Currently Browsing: Fast & Healthy
Citrus Vinaigrette with Vanilla Beans
A dressing with ZEST! With Clementine & Meyer Lemon Juice plus zest from Buddha’s Hand. Add a touch of vanilla beans for balance of floral and caramel notes.
Fabulous on my Citrus Salad!… Read More
Incredible Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic
These are a weekly staple in my house.
Serve them too for Thanksgiving – everyone loves these!
Seasoned, Roasted and Tossed in Garlic, Butter and Parsley.
An easy side dish – takes just minutes to prepare!… Read More
Yummy Pumpkin & Oatmeal Pancakes
Delicious and loaded with healthy ingredients with tips on how to cook a pumpkin and make homemade Pumpkin Puree.
Comfort food – you know we all need some right now!
Stack them up – serve with your favorite toppings
These… 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
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
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 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
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
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 Weeknight Lemon Chicken
In the style of French “Francaise” ~ this is an updated version, a recipe every cook should master!
Easy to make gluten free and for Passover using matzo cake meal.
The chicken is very tender, coated with a zesty lemon… 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
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
Mediterranean EVOO Herb & Corn Sauce for Chicken and Fish
A light and hearty Mediterranean “Sauce” for Chicken, Fish and beyond. An Extra Virgin Olive Oil Based Pan Sauce combines Garlic, Shallots, Five Herbs and Fresh Corn.
A super-quick and healthy sauce you whip up in a skillet in minutes.… Read More
Thai Coconut Ginger Chicken in an Instant Pot
Stewed Chicken is so tender and delicious in an Instant Pot! This is a favorite recipe of mine I thought I would share.
What’s for dinner?? Make this fabulous Thai flavored recipe and eat it for days (reheats wonderfully!) The… Read More
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.… Read More
Quick and Healthy Chicken Soup with Ginger and Vegetables
A bevy of vegetables enrich this soup; ginger adds a boost of flavor with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Pure soul-comfort food. Gluten Free with rice noodles.
This quick and healthy soup has definite Asian-notes with Rice Noodles (gluten free),… Read More
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… Read More
Shaved Carrot Slaw
A great little side dish, sweet & sour with a little kick. Heirloom Carrots make it special.
Great served with: Glazed Hoisin Salmon with Pine Nuts (see recipe)… Read More
Glazed Hoisin Salmon with Pine Nuts
A quick and easy meal with amazing flavor! Make my homemade Hoisin Sauce… a game changer for any cook! Shaved Carrot Slaw is colorful, crunchy and delicious.
A wonderful weeknight meal, and special enough for company.… Read More
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)… Read More
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… Read More
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.… Read More
Karen’s Corn Salsa
This simple corn salsa has a puréed base which gives it stability and creaminess.… Read More
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… Read More
Curry Coconut Slow Roasted Nuts
Raw cashews are soaked for easier digestion and are cooked in a slow oven until golden and crispy. Coat with sweet and savory seasonings: curry powder, ginger, cinnamon, cumin, smoked paprika, pink sea salt, coconut nectar, coconut palm sugar and… Read More
Rosemary & Spice Mixed Nuts
Pecans, Walnuts, Almonds and Brazil Nuts are roasted in a slow oven until fragrant and lightly golden. Kissed with fresh rosemary and a hints of a sweet-salty flavor. No overwhelming flavors, all complement each other.… Read More
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.… Read More
Spring Asparagus Cooked in Parchment Over Pasta
Spring Asparagus Spears are cooked in Parchment Paper with Lemon Rind, Garlic, Tarragon and Butter ~ an easy method with delicious results!
A wonderful light dish which is simple to prepare. I love adding roasted Jerusalem Artichoke slices and Fresh… Read More
Spring Grilled Asparagus Salad ~ Blood Orange Buttermilk Dressing
The perfect Restaurant Quality Spring Salad! Choose fat asparagus and cook indoors in a grill pan – or outdoors in warmer weather.
Mache Lettuce, Radicchio, Purple Spring Onions, Toasted Almonds, Fresh Mango Cubes, Blood Orange Slices and Grilled Fat Asparagus… Read More
Spicy Red Kale Chips with Cashews and Miso
Crispy, light & flavorful – these chips are quite easy to make. The ultimate healthy snack! Recipe: Baked and RAW
Make a flavor paste~seasoned topping and simply massage into leaves and bake. An explosion of flavor!… Read More
Tahini Sesame Kale Chips with Za’atar Seasonings
Crispy, light & flavorful – these chips are quite easy to make. The ultimate healthy snack! Recipe: Baked and RAW
Middle Eastern Flavors are rubbed into the leaves and baked until crunchy. An explosion of flavor!… Read More
Stir-Fried Blackened Green Beans
Dip these irresistible crunchy beans into my Roasted Garlic Remoulade Dip with Bread & Butter Pickles… Read More
Quick Pesto “Chutney”
Compliments my Fabulous “Tandoori Chicken in an Instant Pot.”
