Currently Browsing: First Course & Sides
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.” […]
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 – […]
Karen’s Cornbread Loaf with Jalapeño
The perfect Cornbread Loaf recipe – rises high with a moist crumb, just the right sweetness and heat. I’m loving it with my Chunky Easy Red Plum Jam! Rises high and square with no high center dome. Slices beautifully; tender crumb with good structure. Here I toasted the cornbread loaf slice with crispy darkened edges… […]
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 […]
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 […]
Homemade Panko Popcorn Spiced Shrimp – they’re baked!
Crispy, Crunchy and Drenched in Homemade Panko Crumbs ~ these delicious morsels are baked on a rack, not deep fried. I’m craving something crispy & sweet yet savory – these Popcorn Shrimp fit the bill! Plunge them into this luscious & piquant Lemony Aioli Dip. Up close – in a parchment lined bowl ready to […]
Karen’s Lemony, Garlicky Aioli Dip
A delicious homemade creamy dip with zesty lemon flavor and a good dose of garlic! Whisk by hand for a superior Aioli. A delicious homemade creamy dip with zesty lemon flavor and a good dose of garlic!
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 […]
Karen’s Spring Vegetable Fried Rice
Tossed with my favorite in-season Spring Veggies for a wonderfully healthy dish that’s delicious and fun to make. My method teaches the art of stir-frying – perfectly crisped rice with tender-crisp vegetables and Asian aromatics. Spring Veggies: I’m using Fat Asparagus, Fresh Peas (from the pod), Onions, Scallions, Leeks, Multi-Colored Heirloom Carrots, and Fresh Chives An essence […]
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 Vegan “Crab Cakes”
Healthy, Vegan & Delicious! Filled with Chickpeas, Artichoke Hearts and Hearts of Palm (which mimics the look of crab) ~ Herbs & Spices. Make minis for Hors d’oeuvres or larger ones for a delicious Main Course Meal. So much flavor in every Bite! Not fried – “pan fried” with just a touch of oil for […]
Karen’s Mosaic Carrot Kugel with Dill
A Delicious Veggie Side-Dish for Passover, Easter or anytime! A light soufflĂ©-like kugel studded with colorful carrots that creates a mosaic look that’s stunning! WOW-Factor! A pretty simple recipe that produces a stunning kugel casserole – you cut in squares. The texture is light and airy – eggs surround the carrots (that are cubed 1/2″) […]
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 […]
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 […]
Karen’s Natural Orange, Oat & Nut Granola
A Zesty & Crunchy Granola Loaded with Almonds, Pecans and Natural Orange Rind. Such an addictive flavor using Orange Oil for added flavor (yes a recipe for that too!) I LOVE making granola! I eat some every morning with yogurt and berries, yes – e-v-e-r-y-d-a-y! See that is is citrus season right now – I […]
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 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 […]
Mediterranean Slow-Baked Appetizer with Feta, Colorful Peppers, Olives & Garlic
A wonderful and easy appetizer for the holidays all will enjoy! Spread on toasted bread and soak up all the amazing flavors. Cooks slowly in the oven until the peppers actually melt into the olive oil. Serve with toasted pita triangles or toasted baguette slices. Mediterranean Cuisine has bright, fresh flavors ~ mostly plant food […]
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… […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
Garlic Cheesy Toast with Garlic Confit
This Garlic Toast takes garlic bread to a new level! Sourdough Bread gains flavor from the outdoor grill – kissed twice with garlic… Garlic Confit Oil and Softened Garlic Confit Cloves A little soft on the inside, crispy around the edges…not quite a “toast” ~ just the most DELICIOUS garlic bread/toast you ever had! And, […]
Karen’s Garlic Confit ~ A Silky, Spreadable Condiment
Garlic Confit is a “must have” recipe for every cook. Luscious softened garlic surrounded by a blend of healthy oils. Use the cloves and garlic- infused oil for a subtle yet rich flavor. Ok – I’m obsessed with garlic! I rarely cook without it. Nicknamed “the stinking rose” – it’s the most common flavoring agent in […]
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. 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 […]
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 […]
Karen’s Quick Blackberry Sauce
I love this quick blackberry sauce for drizzling on many desserts – especially my Custard Rice Pudding with Berries. Make the sauce when the blackberries taste sweet and not too sour. Drizzle this on everything… Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, Cakes and Crepes! Enjoy! Karen I love this quick blackberry sauce for drizzling on many desserts […]
Karen’s Thai Glaze & Dipping Sauce
A quick and flavorful Sauce and Glaze – It is sweet yet boasts a good amount of flavor from Garlic, Ginger, Chilis and Red Scallions. A wonderful DIP for Spring Rolls – fresh or fried. Be creative!! I’m using it as a GLAZE for Poached Salmon… also think as a glaze for chicken or veggies right off the […]
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.
