Apple Maple Jelly
So Simple and Irresistibly Delicious! The Key is two different Apples and a dose of really good maple syrup. Slather over your morning bread, for use as a topping for crostini as I did. A Chunky Jelly that’s definitely a little syrupy and ready to slather! I’ve used a Macoun Apple (soft) and an Heirloom Hudson Golden […]
Fabulous Fall Vegetable Soup with Lentils & Buckwheat
All your Fall Favorite Veggies with Two Gluten Free Grains (one is actually a seed) – Health in a Bowl! SOUPS ON ~ Warm up with this chunky & hearty broth soup: chop, stir, simmer – ENJOY! Use Vegetable broth for Vegan. I love to make a healthy Vegetable Soup in the Fall using what’s growing […]
Karen’s German Apple Cake with Pink Pearl Apples
Welcome Fall! Time to bake with freshly picked sweet & tart apples. An easy and delicious butter-moist cake is “sunken” as the apples are fanned and placed over the batter, which then rises up around them as the cake bakes. Top with my Maple Caramel Sauce for a little decadence! These Pink Pearl Apples are […]
Applesauce Streusel Loaf Cake – It’s Gluten Free
Delicious with Homemade Applesauce! Using my panty ingredients – this satisfying loaf cake features an oat-streusel topping and is dotted with natural dried cranberries. I’m craving comfort food right now – this loaf cakes smells marvelous as it bakes with hints of warm spices wafting through the kitchen. Comforting & Addictive! Baked with healthful ingredients […]
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 […]
How to Make the BEST Potato Latkes! & After Thanksgiving Recipes for your Leftovers
Just when we have digested the Thanksgiving dinner (and leftovers the entire weekend) – Chanukah is here! And it’s time to enjoy some crispy latkes. There is still time to creatively use up your tasty leftovers… see below. Enjoy Potato Latkes this week ~ learn the tricks of a crispy yet light potato pancake. There are many interesting flavor combinations. […]
After Thanksgiving Recipes with your Leftovers
Here’s what I’m cooking up with the holiday’s leftovers. Soup, Salad, Throw-back Casserole, Tacos, Chef Salad, Frittata and more – create new meals for the week with minimal effort. After Thanksgiving – besides dunking roast turkey into russian dressing (homemade of course) I crave this soup! It’s zesty lemony flavor with many vegetables mingling in […]
Lightened-Up Dark Chocolate Crème Brûlée
A cracked caramel-sugar top with a creamy chocolate dessert underneath. Made entirely with milk, not a drop of heavy cream! Lightened-Up: Creamy, decadent and delicious… decadent but not too rich! Ingredients for Chocolate Crème Brûlée ~ Port Wine soaked Cherries optional I really love all custard-y sweets – there are dozens of culinary desserts based on […]
Thanksgiving 2022 – Mastering Turkey & Gravy PLUS All the SIDES
Make the most flavorful turkey with a memorable gravy you will make every year. See my tricks and hints! Plus – let’s also get serious with a Creative & Healthy Mix of Crave Worthy SIDE DISHES. It’s all about the gravy! Learn how to make a dark, caramelized and flavorful gravy – and it’s not […]
Sunchoke & Kabocha Soup with Fabulous Garnishes
Sunchokes lend a creaminess to warm soups, perfectly paired with the velvety smooth Kabocha Squash for a wonderful Fall & Winter Soup. A great festive yet simple recipe for Thanksgiving. Vegan. I love serving soup on Thanksgiving! Why not try serving a soup with appetizers in individual shot glasses? A simple soup with 6 yummy garnishes! […]
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 […]
Garlic Garlic Pizza!
Karen’s Perfect Pizza Dough is topped with a Roasted Garlic purée, Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, dollops of Ricotta Cheese & Marinara and Chopped Garlic. Fresh Oregano & Basil with a pinch of Hot Pepper Flakes add to this crave-worthy Pizza! Back from the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival – Garlicky Pizza is what I’m craving to use […]
Flavors of Fall – 20 Irresistible Squash & Apple Recipes!
Here to inspire you – what to cook that is in season right now! Comforting & nutritious recipes prepared with seasonal ingredients to warm you up from the inside and make you enjoy the fall season at its fullest. Cook & Bake with confidence with my healthy and well-tested recipes. Press on the green titles for all […]
Sesame Blistered Shishito Peppers – Mine are Multi-Colored!
