Currently Browsing: Gluten Free

Purple Peruvian Potato salad with preserved lemon vinaigrette on vintage plates

Peruvian Potato Salad with Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette

These steamed potatoes are naturally bright purple and team brilliantly with Olives, Scallions and Parsley with this Zesty Vinaigrette I’m loving these Peruvian Purple Potatoes! Beyond an exceptional dose of antioxidants – they are sweet and the deep-purple color can brighten anyone’s day! I steam them whole, peel when cool and cube them. Mixing them with […]

Preserved lemons in a vintage ball Jar - a speedy recipe

Preserved Meyer Lemons – Speedy Recipe

Meyer Lemons are perfect for preserving! With their thin skins, bright lemony-color and fragrant flesh they have a sweeter, more floral taste. These beauties will pickle in their own juices.       I’m curing my Meyer Lemons in a vintage Ball Jar ~ inside the screw cap in a lining, is white milk glass. Once […]

A bowl of Tempeh Chili in a bowl over roasted sweet potato wedges with toppings

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 […]

Spicy roasted wild mushrooms basted with chili oil. Served over pasta and a pine nut pesto cream sauce - VEGAN!

Roasted Wild Mushrooms with Chili Oil & Vegan Pesto Cream Sauce over Pasta

Wonderful Meaty Roasted Mushrooms Team with a Vegan Pine Nut-Pesto Creamy Sauce Layered over Pasta. Mushrooms are basted with my quick homemade Chili Oil for a spicy bite. This Vegan recipe includes many Wild Mushrooms, a luxurious texture and hearty flavor – cooked perfectly with crisp edges! Toss with Pasta in a Vegan Pine Nut-Basil […]

A great little flavored oil condiment to have in the refrigerator! Takes minutes to make and adds a blast of heat and complexity to many dishes.

Quick-n-Easy Chili Oil

A great little flavored oil condiment to have in the refrigerator! Takes minutes to make and adds a blast of heat and complexity to many dishes. Uses for Chili Oil: Add part chili oil to the oil in your stir-fries. Use in a marinade As a dipping sauce – adding a splash of soy sauce […]

Citrus, Fennel & Mint Salad – Citrus Vinaigrette with Vanilla Beans

Citrus, Fennel & Mint Salad – Citrus Vinaigrette with Vanilla Bean

I’m combining many types of Citrus and teaming them with Shaved Fennel and Mint. Drizzling on top with a delicious Citrus Vinaigrette with Vanilla Beans. Refreshing and light – a ray of sunshine in Winter! Make the season bright this year with the freshest jewel toned citrus. A great way to beat the “Winter Blahs” […]

A zesty vinaigrette with citrus juices and finished with the floral notes of vanilla bean

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!

Karen’s Flourless Chocolate Crackle Cookies

Karen’s Flourless Chocolate Crackle Cookies

I just love the contrast of the deep-dark chocolate and the snowy white crust of powdered sugar on these chocolate crackle cookies.

delicious gluten free blondies with Guittard baking chips

Karen’s Best Blondies – They’re Gluten Free

A “Blonde Brownie” with a rich caramel- butterscotch like flavor dotted with chocolate chips. Baked in a pan – you cut them into squares or rectangles. Simple to make and a family favorite of mine!

Karen's Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies

Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies

Look no further for the perfect recipe – for eating & gift giving! These are gluten free! Or ~ use regular flour too. Simple, not fussy and EASY Bakery quality cookies you’ll love! See recipe: how to make a crosshatch design on top of the cookies with the tines of a fork This is a […]

The Best Butternut Squash Latkes! (an updated “potato” pancake)

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 […]

Roast Turkey & Veggie Mexican-Style Hard Shell Tacos recipe

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 […]

Lightened-Up Peanut Butter Cheesecake with Chocolate

Lightened-Up Peanut Butter Cheesecake with Chocolate Biscotti Crust and Honey Peanuts

A Creamy Cheesecake made with Cottage Cheese – no cream cheese here!
Decadent and creamy – Make my recipe: Chocolate Peanut Biscotti for the crust and pile on some Honey Peanuts on top ~ see that recipe too!

Chocolate Peanut Biscotti – They’re Gluten Free!

Chocolate Peanut Biscotti – They’re Gluten Free!

Decadent and Delicious! These bake up crispy with a deep-chocolate flavor. Feel free to use any nuts you like. Gluten Free.. you would never guess. These biscotti are only a tad sweet and can be ground for the crust of a cheesecake!

Karen's Easy Honey Peanuts

Karen’s Easy Honey Peanuts

Delicious Honey Peanuts coated last minute with a little sugar. Simple and fun to make. Caution: These are addictive!! The perfect nosh! Also use as a garnish for a dessert like my Lightened-Up Peanut Butter Cheesecake with Chocolate Biscotti Crust and Honey Peanuts

Natural Candied Yams with Apple Cider Cinnamon Glaze

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 […]

Incredible Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic

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.

Delicious Sheet Pan Chicken & Vegetables with Apple Cider Glaze

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.

Mediterranean Gypsy Soup Recipe

Mediterranean Gypsy Soup

A Healthy, Satisfying Soup with all the flavor to awaken your taste-buds. “Gypsy” ~ a free spirited soup with a rich assortment of ingredients.

Raspberry Crunch Salad with Raspberry-Almond Oil Vinaigrette

Raspberry Crunch Salad with Raspberry-Almond Oil Vinaigrette

Crispy, Crunchy & Sweet ~ a brilliant, colorful, healthy salad… make place at your Thanksgiving table for this treat! Make the dressing ahead and adorn with my Nut and Seed Crunch (see recipe) This recipe is included in The Salad Gazette from the great minds at The Devil Wears Salad in Australia. The salad is on […]

Butternut Squash Gnocchi ~ It's Gluten Free

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 […]

Grilled Zucchini with Japanese Miso-Glaze and Cashew Crema

Grilled Zucchini with Japanese Miso-Glaze and Cashew Crema

Zucchini & Summer Squash off the grill get jazzed-up with these Japanese inspired flavors Local Zucchini is simply sliced and grilled. I add the Miso Glaze on the bottom of the plate, and Cashew Crema on top. Beautiful Zucchini and Summer Squash off the grill served with a flavorful Miso Glaze and Cashew Crema

Mediterranean Stuffed Shishito Peppers

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, […]

I’m serving them on a marble platter for company

Cheddar and Herb “Pennies” ~ Savory Shortbread Crackers (yes, gluten free option too!)

Simple to make – roll mixture into a log – chill, slice & bake! Top with garden herbs for an elegant touch. Fabulous for snacking, company & holidays ! Crispy, cheesy with herbal notes. A revised recipe from the 1950’s – these popular Cheesy Shortbread “Pennies” are the perfect little crackers with big flavor. Fabulous for […]

Gluten Free Summertime Panzanella Tomato Salad

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!

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 […]

Karen's Veracruz-Style Snapper with Fresh Garden Tomatoes

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 Arroz Blanco (Mexican White Rice)

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 of this simple side dish Medium grain rice is soaked for 10 minutes in water, then […]

Karen's Gluten Free Pastry Crust for Pie

Karen’s Gluten Free Pastry Crust for Pie

With a few hints – this Gluten Free Crust will rival ANY with regular flour. A light, crispy crust is achieved by starting with cold butter – and working quickly; not overworking the dough. Because of the lack of gluten – handling of the dough is done in a gentle manner. I like my crust […]

Fabulous Black Raspberry Pie!

Fabulous Black Raspberry Pie!

Summer Black Raspberries lie under a buttery & flaky lattice crust. Perfection with every bite. You will not believe the crust is Gluten Free! A pie to savor ~ I’ve added a handful of red raspberries for color contrast. This recipe makes 2 smaller 6 inch pies ~ double the recipe for a full sized pie. […]

Karen’s Strawberry Shortcake Frozen Yogurt

Karen’s Strawberry Shortcake Frozen Yogurt

A COOL take on “strawberry shortcake.” Creamy and refreshing on a hot Summer’s day – with Brown Sugar Shortcake Pieces Folded in! It’s Gluten~free. A smooth, creamy mouthfeel – decadent like ice cream yet lighter. Brown Sugar Shortcakes – they’re gluten free. Use regular flour if you wish. Also see another yummy mix-in frozen yogurt: […]

Steamed Baby Beets with Garlic Scape Vinaigrette

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 […]

Karen’s Essential Puerto Rican Sofrito

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! […]

Weeknight Lightened-Up Shrimp Scampi

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 less calories and fat; less butter. How did I accomplish this? The quick answer is […]

Best Blueberry Frozen Yogurt with a Sugar Cookie Crumble

Best Blueberry Frozen Yogurt with a Sugar Cookie Crumble

Overview: It’s really quite simple to make Frozen Yogurt!First, cook blueberries with sugar, brown rice syrup and a bit of water.Simmer until the blueberries soften and the mixture become syrupy.Next ~ blend in the carafe of a blender – add buttermilk, then Greek yogurt and you are done!! Refrigerate until cold and churn.

Really Amazing Rhubarb BBQ Sauce

Really Amazing Rhubarb BBQ Sauce

Seasonal Fresh Rhubarb is blended in a tangy & zesty Barbecue Sauce!An easy Sauce & Glaze – terrific using on the grill and as a side sauce. A fruity Barbecue Sauce does not need to be loaded with sugar to be flavorful. Homemade is better ~ no unwanted preservatives and flavorings! 

Chicken and Veggie Tacos with Mulato Chile Sauce

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! The flavor profile of Mulato chiles is a bit sweet with hints of smoky chocolate, […]

Karen’s Mulato Chile Sauce

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. […]

Artichokes à la Grecque

Artichokes à la Grecque

Spring Recipe: the French version of an antipasto-style vegetable preparation with intense zesty flavors. Learn how to prepare fresh seasonal artichokes!  Vegetables à la grecque is a French dish ~ vegetables are typically slightly pickled in a broth of vegetable stock and wine. I’m swirling in a little butter and serving with fish; great over pasta too! […]

Tomato Risotto – Northern Italian Style

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 […]

Karen's Weeknight Lemon Chicken

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 butter sauce.

Parve Ultimate Chocolate Dipped Coconut Honey Macaroons on a marble board

Pareve Ultimate Chocolate Dipped Coconut Honey Macaroons

My favorite Macaroon with a crispy exterior with a chewy and tender interior. The honey gives them a little more golden color while baking. A beloved dessert at Passover ~ also for anytime… A fabulous year-round Gluten Free Cookie.

The Ultimate Coconut Macaroons

The Ultimate Coconut Macaroons

Two Varieties: Chocolate Dipped and Dried Apricot & Cherry Pyramids. My favorite version has a crispy exterior with a chewy and tender interior. A beloved dessert at Passover ~ also for anytime… A fabulous year-round Gluten Free Cookie. Also see my: Parve Chocolate Dipped Honey Coconut Macaroons!  

Karen's Gluten Free Homemade Matzo

Karen’s Gluten Free Homemade Matzo

In my test kitchen, I used carefully measured gluten-free “flours,” pulsed the ingredients in a food processor, rolled and cut the dough, then cooked each piece for a moment in a hot cast iron skillet until it slightly blackened. Finally, the matzo crackers were baked in the oven at a low temperature, just to crisp […]

Delicious Date & Walnut Bars ~ Gluten Free

Delicious Date & Walnut Bars ~ Gluten Free

Easy and moist, these bars are simple to make and cut into 24 bars. Regular flour works great too! See Passover substitutions below. These irresistible bars are an updated version from vintage 1940 and 50’s recipes – when baking was simple. My Date & Walnut Bars are gluten free and vegan.

Mediterranean Chickpea Stew with Pantry Ingredients

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.

Karen’s Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette with Shallots and Garlic

Karen’s Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette with Shallots and Garlic

The perfect Zesty Vinaigrette for Salads and Beyond! This vinaigrette is my daily salad dressing staple! Easily whisk ingredients together and store in the refrigerator. Terrific paired with my: Radicchio Salad with Mustard Croutons and Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette

The Best Homemade Grainy Dijon Mustard! And how to use it.

The Best Homemade Grainy Dijon Mustard! And how to use it.

The best homemade mustard! Mine has a rustic, grainy texture that adds a pleasant pop of flavor to many recipes. Delicious homemade mustard takes minutes to make, and cures in a few days. No unwanted preservatives – and yields a big batch for oh-so-many recipes!  It’s fun and quite simple to make your own full flavored […]

This is how you make the BEST Turkey Meatballs!

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

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 […]

Mint Chip Chocolate Chip Ice Cream – It’s Vegan!

Mint Chip Chocolate Chip Ice Cream – It’s Vegan!

Creamy, Delicious and Refreshing!! A natural “Ice Cream” that’s irresistible!

Salmon in Parchment with Multi-Citrus Salsa

Salmon in Parchment with Multi-Citrus Salsa

It’s Citrus Season! Slow cooked Salmon with a Tart & Zesty Multi-Citrus Salsa is an easy meal cooked in a Parchment Package. Produces tender salmon with a sauce baked in. Fresh Mint offers a bright, fresh flavor! A seriously easy recipe ~ I’ve laid out all the steps how to create a parchment package with seasoned […]

Spinach and Parsnip Soup with a Crispy Crouton Skewer

Spinach and Parsnip Soup with a Crispy Crouton Skewer

A velvety soup without dairy products… Parsnips and Yukon Gold Potatoes give the soup its creaminess when blended. Make these nifty Crispy Crouton Skewers to garnish the soup. The trick to its glorious color is blending the soup right after the spinach is added.

Harissa Sauce – The Perfect Zesty and Flavorful Condiment

Harissa Sauce – The Perfect Zesty and Flavorful Condiment

Harissa can change how you cook! A flavor-bomb with a Kicky and Zesty Flavor. A North African spicy chili paste you can make at home. An easy and quick condiment ~ mild & hot chiles and roasted red pepper are blended into a thick paste with garlic, olive oil, cumin, oregano, tomato paste, red wine […]

Pecan Pie Bars (with a Secret Ingredient)

Pecan Pie Bars (with a Secret Ingredient)

The Ultimate Pick-Up Bar ~ Perfect for the Holidays! A press-in shortbread crust with a pour-on-top filling enriched with a crunchy pecan topping. Delish! These bars have it all! Quicker to bake than pecan pie with a high, creamy rich filling that’s sweet, but not cloyingly sweet. The Secret Ingredient: Lyle’s Golden Syrup from England. Typically […]

How to Roast Whole Garlic Heads in Olive Oil and How to Use It

How to Roast Whole Garlic Heads in Olive Oil and How to Use It

Mellow yet with deep concentration – oven roasted garlic cloves enhances the flavor of everything!

Fried Summer Zucchini with Garlic – Lightened-Up

Fried Summer Zucchini with Garlic – Lightened-Up

A lightened-up Fried Zucchini Recipe inspired from the famous Il Mulino Restaurant in New York City. A healthier yet delectable version! My master recipe is Gluten-Free.

Karen's Lightened-Up Alfredo Sauce

Karen’s Lightened-Up Alfredo Sauce

A versatile sauce you’ll make again and again. Light on calories ~ big on flavor! The recipe uses Homemade Chicken Broth, yet use Vegetable Broth for Vegetarian.

Amazing Veggie Chili Without Beans

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!

Acorn Squash and Celeriac Soup for Fall

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? […]

Close Cookmode