Currently Browsing: I Love Garlic!

Unbelievable Mild Apple Cider Hot Sauce

Unbelievable Mild Apple Cider Hot Sauce

A mild kick – this homemade hot sauce you can slather on! Easy and fun to prepare in just a few minutes. Homemade Hot Sauce adds zip to healthy, often ordinary table fare. You’ll have control of the ingredients and level of heat. I love a flavorful “mild version” although you can add a higher level […]

Gluten-Free Cacio e Pepe (pasta with pepper and grated cheese)

Cacio e Pepe is a quick and tasty Roman Pasta Dish with a creamy, stirred peppery sauce ~ which is getting a little makeover. I’ve added roasted zucchini and chopped garlic to the traditional recipe ~ delicious! This gluten-free spaghetti is the best I’ve tried… use traditional pasta too. I’ve changed up the classic recipe (yes, […]

Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette

Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette

For a mild yet flavorful vinaigrette, cook garlic cloves slowly in extra virgin olive oil, add shallots

Summer Charred Tomato Salsa Over Brined Grilled Chicken

Summer Charred Tomato Salsa Over Brined Grilled Chicken

Learn how to Char Tomatoes over a wood fire to make the perfect light Summer Salsa. Brining Chicken Breasts insures a juicy interior. Soaking wood chips – and adding them to a V-shaped metal smoking box transforms a gas grill to something special… a smoky essence lingers in the Salsa and Chicken.

Beet and Tahini Dressing

Beet and Tahini Dressing

A creamy tart-nutty dressing with a gorgeous pink hue. Healthy and a great addition to a composed salad Try this dressing on my: Buddha Bowl With Beets, Quinoa and a Bevy of Vegetables (see recipe)

Zesty Sumac - Lemon Dressing

Zesty Sumac- Lemon Dressing

A tart an aromatic dressing, perfect for Mediterranean Salads. Pomegranate Molasses adds a boost of flavor and color. Sumac has a lovely, nearly purple color, and a tart flavor that is reminiscent of vinegar or lemon

Grilled Sea Bass with Eggplant, Tomato & Herb Salad

Grilled Sea Bass with Eggplant, Tomato & Herb Salad

Nothing better than really fresh fish with a wonderful vegetable preparation. Sea Bass has a meaty texture and pairs well with the Grilled Eggplant and Tomato Salad in a Zesty Vinaigrette  This recipe has a Mediterranean feel, lack of dairy and loaded with local vegetables.

Karen's Hummus with Za'atar in an Instant Pot

Karen’s Hummus with Za’atar in an Instant Pot

You will love the texture of this Creamy Hummus ~ wonderful Middle Eastern flavors with Za’atar seasonings: a mix of toasted Sesame Seeds, Sumac, Thyme and Sea Salt. An Instant Pot produces perfectly plump, cooked chickpeas.

Karen’s Corn Salsa

Karen’s Corn Salsa

This simple corn salsa has a puréed base which gives it stability and creaminess.

A little condiment with big, bold flavors

Karen’s Quick Harissa Sauce / Paste

The main ingredients in this zippy and zesty Harissa are chili peppers, red bell pepper, caraway seeds, cumin and extra virgin olive oil. Can alter the spiciness… the pungent and earthy flavor of  the caraway seeds make it special.. and quite versatile! A quick sauce, packed with flavor and gorgeous color. Keep some in the fridge […]

You must try this Lebanese-Style Garlic Sauce – a bold alternative to mayonnaise.

Easy Lebanese Garlic Sauce

You must try this Lebanese-Style Garlic Sauce – a bold alternative to mayonnaise. Called “toum” –  a delicious condiment and can be used as a dip, spread or whisked into many culinary creations. The addition of a little steamed potato, insures the sauce does not break, and tames the garlic’s pungency a bit. This pungent garlic flavor is […]

Spring Asparagus Spears are cooked in Parchment Paper with Lemon Rind, Garlic, Tarragon and Butter ~ an easy method with delicious results

Spring Asparagus Cooked in Parchment Over Pasta

Spring Asparagus Spears are cooked in Parchment Paper with Lemon Rind, Garlic, Tarragon and Butter ~ an easy method with delicious results! A wonderful light dish which is simple to prepare. I love adding roasted Jerusalem Artichoke slices and Fresh Peas into the mix… see recipe. Loaded with Vegetables… actually more veggies than pasta!

