Currently Browsing: Fast & Healthy
Speedy Greek Sautéed Shrimp with Fennel, Dill & Ouzo
A wonderful shrimp sautĂ© with a harmonious balance of flavors. Wonderful topped with Greek Feta Cheese, lots of Dill and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes on the Vine. A Quick SautĂ©: Rub Shrimp with seasonings; set aside as you cook the vegetables Cook shrimps in EVOO until golden on both sides, but not cooked through SautĂ© Fennel […]
Goat Cheese Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette – Inspired by Alice Waters
Goat Cheese Medallions are Coated with Crispy Quinoa over Lettuces and Vegetables and Drizzled with a Zesty Blood Orange Vinaigrette. Gluten Free. This vibrant salad is one of my favorites. My take on Alice Water’s Goat Cheese Salad served at Chez Panisse, Berkeley, CA. Alice’s iconic salad coats the goat cheese medallions with breadcrumbs and […]
Karen’s Blood Orange Vinaigrette
A Tart- Sweet Vinaigrette with a Gorgeous Hue and lots of Zesty Favor! Simply whisked together. Adds a super pop of color to all your salad creations! A very juicy vinaigrette with just enough extra virgin olive oil to emulsify. I squeeze my own blood oranges! I like a little pulp in the vinaigrette. I […]
Karen’s Moroccan Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Harissa Vinaigrette
Easy – Gorgeous & Healthy Roasted Carrots are topped with Sprouts & Endive and bathed in a Hearty Harissa Vinaigrette The EASY Method: Scrub Carrots, trim ends – add to a roasting sheet pan Add Olive Oil, Sea Salt and Chili Flakes Roast at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, turn over, cook 5 minutes more […]
Outrageous Orange-Chipotle Honey Glazed Salmon
Salmon Fillets Beautifully Caramelize in a Pan for an Easy Weeknight Dish. The Zesty Orange-Chipotle Glaze doubles as a marinade – less work for you! It’s Citrus Season and oranges are bursting with juicy flavor! The Flavors: Rich citrus orange flavor from the Freshly Squeezed Juice and Orange Rind Smoky essence from the Chipotle Peppers […]
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 SazĂłn 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. […]
Easy Russet Oven Fries with My SazĂłn Seasoning
Crispy and Full Of Flavor – Toss with a little EVOO and my seasonings for the Ultimate Oven Fries! Option: adding Parmesan & Parsley. For a Vegan option, sprinkle on Nutritional Yeast, replacing the parmesan. Keep the skins on for extra fiber! With potatoes you get the energy, potassium (more than a banana) and vitamin C you […]
Celeriac Oven Fries with Cajun Seasonings
A fabulous low-carb alternative to potatoes with a nutty-celery flavor. Roasted to perfection with golden edges and just the right amount of heat. Crispy and easy to prepare! Cut the Peeled Celery Root into batonettes (thick chunky-cut) – add them to boiling water to soften and cook for just 3 minutes; drain and pat completely […]
Karen’s Smoky Chili Seasoning & Rub
A well-rounded blend with four different chilies and spices that’s nice and smoky and perfectly blended with a good kick, but not fiery hot. I’m loving it rubbed all over chicken be roasted. Use with coarse salt when dry brining… amazing crispy skin results! Created to add a deep-smoky, spicy aura to many of your […]
Breakfast Fried Egg Tacos with Karen’s Bloody Mary Hot Sauce
Wake up your taste buds with these savory tacos! Sunny side up fried eggs top tacos and a bevy of veggies and Mexican cheeses. Top with my homemade spicy hot sauce for the perfect chile-tang Why Do My Egg Yolks Look Super-Orange in Color? I use Pasture Raise Eggs! Free range hens that have access […]
Karen’s Somewhat Spicy Bloody Mary Hot Sauce