Basil replaces mint in this easy to prepare condiment.… Read More
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… Read More
Thanksgiving Leftover Chef Salad ~ Cranberry Sauce Vinaigrette
Make the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers with this healthy & tasty salad. Use what you have! Drizzle with this Cranberry Sauce Vinaigrette (it takes minutes to prepare!)… Read More
Raw Tomatillo Salsa
A Zesty Salsa with an extraordinary- fresh flavor.
Choose tomatillos that are ripe, firm with a nice vibrant green color.… Read More
Grilled Shrimp & Pineapple with Gingery-Miso Dressing
A Quick Healthy Summer Meal Served Hot Off the Grill. Make the Zesty Gingery-Miso Dressing ahead for a speedy recipe. Pineapple is wonderful grilled and adds natural sweetness to the dish.
… Read More
Gingery-Miso Dressing
A Zesty Sauce and Dressing. Great on a stir-fry, grilled proteins or over a salad… Read More
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… Read More
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!… Read More
Karen’s Zesty Quick Dill Refrigerator Pickles
So fun to make – and delicious to eat. Pickles are stored in the refrigerator – no special equipment required. Chock full of flavor from the brine with mustard seeds, red pepper flakes and freshly cracked black pepper. Low in… Read More
Sunflower Satay Sauce ~ for Noodles and Grilled Chicken Skewers (Peanut-Free)
Asian-Style Satay Sauce made with Sunflower Seed Butter for a nutty-sweet flavor, yet NUT FREE. Easy blended sauce for Noodles and Grilled Chicken Skewers. Top with Sunflower Seeds and Sunflower Sprouts!… Read More
Avocado-Citrus Vinaigrette
A zesty, simple emulsified vinaigrette with lemon and lime and little cubes of fresh avocados … Read More
Modern Shrimp Louis Salad
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 … Read More
How to Hard-Boil Eggs: Best Way Is To Steam Them!
Yes, you have been making hard boiled eggs all wrong!
This single technique, you will steam them – SO EASY TO PEEL!!
Yes, you have been making hard boiled eggs all wrong!
This single technique, you will steam them –… Read More
New Guacamole with Roasted Zucchini and Lime Zest
A luscious and velvety Guacamole! Lower in fat but high in flavor – add some roasted zucchini for the perfect blend!
Yes, even the cherished recipe for guacamole can be modified, respectfully, for a deeper flavor and other favorable nuances.… Read More
Healthful Carrot and Pine Nut Soup
A satisfying and nutritious soup with creamy pine nuts blended in ~ warming and inviting.
An easy blender soup enriched with colorful heirloom carrots, steamed, and added to the pot. Baking the nuts with smokey seasonings and coconut oil awakens… Read More
Avocado Ranch Dip
A wonderful dip – made with coconut mayonnaise… Read More
Fruit and Nut Salad with Kaniwa, Blueberries, Almonds and Kale
The Ultimate Anti-Oxidant Salad Bursting with Color and Flavor… It’s Berry-Good!… Read More
Salad Wedge with Chimichurri Dressing, Feta, Radishes and Pepitas
An easy salad with a good crunch that is simple and delicious!
Transforms the ingredients of Chimichurri into a healthy and delectable creamy dressing.… Read More
Chimichurri Dressing
A healthy, vibrant green dressing with zest!
Chimichurri is a piquant sauce or marinade (in South American and Mexican cooking) ~
I’ve used the ingredients and created this dressing.… Read More
Karen’s Buttermilk Waffles
Use as a base for appetizers – Karen’s Southern Pecan Chicken & Waffles with Collard Sauté and Bourbon- Maple Drizzle. Each waffle will make 12 appetizer portions.… Read More
Natural Salmon Cakes – Gluten-Free
Wasabi, Lime and Dill flavor these simple Salmon Cakes. Without breadcrumbs- and they hold together beautifully. A perfect light dinner or healthy lunch. Gluten-free. Serve with my Green Goddess Dressing and Spring Vegetables.… Read More
Carrot-Coconut-Mint Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing
Three recipe suggestions below using the Sesame-Ginger Dressing – which is also an awesome marinade!
… Read More
Sizzling Flounder with Soy, Lemon and Sesame
To commemorate Chinese New Year, I am sharing one of my all-time favorite recipes: Sizzling Flounder. Simple Asian flavors surround this healthy, light and delicious dish – a must try for my readers.… Read More
Karen’s Skillet Succotash
Succotash is a simple corn and beans sauté. A traditional dish of many Thanksgiving celebrations in New England – first developed by the Narraganset Indians in Rhode Island. Today, many chefs add ingredients that are local to them, or that… Read More
Garden Tomato Raw Sauce
Made from garden-ripe tomatoes, no cooking required. A fresh tasting sauce for pizza.… Read More