Smoked Paprika Aioli (Spanish garlicky mayonnaise)

Karen’s Smoked Paprika Aioli (Garlicky Flavorful Mayonnaise)

Whisked by hand in a few minutes ~ a smokey, garlicky mayonnaise with a zesty flavor. An ingredient in my Spanish Mushroom Tapas Recipe. Use wherever you need a flavorful mayonnaise.

Warm Asparagus and Spinach Dip Lightened-Up

Warm Asparagus and Spinach Dip – Lightened Up

This delicious warm dip is a perfect appetizer for game day! Asparagus replaces artichokes for a flavor-twist. A bevy of vegetables keeps the fat content at bay.  A Killer Dip that won’t kill your waistline! A spin on the classic spinach artichoke dip… hot and bubbling from the oven, is pretty hard to beat.

Celery Root Bisque Soup with Garlic Pita Croutons Recipe

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. A warming soup garnished with Garlic-Herb Pita Croutons and a Cashew Crema Swirl. Cashew Crema Swirl: Soak Raw Cashews – combine with 1/4 cup coconut […]

An Instant Pot transforms this Tandoori Chicken into a fall-off-the-bone delicious delight!

Fabulous Tandoori Chicken in an Instant Pot

New Year’s Cooking Resolution: Try Something New. An Instant Pot transforms this Tandoori Chicken into a fall-off-the-bone delicious delight! Recipe given for oven method too.

A Zesty Pink Peppercorn Vinaigrette adds tang and bite. Drizzle over: Winter White Salad

Pink Peppercorn Vinaigrette

A Zesty Pink Peppercorn Vinaigrette adds tang and bite. Drizzle over: Winter White Salad (see recipe) Pink Peppercorns have a fruity and peppery flavor. They aren’t actually, in fact, a member of the peppercorn family, but are the berries of Peruvian pepper tree that grows throughout South America. Buy them whole and grind in a spice grinder, crush […]

Basil, Kale & Chive Pistou

Basil, Kale & Chive Pistou

An Herbal Pistou ~ Basil, Kale and Chives with garlic and extra virgin olive oil processed to a creamy paste. Adds a zesty and flavorful essence to soups, brushetta, pasta, vegetables and more! Similar to Pesto, but without nuts. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is optional…delicious without.

A wonderful, hearty and healthy Vegetable Soup with Mediterranean ingredients.

Mediterranean Vegetable Soup

Here is how I make a wonderful, hearty and healthy Vegetable Soup with Mediterranean ingredients. This is a guide… use the ingredients you have or prefer to your taste. Easily made gluten-free.

a luscious vinaigrette made with your leftover cranberry sauce

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.

Kabocha Squash Soup with Apples and Cashew Crema - Vegan

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. […]

Zesty Caribbean Flavors in the meatballs and this creamy, addictive sauce! Gluten- Free and Dairy Free.

Spiced Caribbean Chicken Meatballs in Coconut Milk Gravy

Zesty Caribbean Flavors in the meatballs and this creamy, addictive sauce! Gluten- Free and Dairy Free. A wonderful main course or the ultimate appetizer.

Fall Salad with Pears, Pomegranate Seeds and Zesty Garlic

Fall Salad with Pears, Pomegranate Seeds and Zesty Garlic Confit Vinaigrette

A light Fall Salad with crunchy textures dressed with a Zesty-Lemony Vinaigrette with Confit Garlic A delicious and healthy Fall Salad with Caramelized Pears, three Greens, julienned Purple Carrots, Pecan Halves, Pomegranate Seeds and an awesome Zesty Garlic Confit Vinaigrette. Serve with my Garlic Cheesy Toast (with Garlic Confit)

A Zesty-Lemony Vinaigrette with mellow Garlic Confit ~ softened Garlic and Oil

Zesty Garlic Confit Vinaigrette

A Zesty-Lemony Vinaigrette with mellow Garlic Confit ~ softened Garlic and Oil  

A Zesty Salsa with an extraordinary- fresh flavor.

