Currently Browsing: Holidays
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” – plus NEW: Delicata Squash Bake with Parmesan Breadcrumbs
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 […]
21 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 […]
Crazy Delicious Cedar Planked Salmon with Honey, Soy & Ginger Glaze
Tender Fillet Of Salmon gets a smokey essence from the cedar plank – but most of all the texture is outrageous and silky smooth! An easy whisked Asian-inspired Marinade also becomes the Glaze! Don’t be intimidated – this is a quite simple recipe and on you should be making if you are a salmon lover. […]
Braised Tzimmes Chicken with Balsamic-Rosemary Sauce for Passover and Rosh Hashana
This recipe has what you are looking for! Roast succulent pieces of chicken, seasoned perfectly with the addition of allspice – with hints of cloves, cinnamon and pepper. Chock full of ingredients – as you can see! Brimming with Colorful Heirloom Carrots, Shallots, Prunes and Garlic and the most delicious Balsamic-Rosemary Sauce… or should I […]
Chocolate Lava Cakes with Peanut Butter Truffles
Let Your LOVE Flow this Valentine’s Day with this Yummy, Fudgy Treat! Dark Chocolate Cake – with an oozing filling of swirling chocolate & peanut butter. This Valentine’s Day treat your sweetie to a delicious, rich, dense and fudgy cake – perfect for sharing! A chocolate treat that has a warm, gooey, flowing chocolate-peanut butter center. Who […]
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.
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
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