Currently Browsing: Holidays
Karen’s Best of Passover Recipes 2024 ~ For the Seder and Beyond!
Healthful and Hearty Passover Recipes you can make with confidence. For the Seder and through the Eight Days… 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. This recipe […]
Karen’s Persian Love Cake – Gluten Free
There is a lot to LOVE about this cake! Rose water (my recipe) adds a bloom of floral notes to this super-moist cake adorned with pistachios and dried rose petals. Gluten free and adaptable for Passover. I Simply ♥️ This Cake! Flavor: Lingering Rose Water essence/fragrance, floral notes but not overpowering Hints of Lemon and […]
Karen’s Roasted Vegetables with Tahini-Garlic Drizzle
How to Successfully Season, Roast and Serve an Assortment of Vegetables. Healthy and delicious – great for weeknight meal building, or serving a crowd. This recipe make a LARGE platter of assorted Vegetables! ~ Perfect for any holiday and can be made early in the day. Think: Easter, Passover, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Mother’s Day […]
Karen’s Valentine’s Day Delicious Desserts
14 Delicious Dessert Recipes to Fall in Love With! Creative, Crave-Worth and Lightened-Up Love is in the air with tempting recipes you can successfully make at home! NEW: Karen’s Vegan Milk Chocolate Pudding Creamy and delicious with added chopped toasted hazelnuts – easy, done in under 10 minutes! Perfect for Valentines Day! I’m adding Caramelized […]
Karen’s Vegan Milk Chocolate Pudding
Creamy and delicious with added chopped toasted hazelnuts – easy, done in under 10 minutes! Perfect for Valentines Day! I’m adding Caramelized Sugar Shards with Freeze Dried Strawberries. See my pick for the BEST Vegan Milk Chocolate! It is not easy to find a good Vegan Milk Chocolate! Milk Chocolate contains milk… d-a-i-r-y! And almost […]
My Favorite Brunch Recipes for New Year’s Day
Ring in the New Year with some Home Cooked Delicious and Healthy Food you make yourself! Stay in and enjoy a leisurely brunch – many recipes can be made ahead of time. Try these NEW RECIPES: Breakfast Fried Egg Tacos with Karen’s Bloody Mary Hot Sauce AND learn how to make you own fabulous Hot Sauce! […]
2023 Holiday Cookies and Desserts that are Crave Worthy!
Get baking with my line up of Holiday Cookies & Desserts to Eat, Share & Enjoy! You’ll love my new Rocky Road Candy plus 22 more creative & delicious recipes. (Press on titles for recipes) For the holidays – do not miss: More Holiday Party Nibbles & Hors d’oeuvres for 2023 This classic Rocky Road recipe is studded […]
Karen’s Holiday Rocky Road Candy – Gluten Free
This classic Rocky Road recipe is studded with nuts and marshmallows ~ makes many sliced squares for eating, serving & gift giving. I’m adding traditional Shortbread Chunks ~ see my Gluten Free delicious recipe! An Easy & Fun Recipe to make! Melted chocolate are encased with nuts, marshmallows & cubed shortbread. I do not use […]
Karen’s Crisp & Crunchy Shortbread Squares – Gluten Free
An easy press-in dough recipe that produces a Crispy, Light & Buttery Shortbread. Cut into easy squares ~ eat & enjoy … drizzle them with chocolate, or crumble them into my Rocky Road Candy the way the Brits do! What make them Gluten Free? I’m using Oat Flour, Fine Almond Flour and a Gluten Free […]
More Holiday Party Nibbles & Hors d’oeuvres for 2023
Must-Make Crave-Worthy Appetizers for People Who Love Party Food! 32 of them! Includes my favorite Creative & Healthier options from Latkes to Crostinis. Get the party started! Latkes: Hanukkah Latkes are that ethereal treat; a potato mixture made by dropping large tablespoons into a skillet of shimmering, hot oil. Karen’s Best Latke Latkes are crispy, naturally […]
Karen’s After Thanksgiving Recipes with your Leftovers
Here’s what I’m cooking up with the holiday’s leftovers. Soup, Salad, Throw-back Casserole, Tacos, Chef Salad, Savory Cranberry Chicken Thighs, The Best Russian Dressing for Roast Turkey and more – create new meals for the week with minimal effort. NEW RECIPE! Perfectly Seasoned Chicken Thighs team with a luscious Cranberry Sauce with Rosemary & Thyme. […]
Crispy Chicken Thighs with Savory Cranberry Sauce (using your leftover cranberry sauce!)
Perfectly Seasoned Chicken Thighs team with a luscious Cranberry Sauce with Rosemary & Thyme. Use up your leftover Chunky Cranberry Sauce for this lucious meal! (Mine has ginger and pineapple in it.) Why I LOVE this Recipe: A great use for your leftover Cranberry Sauce (I know you have some!) Learn how to make CRISPY […]
Turkey Talk + Thanksgiving 2023 – All the Delicious Recipes!
The Countdown to Thanksgiving is Upon Us – Create the most memorable meal with my creative, original & well tested recipes! See all: APPETIZERS, SOUPS, SALADS, SIDE-DISHES, TURKEY WITH THE BEST GRAVY & DESSERTS! Let’s Talk Turkey! What type of turkey buy? The different types of Turkeys available for Thanksgiving can be a little overwhelming… […]
Karen’s Thanksgiving Recipes: Turkey, Gravy and All the Sides to Make, Serve & Devour!
Thanksgiving is upon us ~ One of my favorite times to cook delicious food for friends and family. Here are my best-loved dishes to cook ~ classics with healthy twists! Also see: Karen’s Appetizers / Hors d’ouevres & Soups for Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Desserts! My Favorite Scrumptious Holiday Recipes! Thanksgiving Recipes Start Here! I’ve got you covered […]
Karen’s Duchess Potatoes with Butternut Squash Swirl
Make these Gorgeous Potatoes ahead of time for the Perfect Thanksgiving Side-Dish. Enriched Mashed Potatoes are piped with a Butternut Squash Swirl for a Beautiful Presentation, that’s actually easy to make. Crispy outside, light & airy inside. A wonderful Potato Side-Dish I’m’Serving for Thanksgiving! How I came up with this Recipe: So, I’m writing my list […]
Party Caramelized Red Onions & Apple Baked Brie
A crowd-pleasing Melty-Cheese Appetizer that’s easy to make and fun to eat! Sauté Red Onions low & slow, add apples and seasonings and simply top a wheel of brie and bake. THE Perfect Appetizer for Thanksgiving… and any holiday! Get the Party Started! To serve ~ have fun assembling, add the Baked Brie to a […]
Thanksgiving Desserts! My Favorite Scrumptious Holiday Recipes!
Delicious Desserts – Something for Everyone! What would you think is the quintessential holiday dessert? See my picks – 18 to choose from. Creative & Updated Classics with Healthy Twists! Something Apple: An impressive freeform type of apple pie – sliced apples are placed on a round of flaky dough, edges get folded over then baked until […]
Karen’s Amazing Apple Galette
An impressive freeform type of apple pie – sliced apples are placed on a round of flaky dough, edges get folded over then baked until golden… so delish! Perfect for Thanksgiving! I’m already thinking about Thanksgiving… and what desserts I want to make & serve. I though this recipe would be enjoyed by all ~ […]
Karen’s Best Flaky Pie Dough
An easy to make and use pastry dough, makes a flaky pie crust! I use this trusted recipe for pies and galettes. See the beautifully risen, golden & crispy pie crust! Tips for Pie Making Success: For a flaky and flavorful crust – add very cold butter cut into tablespoons. Use a pastry blender and […]
Karen’s Plum-Raspberry Jam Oat Linzer Bars
An easy “press-in” dough recipe! Learn how to make homemade Plum Jam for the bars as well. Buttery, jam-filled bars based on the classic Viennese Linzer torte – dusted with confectioner’s sugar. I’m serving these delectable bars at my next Cooking Class! A Classic Recipe Updated into Easy-To-Make Bars! Linzer “Cookies” are named after a Linzer […]
Roasted Asparagus & Shaved Heirloom Carrot Salad with a Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette
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 22 Inspirational MEMORIAL DAY RECIPES Here!!! I made this salad last night at my Cooking Class at Leicht […]
Best Passover 2023 Recipes! Plus NEW: Karen’s Mosaic Carrot Kugel with Dill
Healthful and Hearty Passover Recipes you can make with confidence. For the Seder and through Eight Days… 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. WOW-Factor! A light soufflé-like […]
Karen’s Mosaic Carrot Kugel with Dill
A Delicious Veggie Side-Dish for Passover, Easter or anytime! A light soufflé-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″) […]
Flourless Chocolate Mousse Cake with Crushed Raspberry Coconut Whipped Cream
A Decadent Bittersweet Chocolate Indulgence with an Airy Easy Whipped Coconut Cream Topping with Crushed Raspberries Gluten Free, Dairy Free & Parve This is the showstopper cake I am making for Passover! Perfect too for Easter…or anytime you crave a dense yet light dose of chocolate indulgence. Decadent but not overly sweet flourless chocolate cake […]
Egyptian Sheet Pan Dukkah Salmon with Veggies & Chickpeas
Weeknight delicious! Distinctive Dukkah Seasoning gets a revamp with Lemon Essence. Roast all on one pan. Top with a simple Minted Herb-Yogurt Sauce and Mint Leaves. A fabulous all-in one pan cooking perfect for weeknights, company and holidays… think Easter and Passover! Dukkah seasoning lends tons of Middle Eastern savory flavors to the salmon; the veggies and […]
Great Recipes for New Year’s Day Brunch
Ring in the New Year with some Home Cooked Delicious and Healthy Food you make yourself! Stay in and enjoy a leisurely brunch – many recipes can be made ahead of time. My Newest Obsession! In between toasted Challah Bread lies Creamy Eggs, Shiitake “Bacon”, Sesame Kale Crisps, Cheddar Cheese and a Gochugaru Sauce. Your next favorite […]
Holiday Hors d’oeuvres – From Latkes to Tapas
The holidays are times to gather with family and friends ~ to bing cheer, and indulge with spectacular food. Try my inventive and Special Appetizer Recipes which are made to be crowd pleasers! Below are some of my favorite, well tested recipes for Holiday Hors d’oeuvres. Many can be made a head of time ~ for […]
My Favorite Holiday Cookies + NEW: Toffee Holiday Bars
Get baking with my line up of Holiday Cookies to Eat, Share & Enjoy! 15 cookies to savor! For the holidays – do not miss: Holiday Nibbles & Hors d’oeuvres 24 Amazing & Creative Recipes for People Who Love Party Food! A Perfect Shortbread Crust is topped with a toffee flavored topping rich with Natural Coconut, Crystalized Ginger […]
Toffee Bars with Coconut, Ginger and Almonds
A Perfect Shortbread Crust is topped with a toffee flavored topping rich with Natural Coconut, Crystalized Ginger & Sliced Almonds. Perfect for the Holidays, Entertaining and Gift Giving! Crunchy tops, creamy filling with a buttery shortbread base – all will enjoy these! See all My Favorite Holiday Cookies here! These Toffee Bars are SUPER-EASY to make! […]
Holiday Nibbles & Hors d’oeuvres Plus NEW: Mediterranean Slow-Baked Appetizer with Feta, Colorful Peppers, Olives & Garlic
As we say goodbye to 2022 and welcome a new year – the kitchen can be a place to create, mingle and experience wonderful festive foods. 24 Must-Make Crave-Worthy Appetizers for People Who Love Party Food! Let’s start with a CHEESY selection – recipes that incorporate cheese in various ways. A wonderful and easy appetizer […]
Happy Thanksgiving! Here IS MY MUST-MAKE GRAVY RECIPE
As your turkey is going in the oven for the big holiday – Make your gravy magnificent these few tricks & methods! Karen’s Marsala Turkey Gravy for Thanksgiving OVERVIEW – this is what you will do: METHOD (with turkey): Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Scatter the carrots, celery, onions, shallots and garlic on the bottom […]
Roast Thanksgiving Turkey Basted with Fruit Juices and Marsala Gravy
How to cook the perfect turkey, stuffing and gravy. I have developed this recipe after years in the kitchen. You will use this recipe over and over again! 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 […]
Thanksgiving 2022 MAINS & SIDE-DISHES “MY FAVORITE RECIPES”
Thanksgiving is upon us ~ One of my favorite times to cook delicious food for friends and family. Here are my best-loved dishes to cook ~ classics with healthy twists! Main Dishes and Sides: (Next week Appetizers, Soups and Desserts!) Your New Thanksgiving Side Dish! Sweet & Nutty Delicata Squash layered with a Zesty Cider […]
Thanksgiving Overview: What to Cook Right Now & NEW Sautéed Spinach with Pine Nuts & Lemon
The Countdown to Thanksgiving is Upon Us – Create the most memorable meal with my creative, original & well tested recipes! See all: Appetizers, Salads, Side-Dishes, Turkey with the BEST Gravy and Desserts. The perfect Easy Sauté for a Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dish. Great to master for weeknight meals too. Large leaf spinach pairs with […]
Sautéed Spinach with Lemon, Garlic & Pine Nuts
The perfect Easy Sauté 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 […]
Thanksgiving Appetizers, Soups & Desserts – I’ve Got You Covered!