Raw Tomatillo Salsa

A Zesty Salsa with an extraordinary- fresh flavor. Choose tomatillos that are ripe, firm  with a nice vibrant green color.

A wonderful hearty soup; creamy and chunky and full of flavor!

Vegan Creamy Corn Chowder

A wonderful hearty soup; creamy and chunky and full of flavor! Take advantage of late summer corn – it’s been a wonderful season.

Karen’s Fresh Caramelized Corn and Roasted Tomato Salsa

Charred and stirred in a skillet, then cooled, this summer salsa packs a lot of flavor! Who doesn’t love a good homemade salsa? Summer corn is at it’s glory right now! Varieties like Silver Queen (a generic name for white corn), Golden Bantam for yellow and Butter and Sugar for bicolor corn – take your pick…all […]

Whisk these ingredients together for a zesty ranch dressing

Homemade Zesty Ranch Sauce and Dressing

So much better than store-bought! Whisk these ingredients together – for a sauce… add some lemon juice for a dressing If you like this recipe, SUBSCRIBE (here) to my weekly newsletter ~ never miss a recipe!

A twist on the Spanish “Tortita” ~ these vegetable griddle cakes are delicious.. you can’t eat just one!

Karen’s Corn and Zucchini Tortitas

A twist on the Spanish “Tortita” ~ these vegetable griddle cakes are delicious.. you can’t eat just one! With good-for you ingredients, chock full of zucchini, corn, scallions, jalapeño, feta, grated parmesan and a generous mound of fresh dill. Eat alone, with your favorite salsa, or, as my mother would do- sour cream. I just […]

Karen’s Smokey & Cheesy Grits

Karen’s Smokey & Cheesy Grits

Smoked garlic and maple smoked cheddar make it special. Perfectly paired with grilled shrimp over creamy stirred grits. Parsley joins basil in the pesto mix.

Asian-Style Satay Sauce made with Sunflower Seed Butter for a nutty-sweet flavor, yet NUT FREE.

Sunflower Satay Sauce ~ for Noodles and Grilled Chicken Skewers (Peanut-Free)

Asian-Style Satay Sauce made with Sunflower Seed Butter for a nutty-sweet flavor, yet NUT FREE. Easy blended sauce for Noodles and Grilled Chicken Skewers. Top with Sunflower Seeds and Sunflower Sprouts!

It's mildly spicy, creamy, savory flavor makes it more than just delicious… it’s addictive!

Karen’s Butter Chicken

Most Probably the Best Known of all Indian Dishes ~ It’s mildly spicy, creamy, savory flavor makes it more than just delicious… it’s addictive! Note: I use coconut milk instead of heavy cream in many classic recipes… I think it’s delicious. This recipe is well worth the time – the second time you prepare it, it […]

A bevy of vegetables enrich this soup, ginger and garlic add a boost of flavor

Chicken in the Pot Soup with Many Vegetables, Rice Noodles and Fresh Ginger

Comfort Soup in a Bowl. Gluten-Free.

A delicious and versatile sauce topped with a yogurt marinated grilled chicken kebob. Spice up your palate! The sauce is Vegan.

Coconut-Cashew Curry Sauce with Indian Flavors ~ Spiced Chicken Kebab

A delicious and versatile sauce topped with a yogurt marinated grilled chicken kebob. Spice up your palate! The sauce is Vegan.

A satisfying and nutritious soup with creamy pine nuts blended in ~ warming and inviting.

Healthful Carrot and Pine Nut Soup

A satisfying and nutritious soup with creamy pine nuts blended in ~ warming and inviting.  An easy blender soup enriched with colorful heirloom carrots, steamed, and added to the pot. Baking the nuts with smokey seasonings and coconut oil awakens the soup and adds a layer of characteristic flavor.