An Easy to Make At-Home Hot Sauce with a great tang and just the right heat! Addition of horseradish, celery seeds, worcestershire sauce and lime juice lends a definite Bloody Mary taste profile. Simple to Make! Add water to your Chili Flakes and let the flavor bloom I love these Sichuan Chili Flakes. Bright red, spicy and […]
Weeknight Cooking – My Favorite Recipes to Learn, Eat & Repeat
My favorite Weeknight Dinners you’ll want to make these over and over again… Weeknight cooking does not need to be bland, unimaginitive and boring – or take hours to prepare. Some inspiration if you are out of ideas – and cook the same dishes over and over again! Here is what I like to stir […]
Skillet Stir-Fried Blackened Green Beans
Dip these irresistible Crunchy Blackened Green Beans into my Roasted Garlic Remoulade Dip with Bread & Butter Pickles! CRUNCH- FLAVOR + EASE… one of my favorite veggie dishes to make! Makes an interesting Side-Dish for your Thanksgiving Table too! Use any fresh beans you like – Green Beans and or Yellow Wax Beans… or a combination […]
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 Spaghetti alla Nerano: Zucchini & Pasta Lightened-Up
A total Ode to Stanley Tucci’s CNN “Searching for Italy” series which he shed light on this terrific dish in a hotel kitchen on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. I have ROASTED Zucchini instead of fried… and added lots to the final dish! Easy, economical and one you should master! When the actor Stanley Tucci visited Nerano, a […]
Karen’s Thai Basil Mince Chicken Stir- Fry
A Stir-Fry with True Restaurant Quality Flavor! A redux of the Thai dish Pad Krakow Gai – with extra vegetables and totally Gluten Free. Comforting, savory, aromatic, and garlicky – can be as spicy as you like!! In Thai, pad means “stir-fried,” krapow means “holy basil,” and gai is “chicken,” so literally, “stir-fried holy basil chicken.” […]
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 […]
Summer Pasta with Sugar Snap Peas, Fresh English Peas & a Creamy Herbal Vegan Sauce
A simple pasta dish LOADED with two kinds of Fresh Peas – simple sautĂ©ed with Garlic then folded with Pasta and a Creamy Herbal Vegan Sauce (which is cashew based.)          How to Make a Pasta Dish Healthier? Add MORE VEGGIES!  There are almost as many peas in […]
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 […]
Karen’s Lemony Tahini Dressing
A Creamy Dressing for Salads, Pasta Salads – makes a great dip too for CruditĂ©s. Simply whisk in one bowl! Lemony & Garlicky with the addition of Sesame Tahini for a nutty edge. A delicious crisp salad with a smoky essence topped with Karen’s Lemony Tahini Dressing and Garlic Sourdough Toasted Breadcrumbs. Serve the dressing at […]
Cool Beet Soup with Kefir and Pickled Beet Stems
A Delicious Cold Blender Beet Soup with personality! Steam fresh beets – then whirl with healthy Kefir and seasonings – it’s that easy! Serve with garnishes that ARE ELEMENTS OF THE SOUP! Garnishes not only look pretty – they are elements of the soup! Topping with Fresh Dill, Sliced Garlic Scapes (so Spring), Pickled Beet […]
Roasted Asparagus & Shaved Heirloom Carrot Salad with a Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette / Recipes for Memorial Day
Roasted Local Asparagus Tips & Spears Team with Shaved Multi-Colored Carrots, Lettuces & Sprouts for a Delicious Composed Salad. Add Za’atar coated Mini Goat Cheese Balls and toss all with a Lemony Vinaigrette for an unforgettable salad! SEE 22Â Inspirational MEMORIAL DAY RECIPES Here!!! I made this salad last night at my Cooking Class at Leicht […]
My Favorite Shrimp Recipes & NEW: Homemade Panko Popcorn Spiced Shrimp (they’re baked!)