Thanksgiving is almost here – time to organize and cook delicious food! Here are my best-loved dishes to cook ~ classics with healthy twists! Today: Appetizers, Soups & Desserts NEW! Chocolate Caramel Pie with Granola Coconut Crust – Vegan (Gluten Free too) A wonderful decedent but not-too-rich pie with a press-in crust with a chocolate […]
Chocolate Caramel Pie with Granola Coconut Crust – Vegan
A wonderful decedent but not-too-rich pie with a press-in crust with a chocolate base and caramel top layer. Finished with coconut whipped cream, honey-sugared peanuts and toasted coconut flakes. Love at first bite! Gluten Free too! Is this a delicious pie that just happens to be Vegan? ALL will enjoy this one! I cleverly use […]
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 & […]
Karen’s Chunky Apple Maple Jelly
So Simple and Irresistibly Delicious! The Key is two different Apples and a dose of really good maple syrup. Slather over your morning bread, for use as a topping for crostini as I did. A Chunky Jelly that’s definitely a little syrupy and ready to slather! I’ve used a Macoun Apple (soft) and an Heirloom Hudson Golden […]
Karen’s German Apple Cake with Pink Pearl Apples
Welcome Fall! Time to bake with freshly picked sweet & tart apples. An easy and delicious butter-moist cake is “sunken” as the apples are fanned and placed over the batter, which then rises up around them as the cake bakes. Top with my Maple Caramel Sauce for a little decadence! These Pink Pearl Apples are […]
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 […]
22 Spring Memorial Day Recipes with NEW: Shortcakes with Rhubarb, Blueberries and Coconut Whipped Cream
Fantastic, Healthy & Creative Recipes to Celebrate the Holiday with Friends & Family! See NEW: Tender & Flaky Buttermilk Shortcakes are Split and Piled with Rhubarb and Coconut Whipped Cream with a touch of Blueberries for a Delicious Dessert. Nothing could be a more typical, totally American dessert than Strawberry Shortcake! I’ve reworked the ingredients […]
Shortcakes with Rhubarb, Blueberries and Coconut Whipped Cream
Tender & Flaky Buttermilk Shortcakes are Split and Piled with Rhubarb and Coconut Whipped Cream with a touch of Blueberries for a Delicious Dessert. Nothing could be a more typical, totally American dessert than Strawberry Shortcake! I’ve reworked the ingredients using Rhubarb and Blueberries. The perfect ending to your Memorial Day Celebration – or anytime […]
Mother’s Day Recipes – Let’s Celebrate Mom!
Spoil Mom this Mother’s Day with some delicious home cooking. If you have been making the same recipes for years… Have I got some tempting ideas for you! Always healthy, true ingredients & inventive. Something for everyone! Brunch Ideas ~ Main Courses ~ Creative Salads ~ Something Sweet for Mom Brunch Ideas ~ In Season […]
Karen’s Pine Nut Macaroon Cookies – includes “almond paste” you make
Delicious Soft Pine Nut Cookies with a Crispy Exterior ~ Perfect for Passover & Easter. Naturally Gluten Free. These are EASY and FUN to Make! Many recipes you will see add purchased almond paste – it’s all in my recipe. Here you start swirling almonds and sugar, add egg white and pure almond extract – […]
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) 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 […]
Valentine’s Day Treat: Grapefruit Sherbet & Coconut Heart Sablé Cookies
Three Ingredient Grapefruit Sherbert is Creamy Vegan Delicious! Add a Coconut Sablé Cookie frosted with a white chocolate glaze and topped with raspberry coconut for the perfect dessert for you & your loved ones! What is Sherbert (you might be thinking…) ? Sherbet is not quite ice cream and not quite sorbet. It is made […]
Coconut Heart Shaped Sablé Cookie – Gluten Free
A delicious cookie for Valentine’s Day or whenever you want to create bakery quality cookies at home! Your choice of cookie cutter. Yes, you can use regular flour too! With a White Chocolate Glaze on half, top with Raspberry-Coconut mixture; no food coloring here! Sablés, also known as a French Butter Cookie or Breton Biscuit, are […]
Southwest Style Green Shakshuka with Hatch Chili Oil
