Currently Browsing: I Love Garlic!

Fantastic Fennel Parmesan in a black baking pan

Fantastic Fennel Parmesan

Perfectly sliced Roasted Fennel is getting topped with Garlicky Bread Crumbs, Tomato Sauce, Fresh Cut Tomatoes and topped with Shaved Parmesan. A Lightened-Up Veggie Parmesan!  Fennel is delicious raw – thinly sliced and tossed into salads. When cooked, fennel softens, the flavor becomes sweet and mild with a luscious creamy texture. Similar to anise, fennel […]

Double Garlic Pizza with Roasted & Chopped fresh Garlic

Garlic Garlic Pizza!

Karen’s Perfect Pizza Dough is topped with a Roasted Garlic purée, Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, dollops of Ricotta Cheese & Marinara and Chopped Garlic. Fresh Oregano & Basil with a pinch of Hot Pepper Flakes add to this crave-worthy Pizza! Back from the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival – Garlicky Pizza is what I’m craving to use […]

Kabocha Squash Soup with Apples and Cashew Crema ~ Vegan

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 […]

Roasted Honeynut Squash with Buckwheat Pilaf - Gluten Free

Roasted Honeynut Squash Stuffed with a Kasha & Vegetable Pilaf

Super Sweet Honeynut Squash is special and in season! It’s small size boasts a sweet and nutty flavor with a hint of caramel. Easily roasted and stuffed with a Kasha (Buckwheat) Pilaf with plenty of Roasted Peppers, Red Onions, Herbs and Creamy Goat Cheese. The most delicious Fall main course or side dish! Buckwheat is […]

Crazy Delicious cedar Planked Salmon with Honey, Soy & Ginger

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. […]

Corn Salad with Browned Butter Vinaigrette

Favorite Summer Recipes! New: Corn Salad with Browned Butter Vinaigrette

There still are a few weeks of Summer left to use up all those fabulous fresh local veggies! Try a new recipe while the weather is still warm… Fall rolls in on September 22nd. It feels like I have been eating corn every night all summer long! I created this salad with minimal ingredients and […]

Heirloom Tomatoes Over Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs and Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette

Heirloom Tomatoes Over Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs and Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette

Heirloom Tomatoes are at their peak right now – take advantage of their superior taste and beautiful hues. A wonderful summer pasta salad – best served at rom temperature. This recipe is a breeze ~ Tomatoes Marinate in a Zesty Vinaigrette (adds a burst of bright flavors) – then tossed with Spaghetti (while it’s still warm […]

Tomato Vinaigrette over lettuce hearts

Fabulous Fresh Tomato Vinaigrette

In the height of the Tomato Season – make this vinaigrette for many salads and for drizzling over roasted or grilled proteins and vegetables. Made in a blender!  The method ~ remove seeds from tomatoes with your fingers, cut tomatoes in half and grate, discard the skins. Add all ingredients to the blender saving some […]

Burst Heirloom Tomatoes Over Pasta with Shrimp in vintage bowl

Burst Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes over Pasta & Shrimp

Create a Quick Sauce with Local Cherry Heirloom Tomatoes to Toss With Pasta and Shrimp. Tomatoes “burst” – fall slightly apart with all of their natural sweet juices. Your choice – use the sauce with or without the shrimp. Vegan if you omit the cheese (and of course the shrimp.) I have used Gluten Free Pasta […]

Sliced brick chicken breast on a Summer vegetable ragout in white bowl

Chicken Breasts Under a Brick with a Vegetable Ragoût

Tender chicken with an outrageous crispy crust pairs with a vegetables melange of carrots, turnips & corn and a rosemary pan-sauce. The ultimate one-pan healthy comfort food main dish. Cooking chicken breasts under a brick creates not only a crispy skin – but a perfectly cooked and tender interior. “Brick Chicken” is seared skin-side down with a […]

Watermelon Coconut Salad with Thai Dressing on a square plate

Watermelon & Coconut Salad with Thai Dressing

Keeping it simple – Crunch, Color and Flavor! A wonderful and refreshing summer salad. Such an easy salad to put together – a cool salad for warm Summer days and nights. Shaved Fresh Coconut is a must! (Easily found at many grocery store & health food shops – coconut meat chunked out of it’s shell – […]

Chickpea "Baked Beans" with Lettuce Wrapped Chicken Burger

Chickpea “Baked Beans”

Tastes like the best homemade baked beans but better! More easily digested than all beans! No barbecue feast or picnic is complete without them! Vegan, Vegetarian & Gluten Free. Any homemade baked beans are superior to canned! See below all the preservatives, chemicals and “natural flavors” most major companies add. I Love Baked Beans – just […]

Grilled caponata in a vintage baking dish with oregano and pine nuts

Grilled Caponata – A New Twist with Deep Flavor!