Shrimp is the most popular seafood! For good reason ~ they taste so good, are affordable and cook quickly, making meal preparation easy! Pictured: Homemade Panko Popcorn Spiced Shrimp. Crispy, Crunchy and Drenched in Homemade Panko Crumbs ~ these delicious shrimps are baked on a rack, not deep fried. All the buttery, garlicky and lemony […]
Condiments for Flavor – The Little Things Makes the Dish!
Condiments! Yes, these powerhouse RECIPES will add flavor to a bland dish, or were created to enhance the flavor of food. And we all eat for flavor! Tinga Sauce:Â Originating in Puebla, Mexico, Chicken Tinga is an adaptable and authentic dish made with shredded chicken in a hearty, spicy red sauce. Â The dish likely originated […]
25 Inventive Spring Recipes – to Get You Cooking!
I’m all about Cooking with the Seasons! Get ready to take on Spring with my FAVORITE RECIPES including lightened-up options, creative first courses, tempting main courses and must-make desserts that. Celebrate this season’s bounty with 25 well-tested recipes! Spring Grilled Asparagus Salad ~ Blood Orange Buttermilk Dressing Let’s start here – time to uncover the […]
Karen’s Spring Green Herbal Ranch Dressing & Salad
A Light and Flavorful Blender Dressing with a Gorgeous Green Hue! Uses Four Fresh Herbs; Thai Basil, Mint, Parsley & Dill I think it is a good time to create a recipe that is simple, comes together in minutes and shows off beautiful Spring herbs and alliums (chives, onions & scallions.) If you can find […]
Karen’s Lemony Dukkah Seasoning
I’m adding a burst of natural zesty lemon flavor to traditional Egyptian Dukkah Seasoning. A bright multi-purpose blend – wonderful on salmon. What is Dukkah? (pronounced doo-kah) An Egyptian and Middle Eastern condiment consisting of a mixture of herbs, nuts, and spices. It is typically used as a dip (adding olive oil) with bread or […]
24 Best Ever A Zest For Life Citrus Recipes
Winter is the time for fragrant, juicy, vibrant citrus — now at their peak. I choose a variety to blend the complex flavors. Before Winter Ends – Take Advantage of a Multitude of Citrus to Brighten Every Recipe! Salmon in Parchment with Multi-Citrus Salsa Slow cooked Salmon with a Tart & Zesty Multi-Citrus Salsa is an easy meal […]
Peruvian Citrus & Herb Marinade with Aji Amarillo Peppers
A zesty and pungent citrus marinade made in a blender with wonderfully spicy and fruity Aji Amarillo Peppers. Fabulous to flavor Chicken, Fish, Vegetables and Vegan Proteins. Perfect with my Grilled Chicken Paillard Salad. Place all ingredients in a blender and whirl – I add some parsley (or use cilantro) at the end for some […]
Karen’s Arugula & Parsley Winter Pesto
A Vibrant Green Pesto with non-traditional ingredients but with all the bite and bursting with flavor. A brilliant pesto with a little peppery, spicy and nutty taste. Anytime can be Homemade Pesto Time! Use the best quality Arugula & Flat Leaf Parsley, I choose organic. Not just for wintertime – but brilliant in Spring and […]
Natural Orange, Oat & Nut Granola Parfaits with Yogurt & Berries
Layer Karen’s Natural Orange Oat & Nut Granola with Yogurt and Berries in wine glasses or flutes. Perfect for Breakfast, Lightly Lunch, a Snack or Brunch. Layer as you like! I use non-sweetened yogurt, raspberries, blueberries, sliced strawberries and clementine orange slices (they are small sized with a deep orange hue.) You will find the right […]