What to eat on New Years Day! Gather the ingredients you will need and pump up the green antioxidants in this one-pan dish. Healthy and satisfying with mild heat. My favorite Brunch recipe! Also see: Holiday Hors D’Oeuvres , Pick-Up Appetizers & Nibbles for amazing New Year’s Eve ideas! With the surge for global cuisine […]
Holiday Cookies! Plus NEW: Strawberry Mexican Wedding Cookies and Gluten Free Double Chocolate Mexican Wedding Cookies
Get baking with my line up of Holiday Cookies to Eat, Share & Enjoy! You’ll love my new Mexican Wedding Cookies – 2 flavors: Strawberry or Gluten Free Double Chocolate! Plus 10 more creative cookie recipes. (Press on titles for recipes) For the holidays – do not miss: Holiday Hors D’Oeuvres , Pick-Up Appetizers & Nibbles These […]
Natural Strawberry Mexican Wedding Cookies
These addictive melt-in-your-mouth cookies are getting a flavor revamp with crushed freeze dried strawberries. Enjoy these powdered sugar-dusted, crunchy, nut-filled cookies ~ a true holiday treat! I have named these cookies ” Mexican Wedding Cookies” yet similar cookies called Snowball Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes and sometime Mexican Wedding Cakes. The cookies have a distinctive tangy strawberry essence without artificial […]
How to Make the BEST Potato Latkes! & After Thanksgiving Recipes for your Leftovers
Just when we have digested the Thanksgiving dinner (and leftovers the entire weekend) – Chanukah is here! And it’s time to enjoy some crispy latkes. There is still time to creatively use up your tasty leftovers… see below. Enjoy Potato Latkes this week ~ learn the tricks of a crispy yet light potato pancake. There are many interesting flavor combinations. […]
After Thanksgiving Recipes with your Leftovers
Here’s what I’m cooking up with the holiday’s leftovers. Soup, Salad, Throw-back Casserole, Tacos, Chef Salad, Frittata and more – create new meals for the week with minimal effort. After Thanksgiving – besides dunking roast turkey into russian dressing (homemade of course) I crave this soup! It’s zesty lemony flavor with many vegetables mingling in […]
Thanksgiving Appetizers, Mains, Sides & Desserts – I’ve Got You Covered!
Finish writing your grocery lists with some of these classic, inventive and healthy recipes for Thanksgiving! Appetizers! Some light nibbles while your guests are arriving, drinking, toasting and anticipating the holiday meal. Simple to make – roll mixture into a log – chill, slice & bake! Top with garden herbs for an elegant touch. A […]
Lightened-Up Dark Chocolate Crème Brûlée
A cracked caramel-sugar top with a creamy chocolate dessert underneath. Made entirely with milk, not a drop of heavy cream! Lightened-Up: Creamy, decadent and delicious… decadent but not too rich! Ingredients for Chocolate Crème Brûlée ~ Port Wine soaked Cherries optional I really love all custard-y sweets – there are dozens of culinary desserts based on […]
Sunchoke & Kabocha Soup with Fabulous Garnishes
Sunchokes lend a creaminess to warm soups, perfectly paired with the velvety smooth Kabocha Squash for a wonderful Fall & Winter Soup. A great festive yet simple recipe for Thanksgiving. Vegan. I love serving soup on Thanksgiving! Why not try serving a soup with appetizers in individual shot glasses? A simple soup with 6 yummy garnishes! […]
Pistachio-Allspice “Biscuit” Shortbread – Ode to Ted Lasso
A delicious melt-in-your-mouth shortbread you will love! And wouldn’t Rebecca from the Ted Lasso television series approve? Here are traditional British Biscuits, in America they are Shortbreads – revived with nuts & spice. While watching Apple TV’s series Ted Lasso, I would wonder as Ted (Jason Sudeikis) drops off a little pink box of biscuits to Rebecca […]
Flavors of Fall – 20 Irresistible Squash & Apple Recipes!
Here to inspire you – what to cook that is in season right now! Comforting & nutritious recipes prepared with seasonal ingredients to warm you up from the inside and make you enjoy the fall season at its fullest. Cook & Bake with confidence with my healthy and well-tested recipes. Press on the green titles for all […]