Love hummus? Beetroot dip triumphs with flavor and color! There’s a new, healthy dip in town.

Beetroot Spread & Dip – a great alternative to hummus.

Love hummus? Beetroot dip triumphs with flavor and color! There’s a new, healthy dip in town. Tips for building the ultimate vegetarian sandwich!

A healthy, vibrant green dressing with zest! Chimichurri is a piquant sauce or marinade (in South American and Mexican cooking)

Chimichurri Dressing

A healthy, vibrant green dressing with zest! Chimichurri is a piquant sauce or marinade (in South American and Mexican cooking) ~ I’ve used the ingredients and created this dressing.

A beautiful bright color and an herbal-zesty flavor, made in a blender ~ use as a dressing and dip

Green Goddess Dressing and Dip

A beautiful bright color and an herbal-zesty flavor, made in a blender ~ use as a dressing and dip

A robust soup with plenty of vegetables and spiced up with traditional Cuban flavors. Garnished with a lemon-crema and irresistible baked plantains. Warming and healthy! Vegetarian and Gluten-Free.

Cuban Style Lentil Soup with Baked Plantains and Lemon Crema

A robust soup with plenty of vegetables and spiced up with traditional Cuban flavors. Garnished with a lemon-crema and irresistible baked plantains. Warming and healthy! Vegetarian and Gluten-Free.

A fabulous versatile seasoning blend with a Cuban-kick. Perfect for vegetables, rice, beans, legumes, poultry, meat and veggies proteins.

Karen’s Homemade Salt Free Sazón Cuban Seasoning

A fabulous versatile seasoning blend with a Cuban-kick. Perfect for vegetables, rice, beans, legumes, poultry, meat and veggies proteins. Sazón Ingredients: Includes some of the unhealthiest & worst ingredients!Monosodium glutamate, salt, dehydrated garlic, cumin, yellow 5, tricalcium phosphate (an anti-caking agent), coriander, annatto (color), red 40  

Sizzling Flounder with Soy, Lemon and Sesame

Sizzling Flounder with Soy, Lemon and Sesame

To commemorate Chinese New Year, I am sharing one of my all-time favorite recipes: Sizzling Flounder. Simple Asian flavors surround this healthy, light and delicious dish – a must try for my readers.

It’s Winter Citrus Season – these low acid, sweet Cara Cara navel oranges entice a Caesar-style dressing with zest! A Wonderful – Simple Salad with crunch and a daily dose of garlic.

Little Gem Salad with Cara Cara Caesar-ish Dressing with Garlic Parmesan Toasts

It’s Winter Citrus Season – these low acid, sweet Cara Cara navel oranges entice a Caesar-style dressing with zest! A Wonderful – Simple Salad with crunch and a daily dose of garlic.

This packet-steaming method produces incredibly tender chicken with minimal effort. An attractive presentation – perfect for a weeknight meal… elegant enough for company

Asian Chicken in Parchment – Homemade Hoisin Sauce

This packet-steaming method produces incredibly tender chicken with minimal effort. An attractive presentation – perfect for a weeknight meal… elegant enough for company

Serve the warm mushrooms and offer glasses of full-bodied Tuscan wine

Tuscan Stuffed Mushrooms

The pick up appetizer that’s a party-pleaser, your guests will ask you for the recipe! Ring in the New Year with these make-ahead delicious morsels.

Mediterranean spices - fabulous rubbed into poultry, mix with olive oil for a delicious spread – use with bread, dips, hummus, vegetables, meat, salad dressings and salad.

Karen’s Za’atar Seasoning Blend

Za’atar, an intensely aromatic and ancient spice blend and condiment with eastern Mediterranean spices. Fabulous rubbed into poultry, mix with olive oil for a delicious spread – use with bread, dips, hummus, vegetables, meat, salad dressings and salad.

Baked Potato Soup with Potato Skin Croutons Recipe

Baked Potato Soup with Potato Skin Croutons

THE soup to fuel you through winter! Bake potatoes, use the flesh for the soup, skins for “croutons.”  Healthy and lightened up with broth, milk and loaded with vegetables.

A wonderful spread with roasted garlic cloves for a mellow touch. Add some zest with the balsamic-honey drizzle

Goat Cheese and Garlic Pâté with Walnuts and Chives ~ Balsamic-Honey Drizzle

Holiday Entertaining just got a little easier with this tempting pâté – the perfect appetizer for Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. This Garlic – flavored pâté (a creamy, composed dip) makes a great start to any meal as it awakens your taste buds! Truly simple to prepare – start by roasting the three garlic heads in the oven […]

A comforting, warm bowl of flavorful noodles infused with flavors of ginger, garlic, red chiles and coconut milk. A quick basting sauce transforms tofu & chicken into delicious morsels to toss in. A large dose of vegetables makes for a healthful meal.

Coconut Curry Noodles with Tofu and Chicken

A comforting, warm bowl of flavorful noodles infused with flavors of ginger, garlic, red chiles and coconut milk.  A quick basting sauce transforms tofu & chicken into delicious morsels to toss in. A large dose of vegetables makes for a healthful meal. 

Rustic Tomato Soup with extra garlic and grilled cheese croutons

Tomato Garlic Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

A childhood favorite combination – now with a little sophistication. The perfect kind of comfort food together in one bowl of soup. Redesigned with a lingering mellow garlic essence.

The Ultimate Chicken Stew with Fall Vegetables, Apple Brandy and Tarragon, Gluten Free

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. 

Skillet Succotash with fresh corn, lima beans, butter beans, (optional) multi-colored zucchini, caramelized shallots and a touch of jalapeño.

Karen’s Skillet Succotash

Succotash is a simple corn and beans sauté. A traditional dish of many Thanksgiving celebrations in New England – first developed by the Narraganset Indians in Rhode Island. Today, many chefs add ingredients that are local to them, or that complement the mix. 

Made from garden-ripe tomatoes, no cooking required. "Raw sauce" combines garden fresh tomatoes and seasonings in a blender

Garden Tomato Raw Sauce

Made from garden-ripe tomatoes, no cooking required. A fresh tasting sauce for pizza.

Grilled Pizza - Hot off the grill, delicious, crispy and smokey pizza – restaurant quality at home!

Grilled Pizza with Raw Garden Tomato Sauce

Steamed Spiralized Zucchini topped with a Pungent Sun Dried Pesto with Basil Leaves and Pine Nuts – A healthy low-carb delicious dish

Zucchini Noodles with Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

Steamed Spiralized Zucchini topped with a Pungent Sun Dried Pesto with Basil Leaves and Pine Nuts – A healthy low-carb delicious dish 

This wonderfully aromatic chicken is big on flavor – make my Peruvian Spice Blend for an authentic spit-roasted chicken with a tender flesh and crispy skin

Peruvian Grilled Chicken

This wonderfully aromatic chicken is big on flavor – make my Peruvian Spice Blend for an authentic spit-roasted chicken with a tender flesh and crispy skin. Smoky, Salty, Tangy and juicy to the bone!

Ratatouille in Zucchini Cups with Herbal – Garlicky Crumbs

Ratatouille – Summer’s Classic Vegetable Stew

Fall in love with this Provencal Vegetable Stew with bright colors and bold, mellow flavors. A wonderful vegetable stew celebrating summer’s splendor. A plethora of eggplant, zucchini and tomatoes simmered with herbs and spices.

Beet and Chickpea Cakes with Mint and Lemon Zest

Here’s a updated savory vegetarian chickpea cake. Perfect as a meal, or the ultimate appetizer.  

Strawberry Vinaigrette

A zesty dressing, not too sweet, with a kick of garlic and chipotle

Grilled Sugar Snap Peas & Radishes

Turn the grill on high – add some market-fresh veggies and your new favorite side dish or summer salad awaits!  

Yogurt-Tahini Dressing

A lovely piquant dressing, creamy and flavorful, and light in calories.

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