Karen’s Shaved Asparagus White Pizza
Asparagus adds a veggie element and texture to the Perfect White Pizza! Make 2 pizzas loaded with flavor with wonderful Shaved Asparagus with Garlic, a White Sauce underneath and Three Cheeses. The AT-HOME Pizza Craze is on fire! Thanks to the many new Outdoor Wood Fired Pizza Oven & Portable Pizza Ovens on the market […]
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 […]
What To Cook Right Now in Summer: First Week of July
Summer is finally here – that means fresh Fruits & Veggies Galore! Time to get out and enjoy the grill and enjoy the BBQ season. Here is a sample of some Summer Recipes I’m excited to make now – Using the season’s freshest ingredients. Always Lightened-Up with Health in mind. Get Grilling with these two […]
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 Fresh Fig Jam with Rosemary
A Delicious Jam from Ripe Seasonal Figs – with a hint of Balsamic Vinegar and Fresh Rosemary. So many uses! Spoon on toast – Create My Fresh Fig & Herb Balsamic Dressing – Use a Glaze for the Grill. I am a FIG Lover! Known for their aromatic and sweet flavor, I first fell in […]
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 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 […]
How to Simply Roast Spring Asparagus with Garlic, Almonds & Lemon
Spring has finally arrived! Easy roasted asparagus is done in just 10 minutes. Roasting heightens the vegetable’s flavor – and the toppings add a nice crunch and some nutty & zesty flavor! Roast the spears in a 400 degree oven simply with extra virgin olive oil, salt & pepper. When almost done – add sliced […]
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-Style Hot & Sour Soup
A Thai twist on the beloved Chinese soup – best made at home with the freshest ingredients! Tips on how to adjust the heat so it’s just right! Totally worth your time… yummy! Gluten Free. Hot and Sour Soup is a tradionally is a Chinese soup that’s savory, spicy and tangy – its flavor is incredibly […]
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 […]
Composed Grapefruit Salad with Ginger-Grapefruit Vinaigrette
A Mix of Healthy Lettuces with Ruby Grapefruit Segments Lacquered with a Zesty Citrus Vinaigrette As you know, I love the flavor and tang of Citrus Fruits! This simple composed salad takes just minutes to prepare. Start by whisking the Ginger-Grapefruit Vinaigrette – I like using Red Ruby Grapefruit Juice for its punch of crimson […]
Tuscan Marinated Mushrooms
Deeply fragrant mushrooms team with flavorful Tuscan spices – coated with a wine-lemon-olive oil marinade. Tangy, delicious, and easy to make. Small-plate sharing isn’t just a Spanish thing. The Italian version of tapas, known as cicchetti in Venice, stuzzichini in Southern Italy and antipasti to many Italian Americans, are great for passing around over a […]
Asian Glass Noodle Stir-Fry With Too Many Vegetables
You’ll slurp up these Gluten Free Sweet Potato Noodles with Vegetables Galore! Crispy, Crunchy & Chewy with a Soy-Chili-Citrus Sauce – Delish! A flavorful soy-chili-citrus sauce is cooked with a bevy of vegetables and silky-chewy Glass Noodles (made with sweet potato starch.) A flavor explosion – gluten free, vegan and dairy free. Topping are an […]