From the Mediterranean area – Caponata is a Sicilian eggplant relish or eggplant salad typically served room temperature. I’m seriously grilling lately – so I have turned one of my favorite dishes into a grilled spectacular Italian dish. Caponata is a Sicilian eggplant relish or eggplant salad typically served room temperature. This vegetarian feast has […]

Karen’s Best Cajun Seasoning Blend

Karen’s Best Cajun Seasoning Blend

The most flavorful Cajun Seasoning Blend with a nice spicy kick! See the important ingredients that make it special. Salt-free ~ add salt when needed. Enjoy the spice! Karen The most flavorful Cajun Seasoning Blend with a nice spicy kick! See the important ingredients that make it special. Salt-free ~ add salt when needed. Use […]

Sesame Coated Falafel in Pita Bread with Tahini Sauce

How to Make Falafel at Home – With Zesty Tahini Sauce

A Middle Eastern plant-based healthful fritter does not need to be deep fried. See my method for pan-frying and then finishing in the oven for the tastiest falafel! Gluten Free. Crispy & Crunchy with tender insides and bold flavors – enjoy making them at home!  Falafel is a fantastic vegan-friendly meal that is packed full of […]

Chimichurri sauce in a vintage glass bowl

Zesty Chimichurri Sauce and How To Use It!

This classic Argentinian Sauce takes only minutes to make and the perfect little sauce/condiment to pair with all your grilling specialties. Chimichurri is a herb-based raw sauce & condiment – you simply chop and stir all the ingredients together. No two recipes are alike – this is how I make it ~ “a mixture of […]

Grilled Asparagus & Hearts of Palm in a quilted pattern with Chimichurri Sauce on a vintage white plate

Grilled Asparagus & Hearts of Palm Salad with Chimichurri

A creative and healthy stunning salad with my master Chimichurri sauce/condiment I had fun putting this together! First, I found these amazing FAT asparagus from Mexico. I’ll have to wait a few more weeks until local asparagus are cut from the fields. I thought Hearts of Palm are a similar size, so I paired the […]

Delicious Dan Dan Noodles with Tofu & Mushrooms in modern white bowls

Delicious Dan Dan Noodles – They’re Vegan!

Dan Dan Noodles are a traditional street food from Sichuan, China and can easily be recreated in your home kitchen! I’m lightening them up with Tofu & Mushrooms in place of pork, and adding vibrant greens. I love these noodles! A combustion of flavors — savory, nutty, spicy, and smoky. It’s Earth Day! We’re celebrating […]

Iraqi Seasoning Spice Blend with my Fabulous Iraqi Seasoned Grilled Chicken

Iraqi Seasoning Spice Blend with my Fabulous Iraqi Seasoned Grilled Chicken

Spice Blends adds zest & power-house of flavor and aroma – and totally transforms food from bland to fabulous. Experience New Flavors with this versatile Spice Blend. Are you passionate about adding flavor to foods? Be adventurous with spices and elevate your cooking to a whole other level! Spices allow you to be creative and adventurous […]

Tzimmes Chicken with Balsamic- Rosemary Sauce

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 […]

Quick Caesar Salad Dressing with Caesar Tacos and Garlic Breadcrumbs

Quick Caesar Dressing You Will Love!

This method takes away the raw egg yet adds all the zesty flavors! Add all ingredients to a bowl, whisk in extra virgin olive oil until nicely emulsified. Ingredients you will use: Fresh garlic, grainy mustard & dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, worcestershire sauce, grated parmesan cheese, natural mayonnaise, anchovies, freshly cracked pepper and extra […]

Tomato & Fennel Soup with Parmesan Crisps in a mid-century bowl

Herbed Tomato and Fennel Soup with Parmesan Crisps

In the Mediterranean Tradition – the flavors here are a combination of mellow and bold. Aromatic Basil and Fennel both have hints of anise (licorice) and team beautifully with sweet San Marzano Tomatoes. Soup making is about using the best quality ingredients and understanding the method of how to prepare it to perfection. Use the freshest […]

