Currently Browsing: Intermediate
Very Veggie Tempeh Chili with Homemade Chili Powder
Vegan Chili with Homemade Chili Powder Packs Flavor and Mild Heat.
I love eating in a crock ~ but today serving the chili over Roasted Sweet Potatoes with plenty of toppings!
Tempeh is a wonderful; meat substitute with great texture… Read More
Roasted Wild Mushrooms with Chili Oil & Vegan Pesto Cream Sauce
Wonderful Meaty Roasted Mushrooms Team with a Vegan Pine Nut-Pesto Creamy Sauce Layered over Pasta
A well- rounded Vegan dish ~ choose your favorite pasta! I’m using a Greek tubular pasta; you can use a whole wheat variety – or… Read More
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… Read More
Flourless Chocolate Crackle Cookies
A wonderful cookie that are naturally gluten free – there is no flour in these!
And ~ virtually fat free; only the cocoa butter in the chocolate has a little fat.
I just love the contrast of the deep-dark chocolate… Read More
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! … Read More
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!… Read More
Delicious Sheet Pan Chicken & Vegetables with Apple Cider Glaze
Sometimes I’m craving One Pan Cooking!Chicken, Delicata Squash Rings and Shallots roast in the oven and produces a delicious simple dinner.
Make the Apple Cider Glaze on the stovetop as the sheet pan cooks.In the style of French Chicken Normandy…… Read More
Butternut Squash Gnocchi ~ It’s Gluten Free
Using flavorful Honeynut squash – these pillowy gnocchi include the roasted squash in the dough and also served in the finished dish. Serve with simple browned butter and fresh herbs – delish!
So much fun to make! See recipe for… Read More
Karen’s Gluten Free Pastry Crust for Pie
I like my crust golden, flakey, buttery and sweet! This recipe makes two 6 inch smaller pies. Double the recipe for a 9 inch regular sized pie.
Karen’s Gluten Free Buttery & Flaky Pie Crust
With a few hints –… Read More
Karen’s Mulato Chile Sauce
An Authentic Sauce for tacos and versatile for many Mexican creations!
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.The flavor profile… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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,… Read More
Mediterranean Chickpea Stew with Pantry Ingredients
An Aromatic Stew made with pantry ingredients: chickpeas, extra virgin olive oil, diced tomatoes in juice, sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, Add fresh ingredients you have – potatoes carrots, onions, spinach and cupboard Mediterranean spices.… Read More
RECIPE: This is how you make the BEST Turkey Meatballs!
Want to make the best tasting meatballs? I’ve got you covered. Just-ground turkey with loads of veggies – and a technique that adds ton of flavor, and yields a tender meatball!
The Technique: brown meatballs in a skillet, then cover… Read More
Lemon Biscotti with Dried Cherries and Almonds ~ Gluten Free
Light and crunchy with lots of zesty flavor! Here is your go-to recipe with healthful ingredients.
Crisp and not-too-sweet – these biscotti are the ultimate snack, dessert and great for gift giving!
It’s a good idea to flavor the dough… Read More
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… Read More
Harissa Sauce – The Perfect Zesty and Flavorful Condiment
Harissa can change how you cook! A flavor-bomb with a Kicky and Zesty Flavor.
An easy and quick condiment ~ mild & hot chiles and roasted red pepper are blended into a thick paste with garlic, olive oil, cumin, oregano,… Read More
Bolognese Sauce with Tempeh and Mushrooms: It’s Vegan!
This Plant-Based Sauce is a lightened up, hearty and delicious! A recipe to master.
Tempeh is a staple protein source and perfect for a vegetarian and vegan diet – a great substitute for meat… really grabs flavors!
Cooked with classic… Read More
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… Read More
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
A Simple Scampi Sauce – I’ve added a boost of flavor with fresh herbs, scallions and jalapeño.
The perfect… Read More
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… Read More
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!… Read More
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!… Read More
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… Read More
Fall Salad with Chèvre and Apples
A salad to “fall” in love with! Starring Fall ingredients like Radicchio, Pink Pearl Apples, Pink Radishes, Delicate Squash and teamed with Chèvre Cheese and Pistachios.
There are endless ways to compile a Fall Salad ~ first think what’s in… Read More
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… Read More
Stuffed Shiitake Mushrooms with Tomatillo Salsa Topping
Delectable with Mexican Spices – these caps are stuffed with flavor! Lots of colorful vegetables and ground turkey.… Read More
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… Read More
Free Form Veggie and Turkey Lasagne (Gluten Free)
This Gluten Free recipe has layers of vegetables, marinara, herbed ricotta, light-on-the cheeses and no-boil-ready-to-use gluten free lasagne sheets.
My inspiration came from a restaurant with a healthy menu ~ True Food Kitchen, after tasting their Lasagne Bolognese.… Read More
Grilled Chicken Buffalo Nachos (Vegetarian version too)
Loaded Nachos don’t need to be a fattening, processed mess! Serve these on Super Bowl Sunday… rave reviews to come!
This recipe make enough for a hungry crowd – 12 – 16 appetizer portions.
Easily Gluten Free (see my cheese… Read More
Antioxidant Kale Salad with Lemony Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dressing
Healthful, good-for-you ingredients with amazing flavors. Say “YES” to more plant-based foods in your regime.
This nutritious and delicious salad includes: organic red curly kale, heirloom cherry tomatoes, chick peas, breakfast radishes, cooked quinoa, roasted butternut squash, natural sliced toasted… Read More
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… