Currently Browsing: Holidays
Karen’s Master Dinner Mini Roll Recipe
I’m making these dinner rolls in a circular wreath pattern to serve and dunk into my Classic Cheesy Fondue. Simple and fun to make with a wonderful smell wafting though the kitchen as the rolls bake! See my recipe: Karen’s Cheesy Swiss Fondue with Garlic & Chives
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 Chanukah or anytime! Gluten Free adaptable. Latkes are that ethereal treat; a potato mixture made by dropping large tablespoons into a skillet of shimmering, hot oil. Enjoy year-round! The trick for a perfect latke is twofold: […]
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 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!
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
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
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!
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.
Yummy Pumpkin & Oatmeal Pancakes
Delicious and loaded with healthy ingredients with tips on how to cook a pumpkin and make homemade Pumpkin Puree.
Parve 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
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!
Pistachio Lemon Bars for Passover
Bakery-style bars from my kitchen to yours Who can resist tangy, zesty lemon bars? These are that good… especially at Passover – they taste just like the real deal. Adding sweet and colorful pistachio nuts adds a little interest and sophistication. The base of the bars is a short crust made with matzo cake meal, […]
Karen’s Gluten Free 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 […]
Homemade Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
The Perfect Irresistible Valentine’s Day treat for your loved ones! Make these delicious treats with healthful ingredients. These chocolate peanut butter cups are super-simple to make, with just a few ingredients. Use the best quality chocolate ~ I like an extra dark type, although, yes – you can use milk chocolate if you desire (has a much higher […]
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!
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! It seems like all pecan pie/bar recipes call for corn syrup. So try Lyle’s instead – a pure, clean taste with all natural ingredients (no GMOs!) I also add a little pure […]
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? […]
Karen’s Best Matzo Balls with Dill
My foolproof recipe for tender and tasty Matzo Balls for Passover or anytime!
Peanut Butter Energy Bites – with Chocolate Drizzle
The ultimate healthy pop-in-your-mouth treat filled with energizing ingredients. The perfect Valentine’s Day recipe for giving and enjoying! Simple to make ~ these bites are loaded with nutrients to keep you going during the day, or the perfect not-too-sweet, pop-in-your-mouth treat I love for dessert.
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), Napa Cabbage, Snow Peas and a good dose of Ginger.
Gingerbread Men Cookies ~ Gluten Free!
Filled with healthy ingredients and not too sweet – THE Cookie to make and give this holiday season.
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! Instead of classic orzo rice, I have use a medium grain white rice… Calrose rice. It has great natural thickening properties, which is what I love. This soup has tons of vegetables […]
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 […]
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.
Black Bottom Chocolate Tarts with a Caramel Pretzel Crust
The Perfect Valentine’s Day Treat: Three bite tarts with a Chocolate Heart Decoration with Crushed Pretzels and Cacao Nibs Add a dollop whipped coconut cream. Say “I Love You” with these homemade treats! Dairy Free and Gluten Free tips!
Chocolate Heart Cut-Out Decorations with Pretzels and Cacao Nibs
So easy to make – use a good quality, not too sweet chocolate.. the ultimate finishing touch!
Celery Root Bisque Soup with Garlic Pita Croutons
A healthy soup with a creamy texture from the celery root (celeriac) and potatoes. Delicious and Silky Smooth. Dairy Free. Add a swirl of Cashew Cream for a decorative touch. Vegan.
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!)
Cranberry Sauce Vinaigrette
Use your leftover Cranberry Sauce… you know you’ll have some! Make a delicious Vinaigrette, perfect for your salad creations after Thanksgiving.
Roast Thanksgiving Turkey Basted with Fruit Juices and Marsala Gravy
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 the addition of herbs and marsala wine produce a rich fabulous gravy. A note from Karen: There is a method to cooking the perfect turkey, stuffing and gravy. […]
Thanksgiving Turkey Marsala Gravy – the best, richest and most delicious!
It’s all about the gravy! Learn how to make a dark, caramelized and flavorful gravy – and it’s not difficult… just need to follow a few steps. It will make your Thanksgiving celebration a hit!
Kabocha Squash Soup with Apples and Cashew Crema – Vegan
Perfect for Thanksgiving! See my easy way to peel a Kabocha Squash. You’ll love the Cashew Crema with hints of maple & cinnamon ~ the Spiced Cashews make a terrific, crunchy garnish A universal soup all and your Vegan guests will adore! Can make the soup ahead and freeze for a hassle- free Thanksgiving soup. […]
Roasted Carrots with Fresh Figs ~ Pomegranate Glaze and Pistachios
The perfect side dish for late summer ~ early fall. Carrots caramelize with the figs with a delectable just-sweet-enough glaze… all roasted in one pan. A Vegan recipe. Here is a colorful, balanced side-dish that excites the palate rather than weigh it down. The perfect combination of roasted veggies & fruits with nuts, herbs and a zippy (well….zesty!) […]
Karen’s Gluten-Free Matzo Balls – Large and Mini
Make these for the Passover holiday (or year-round!) all will enjoy, they are delicious, fluffy and tender. The only ones I make!
Chicken in the Pot Soup with Many Vegetables, Rice Noodles and Fresh Ginger
Comfort Soup in a Bowl. Gluten-Free.
Brownie Sandwich Thins ~ Heart Shaped Cut Out Cookies
Make these special cookies for Valentine’s Day – your choice of two fillings. Red walnuts make them special.
Chocolate Turtles with Homemade Natural Caramel
Give your sweetie these delectable candies and learn how to make the most delicious homemade caramel from scratch. The ultimate Valentine’s Day treat!
Pumpkin Scones with Pecans, Cranberries and Coconut
Bakery quality scones! Barely sweet and irresistible – made from your pantry ingredients… with a secret ingredient: coconut milk.
Karen’s Beet Cured Gravlax
Gravlax is quite simple to prepare – brined with Vodka, Citrus Juices, Grated Beets, Dill, Sugar, Salt and Pepper. Weighted down, the gravlax is ready in two days – slice when ready to enjoy.
Roast Za’atar Capons with Za’atar Seasoning Blend
Holiday Entertaining? These perfectly spiced capons remain juicy with a crisp skin and will add a flavorful and festive touch to your buffet! Try my Za’atar Seasoning Blend – a versatile Middle Eastern / Mediterranean mix.
Gluten-Free Turkey Tetrazzini
Your Go-To Recipe After Thanksgiving! Leftover Turkey and Vegetables are tossed together and baked into a hearty main course casserole. Lightened-up and delicious!
Karen’s Marsala Turkey Gravy for Thanksgiving
Just the most magnificent gravy – with a deep, rich mahogany- brown color, and luscious flavor. Learn how to make a dark, caramelized and flavorful gravy – and it’s not difficult… just need to follow a few steps. It will make your Thanksgiving celebration a hit!
Caramel Zabaglione
A creamy and rich caramel custard, perfect with poached pears ~ especially for the holidays.
Poached Pears in Spiced Red Wine & Pomegranate Juice (with Caramel Zabaglione)
The perfect ending to a holiday meal (Thanksgiving!) Spiced, beautiful pears swimming in a ruby syrup with a creamy zabaglione custard.
Fall Chicken Cacciatore
The Ultimate Chicken Stew with Fall Vegetables, Apple Brandy and Tarragon. Perfect for a Rosh Hashanah Holiday Meal – and Reheats Well! Gluten- free.
Matzo Granola with Fruits and Nuts
Prepare yourself for the crispiest, crunchiest, most delectable granola you’ve ever had. Kosher for Passover and gluten-free, too!
Chocolate Lava Cakes with Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles
Let Your LOVE Flow this Valentine’s Day with This Yummy, Fudgy Treat
Smoked Salmon Lollipops
No one will be able to resist these savory lollipops. Thin sliced, luminous smoked salmon around zesty cream cheese – the perfect pick-up appetizer for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.
Karen’s Festive Naan Pizza ~ Red, White & Green Appetizer
Roll Naan Dough and top with festive colored toppings for the ultimate Holiday Appetizer. Below, a recipe for 6 oval Naan Pizza Doughs. The topping directions are for 2 oval pizzas, each 4″ wide x 8″ long. Use all if you desire, and adjust for the toppings. This is actually a simple recipe. I am being […]
Caramel Vanilla Bean Vegan Ice Cream
Vanilla Ice Cream does not have to take a supporting role next to your holiday desserts, this one is delicious on it’s own! Simple ingredients blend into a creamy, decadent dessert, infused with Ginger and Pumpkin Spices
Homemade Applesauce – My Favorite
My favorite applesauce, a little apple peel adds a touch of pink color!
Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Aged Gouda – Maple Syrup Glaze
These “fanned” sweet potatoes simply bake in the oven with a syrupy, maple glaze. Tuck garlic in the crevices and sprinkle with fresh rosemary. I love adding a touch of grated, aged gouda cheese on top – your Thanksgiving company will scream”YUM!” These delicious potatoes just look fancy – but are actually easy to pull together. Hasselback […]
Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Spiced Candied Pecans
Brussel sprouts will cook quicker when cut in fourths, with each edge caramelizing a bit. The spiced candied pecans add a touch of crunch and sweetness.
Thanksgiving Squash and Celeriac Soup with Harissa
A flavorful, healthy Thanksgiving soup with Kabocha Squash. For a larger batch – and to feed a crowd, simply double the recipe. For Vegan: Saute vegetables in Earth Balance or Coconut Oil and use Vegetable Broth.