An amazing, fun & delicious EASY appetizer and side dish – these charred peppers are addictive and healthy! When pan-roasted the skin of the shishito pepper becomes blackened, resulting in an amazing smoky flavor. Pick one up and nibble to the stem! These Super-Trendy Peppers are on many restaurants menus as they are a wonderful, […]
Roasted Honeynut Squash Stuffed with a Kasha & Vegetable Pilaf
Super Sweet Honeynut Squash is special and in season! It’s small size boasts a sweet and nutty flavor with a hint of caramel. Easily roasted and stuffed with a Kasha (Buckwheat) Pilaf with plenty of Roasted Peppers, Red Onions, Herbs and Creamy Goat Cheese. The most delicious Fall main course or side dish! Buckwheat is […]
Braised Tzimmes Chicken with Balsamic-Rosemary Sauce for Passover and Rosh Hashana
This recipe has what you are looking for! Roast succulent pieces of chicken, seasoned perfectly with the addition of allspice – with hints of cloves, cinnamon and pepper. Chock full of ingredients – as you can see! Brimming with Colorful Heirloom Carrots, Shallots, Prunes and Garlic and the most delicious Balsamic-Rosemary Sauce… or should I […]
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 […]
Classic French Onion Soup – Karen’s Way
Oh-La-La ~ Warm up with a Classic Crock of Onion Soup with a Secret Ingredient – Shiitake Mushrooms! Using Vegetable & Chicken Broths – no beef broth. A delicious, hearty broth starts with good vegetable and chicken broths (no beef broth here) – added to perfectly caramelized onions and shiitake mushrooms. The mushrooms add a […]
Very Veggie Tempeh Chili with Homemade Chili Powder
Vegan Chili with Homemade Chili Powder Packs Flavor and Mild Heat. I love eating in a crock ~ but today serving the chili over Roasted Sweet Potatoes with plenty of toppings! You know I’m always adding loads of vegetables… but what makes them truly delicious are the seasonings! Tempeh is a wonderful; meat substitute with […]
The Best Butternut Squash Latkes! (an updated “potato” pancake)
A new twist for your Potato Pancake repertoire.Butternut squash with warm spices makes a delicious sweet latke that is perfect for Hanukkah or anytime! Gluten Free adaptable. Latkes are that ethereal treat; a potato or vegetable mixture made by dropping large tablespoons into a skillet of shimmering, hot oil. Enjoyed during the eight night of Hanukkah […]
Natural Candied Yams with Apple Cider Cinnamon Glaze
A must for Thanksgiving! A wonderful thick glaze surrounds rounds of yams with a cinnamon essence. A healthier lightened- up recipe! A beautifully sticky glaze that’s not too sweet. The trick: reduce Fresh Apple Cider! I grew up eating Caramelized Sweet Potatoes like these at my Grandparents house – you’ll love them too! I have perfected […]
Delicious Sheet Pan Chicken & Vegetables with Apple Cider Glaze
Sometimes I’m craving One Pan Cooking!
Chicken, Delicata Squash Rings and Shallots roast in the oven and produces a delicious simple dinner.
Yummy Pumpkin & Oatmeal Pancakes
Delicious and loaded with healthy ingredients with tips on how to cook a pumpkin and make homemade Pumpkin Puree.
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 how to cut into 1 inch lengths and form Delicious Butternut Squash Gnocchi includes Ricotta […]
Amazing Apple Crumb Cakes with Cardamom and Ginger
Apple season is here – and these cakes are divine! Enjoy for dessert, a snack or for the Jewish New Year – Rosh Hashanah A delicious cake with a bit of honey, these cakes are layered with sliced apples and a crumb topping The perfect fall dessert – I’m serving with Coconut Whipped Cream I’M OBSESSED […]
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! A bunch of Fresh Beets from a farmer’s market makes a whole lot of scrumptious […]
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 […]
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 color, plus a nutty, toasted flavor. It enhances the flavor of almost everything!
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 in of Miso, Lemon Juice and Pure Maple Syrup. All tastes delicious with Pan-Fried Shallot […]
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 Almonds, Pomegranate Seeds and Za’atar Seasoning.
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!
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 Squash and thought – maybe an underdog squash for soup… is butternut squash really superior? […]
Fall Salad with Chèvre and Pink Pearl Apples
A salad to “fall” in love with! Starring Fall ingredients like Radicchio, Pink Pearl Apples, Pink Radishes, Delicata Squash and teamed with Chèvre Cheese and Pistachios. Fresh fall produce makes this salad stand out, and will satisfy your healthy cravings. Farmers’ markets are jammed now with end-of-summer delights! Visit one and let the season offerings motivate you […]
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
Greek Lemon Turkey Soup (an after Thanksgiving special recipe)
A Hearty, Healthy & Zesty Soup using 2 cups of diced freshly roasted turkey from your Thanksgiving feast. Make again using leftover chicken! Like many of us – who wants to cook the week after Thanksgiving? Yet – with all that leftover turkey meat ( I use white meat for this recipe) this is a […]
Prosecco Cocktail with Spiked Cranberry Syrup
A quick syrup that transforms a glass of bubbly Prosecco or Champagne. Made with Cranberry, Pomegranate and Orange juices and warm spices.
Creamy Layered Purple & Ivory Mashed Potatoes (Perfect for Thanksgiving)
How amazing are these potatoes? They can be made days ahead and reheated. What I love about this recipe – besides it’s gorgeous presentation is they are not heavy, but light and creamy. But no cream in the recipe. Just the right amount of milk & butter… but not too much. Garlic adds depth and […]
Karen’s Mac n Cheese with Butternut Squash and Apples
What’s better than homemade macaroni and cheese? Here’s a recipe that is creamy, rich, and has a crunchy topping that is irresistible! (Awesome Gluten-Free option too.) Adding cubes of Butternut Squash and Apples makes for an interesting, updated Fall Macaroni and Cheese. Adds interest and depth of flavor. Italian Chiocciole shaped pasta or Italian Gluten-Free Penne […]
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 […]
Simply Delicious Butternut Squash Soup with Apples and Celery Root
It’s Fall! Homemade Soup you can easily make… healthy, warming and comforting. Silky smooth with some texture from the vegetables – this soup will warm you up on crisp fall and winter days. Cinnamon sticks add a sweet aura of spice – and a hit of cayenne pepper adds the perfect kick.