Romaine, shaved cucumbers, shaved radishes and microgreens with a Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette on a modern white plate

Simple Romaine Salad with Shaved Cucumbers and Radishes with a Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette

Lots of crunch with a Zesty Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette Shaving vegetables brings a nice look and texture to a salad. Shave with a sharp, wide vegetable peeler… so easy and fun. I like to have watermelon and purple daikon radishes in my fridge, they are great keepers and add a blast of gorgeous color and […]

Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette with cut lemons and whisk

Preserved Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette and How to Use It

Tangy, Mellow and Zesty! A Fabulous Full-Of-Flavor Vinaigrette with many uses beyond salads. This dressing is simple to make – a few tricks, and you will learn how to emulsify it correctly! Preserved Lemons are special.  The lemon flavor intensifies and the salt and fermentation creates a punchy umami characteristic that lends incredible depth to dishes. […]

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 […]

Cheesy Swiss Fondue with Garlic & Chives – Not Just for Entertaining

Karen’s Cheesy Swiss Fondue with Garlic & Chives

While fondue might be the ultimate party food- I’m in the mood for it’s silky, stingy texture and assertive flavor, and have decided to have a fondue night at home. Indulgent, okay just a little, but it only sounds fancy – it’s incredible simple to make! I really got into the idea and decided to […]

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 […]

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.

Karen's Pasta Puttanesca with Fresh Tomatoes

Karen’s Pasta Puttanesca with Fresh Tomatoes

A vibrant sauce takes makes only minutes to prepare – this is one of my favorite dishes ~ Buon appetito! The sauce is cooked in a big skillet – pasta is folded in, then served Puttanesca Sauce is big on flavor! Use fresh tomatoes if you can; the rest are pantry ingredients. Chock full of fresh […]

Summertime Panzanella Tomato Salad – you should be eating this right now!

Summertime Panzanella Tomato Salad – you should be eating this right now!

Ripe Heirloom Tomatoes team with Garlicky Toasted Bread and Plenty of Basil Leaves. Top with my Zesty “Shaken” Italian Dressing and scatter some thinly sliced Red Onions and cubes of Cucumber. The Simple Ingredients: IN SEASON Heirloom Tomatoes Gently Toasted Bread Red Sweet Onion Local Cucumbers Fresh Basil Karen’s “Shaken” Italian Dressing The Heirloom Tomatoes I […]

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 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 […]

Thai Basil Pesto – and what to do with it!

Thai Basil Pesto – and what to do with it!

The flavor has a pronounced licorice essence and a little spicy kick. So many uses – see my list. Find this wonderful variety at farmers’ markets. Makes a delicious and unique pesto! Thai Basil Pesto adorns Pasta Squares, Roasted Zucchini and Toasted Pignoli Nuts Karen’s Thai Basil Pesto includes Thai Basil Leaves, Garlic, Pignoli Nuts, Nutritional Yeast, […]

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! […]

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! […]

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.

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

Crispy Croutons with Grainy Mustard and Garlic

Crispy Croutons with Grainy Mustard and Garlic

Just the most flavorful croutons! Tons of delicious zesty flavors.

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 […]

Karen’s Creamy Hummus with Harissa

Karen’s Creamy Hummus with Harissa

Harrisa is a flavor-bomb sauce/condiment and pairs wonderfully with mellow hummus.

Skewered Shrimp Scampi Appetizer

Karen’s Skewered Shrimp Scampi Appetizer

Sautéed Shrimp in a Hearty Garlic Herbal Butter Sauce Skewered with a Cube of Sourdough Bread to Soak up the Flavors I’m loving how the toasted bread cube sits in the perfectly delicious (and easy) scampi sauce. Who is going to resist these?? A Simple Scampi Sauce – I’ve added a boost of flavor with […]

Roasted Garlic Tahini Dressing and Dip

Roasted Garlic Tahini Dressing and Dip

A fabulous dressing and dip that is a game-changer for every cook! Creamy, garlicky (yet mild from the roasted garlic), slightly sweetened with maple syrup and enough zesty flavor from fresh squeezed lemon.  

The Ultimate Kale, Romaine and Chickpea Salad with Roasted Garlic Tahini Dressing

The Ultimate Kale, Romaine and Chickpea Salad with Roasted Garlic Tahini Dressing

Chock full of antioxidants and complementary flavors! The Roasted Garlic Tahini Dressing is a game-changer for every cook, full of zesty-robust tang. I enjoy serving with spiced grilled chicken for a main course salad.