Spicy Citrus Chili Shrimp and What to Do With Them
An easy and pungent marinade transforms Shrimp with intense flavor. Simply grill with sesame seeds in a cast iron skillet. Add a simple glaze or use as part of a Spa Salad with Roasted Veggies, Rice Noodles and an Asian Orange-Sesame Vinaigrette. A Lightened-Up Version!  Lightened Up and Delicious! For a Light Spa Salad – Serve […]
Karen’s Spa Asian Orange-Sesame Vinaigrette
A blast of flavors with a citrus essence – a flavorful vinaigrette! Lighter in calories; with less oil. So many uses… I love it drizzled over my Spa Salad with Spicy Grilled Citrus Shrimp & Rice Noodles. High on flavor…lower in calories! A very ZESTY Vinaigrette that can add flavor to so many composed salads, […]
Karen’s Mild Gochujang Mild Hot Sauce made with Gochugaru Chili Flakes
A “Mild” well-balanced Hot Sauce with enormous flavor. So simple to make you’ll be amazed! A juicy mix ~ includes fresh red peppers and tomatoes for natural sweetness and Gochugaru Chili Flakes. The drizzling options are endless! Gochugaru are Korean Chili Flakes – are vibrantly red in color and has a mild to moderate spicy taste […]
The BEST Easy Russian Dressing for Roast Turkey & Beyond
This easy and ZESTY Russian dressing features just 3 Ingredients! Perfect for dipping turkey, slathering on a sandwich or tossing in a salad. Includes Mayonnaise, Ketchup and Karen’s “Shaken” Italian Dressing. Here’s How I like my Russian Dressing: One part Mayonnaise – I use Organic without Natural Flavorings One part Ketchup – I use Organic without […]
Sautéed Spinach with Lemon, Garlic & Pine Nuts
The perfect Easy SautĂ© 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 […]
Garlic-Garlic Vinaigrette (with my “Garlic Crisp” Recipe for Salads)
I’m Crazy About Garlic! This Amazing Zesty Vinaigrette uses Garlic Three Ways. Minced Garlic ~ Softened Garlic ~ Garlic Oil. Tangy, Garlicky – Liquid GOLD! Drizzle Over Salads and more. My Garlic-Garlic Vinaigrette uses GARLIC THREE WAYS: Raw Garlic; finely chopped Quick Garlic Confit; softened peeled cloves gently cooked in olive oil (a milder flavor […]
Karen’s Garlic Crisps
Easy Garlic Chips baked in the oven until crispy and sweet, never bitter. A great accompaniment to toss onto salads, pasta and soup. When your craving an extra Garlic Kick – these crisps are sure to please! Simple to prepare. Sure, you can patiently cut garlic into thin slices… but this gadget does wonders! Leifheit […]
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 […]
No-Cook Heirloom Yellow Tomato Sauce with Pasta
For Tomato Lovers! A simple and delicious sauce – serve over pasta with plenty of basil leaves. PurĂ©ed 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 […]
Hibiscus Tea Poached Salmon with Tzatziki Sauce
Hibiscus Tea Ofers a deep pink color with sweet and tart flavors – the perfect base for poaching Salmon. Glaze the finished fish with Thai Chili Sauce then spoon over a Creamy Tzatziki. This recipe has it all! Moist & Delicious Poached Salmon in a colorful Hibiscus Tea Liquid (Court Bouillon) – perfect for cooking […]
Quick Herbal Tzatziki Sauce
This Creamy Yogurt Sauce is light, tangy and zesty with herbal notes. Cucumbers are quickly salted, then patted dry and added to the mix. This Creamy Yogurt Sauce is light, tangy and zesty with herbal notes. Cucumbers are quickly salted, then patted dry and added to the mix.
Quattro Colore Beet Salad with Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette
I can’t get enough of the earthy-sweetness of Beets! Especially in summer when they are just pulled from the ground in a myriad of colors. A Simple Beet Salad Showing Off Their Natural Glorious Colors. Four different colored beets are sliced with a pungent vinaigrette and pickled onions. For the Quattro Colore Beet Salad – […]
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 […]
Asparagus Frittata with Roasted Peppers & Dill
A light and flavorful casserole that is layered with vegetables, cheese, eggs & herbs. Baked until puffy with a creamy-like texture – a meal in itself! A light dish – with a very creamy consistency with beautiful layers & color contrasts. Serve as a meal with a seasonal salad – for lunch – for brunch […]
Karen’s Cajun- Style Blackened Redfish with Summer Herbs in a Cast Iron Skillet
Cajun Seasoning Enlivens Red Fish – Blackened in Minutes in a Cast Iron Skillet. Glazed with a Browned Butter Pan-Sauce with Garlic and Many Summer Herbs. See my Recipe: Karen’s Best Cajun Seasoning Blend MY RECIPE has all the flavor – yet not using all the butter of typical recipes. Chef Paul, who I have admired, […]
Fresh Fig & Herb Balsamic Dressing (using my Fig-Rosemary Jam)
A delicious and aromatic dressing, slightly thickened & sweetened. A restaurant quality dressing best made when figs are in season. The recipe starts with this jam! (see the recipe) Ingredients in this Fabulous Salad: Grilled Sliced Chicken Breast (I brushed some Fig Jam on top just off the grill), Organic Red Butter Lettuce, Watermelon Radish, […]
Karen’s Ginger-Sesame Sauce – and what to do with it!
For Dipping, Slathering and Basting – THE Sauce that makes all taste better. Packed with flavor, very low in calories & fat – ginger lends a naturally spicy kick…and a multitude of healthy benefits! Ginger-Sesame Sauce for Dipping & Beyond – tangy with a roasted note and slightly sweet It’s super easy to make! Add […]
Karen’s Basil & Macadamia Nut Pesto
A Delicious & Easy Pesto using Toasted Macadamia Nuts. Adds a rich and buttery flavor. Whirl in a food processor until creamy with some texture. So simple! Beyond tossing with pasta – the uses are endless! A Delicious & Easy Pesto using Toasted Macadamia Nuts. Adds a rich and buttery flavor.
Passover 2022 Recipes plus NEW: Quinoa Pilaf with Asparagus, Sugar Snap Peas & Mint
Healthful and Hearty Passover Recipes you can make with confidence. Brighten up the holiday with some creative, colorful and healthy dishes ~ from Soup to Dessert. Find all the inspiration you need here to plan a Passover menu that you and your guests will love. A Big Batch Side-Dish (serves 12)Â That Pairs Well With All […]
Passover Quinoa Pilaf with Asparagus, Sugar Snap Peas & Mint
A Big Batch Side-Dish That Pairs Well With All Your Passover Main Courses. Fluffy Quinoa with Onions, Leeks and  Spring Veggies, adorned with Fresh Mint – all will love! Add lots of mint leaves at the end… not just a garnish but part of the dish. Quinoa for Passover… Why Not? I always have had […]
Karen’s Irish Soda Bread Waffles
All the flavor and crunch of Irish Soda Bread – but delicious waffles! Buttermilk based waffles with a boost of caraway seeds and raisins – great for breakfast, brunch, or the ultimate snack… I can’t stop eating them! Works perfectly with regular flour or gluten free! The batter is enriched with Raisins and Caraway seeds […]
Karen’s Thai Cucumber Salad with Roasted Peanuts
A quick, delightfully crunchy cucumber salad with a Thai twist. Incredibly refreshing and pairs with many Asian main courses and soups. Dried Thai Chilies are spicy! They have a red to walnut color, smoky and pungent in scent with a quick and biting in flavor. A distinct Thai cuisine “burn.” A quick, delightfully crunchy cucumber salad with a […]
Herbal Olive Tapenade with Preserved Lemons – And What To Do With It
This delicious Mediterranean Tapenade gets a Flavor-Boost from Lots of Green Herbs and Preserved Lemons. A fabulous Condiment to Savor. Serving Suggestions are endless! Easy to whip up in the food processor in seconds! Tapenade is a classic French appetizer and the very essence of Mediterranean flavors, a savory, earthy olive spread with tangy and herbal flavor. […]
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 […]