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.

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!

Ground Turkey “Meat Sauce” with Fresh Tomato Sauce

Ground Turkey “Meat Sauce” with Fresh Tomato Sauce

Doesn’t get more delicious than this! Laced with Onions, Shallots, Garlic and my Fresh Tomato Sauce – it’s my go to sauce for a comforting weeknight meal.

How to Make Fresh Tomato Sauce

How to Make Fresh Tomato Sauce

End of Summer / Early Fall Tomatoes are put to great use in a wonderful simmered sauce you can savor well into Fall and Winter. Make my wonderful Ground Turkey “Meat Sauce” with Fresh Tomato Sauce too!

How to Quick Pickle Vegetables

How to Quick Pickle Vegetables

Crunch on these! Eat them right out of the jar, or chop them up – they lend bright flavors to all kinds of dishes. Fun, easy and super-quick to prepare! These Pickled Vegetables have a little spice going on too — mustard seeds, chile peppers, multi-colored peppercorns, sliced garlic along with vinegars. I’ve chosen Fiesta Striped […]

Beet Tzatziki Sauce with Spiced Chicken Skewers

Beet Tzatziki Sauce with Spiced Chicken Skewers

Healthy and Oh-So Colorful! A Zesty But Light Sauce enriches many recipes and perfect with my Grilled Chicken Skewers. This is a versatile sauce that is the perfect accompaniment to many Mediterranean dishes. You can also slather it on your sandwiches; or simply use it as a dip with warm pita and your favorite vegetables.

Cold Tomato Bread Soup with Basil (Karen’s take on “Salmorejo”)

Cold Tomato Bread Soup with Basil (Karen’s take on “Salmorejo”)

THE Summer Soup to devour! Healthy and delicious ~ a lightened up version with personality, creaminess and flavor. Vegan. My Cold Tomato Bead Soup with Basil is a take on the Andalucia region’s famous soup: Salmorejo from Spain. The ingredients are few – ripe, dark red vine ripened tomatoes are a must.

Mediterranean EVOO Herb & Corn Sauce for Chicken

Mediterranean EVOO Herb & Corn Sauce for Chicken and Fish

A light and hearty Mediterranean “Sauce” for Chicken, Fish and beyond. An Extra Virgin Olive Oil Based Pan Sauce combines Garlic, Shallots, Five Herbs and Fresh Corn. A super-quick and healthy sauce you whip up in a skillet in minutes. What does this sauce work with? … well everything!

Charred Sugar Snap Peas on the Grill with Hazelnut-Sesame Sauce

Charred Sugar Snap Peas on the Grill with Hazelnut-Sesame Sauce

Tender crisp with a smoky essence ~ these peas are finished with a zesty and spicy nutty sauce… time to heat up the grill! An AMAZINGLY Delicious Side Dish!! Add proteins and noodles you like for a complete meal.

Thai Coconut Ginger Chicken in an Instant Pot

Thai Coconut Ginger Chicken in an Instant Pot

Stewed Chicken is so tender and delicious in an Instant Pot! This is a favorite recipe of mine I thought I would share. What’s for dinner?? Make this fabulous Thai flavored recipe and eat it for days (reheats wonderfully!) The chicken stays succulent in this rich sauce… but not heavy or too caloric. I always […]

Weeknight Filet of Sole with Mustard Sauce

Weeknight Filet of Sole with Mustard Sauce

A quick & tasty meal finished in minutes ~ stir together a Mustard, Herb, Garlic & Mayo Sauce, coat the fish and simply broil… genius!! A little taste of France ~ and updated: Filets de flet à la moutarde for today’s taste.Use the freshest Filet of Sole! I got mine from a shop on the […]

Lemony Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dressing

Lemony Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dressing with Many Uses

A zesty and healthy dressing you whisk and refrigerate. Drizzle on lettuces, composed salads and serve on the side of roasted vegetables or fish.

Luscious Tomatillo Sauce

Pressed Grilled Chicken with Luscious Tomatillo Sauce

Lightening up after the Holidays ~ Marinated, Pressed Grilled Chicken with a Zesty Tomatillo Sauce over Quinoa with Veggies – low in calories, high in flavor

Incredible Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

Incredible Instant Pot Split Pea Soup – With Too Many Vegetables

The comfort soup of the season! Your Instant Pot will cook this soup beautifully… healthy & hearty. Want to make on the stovetop? ~ See instructions below. 

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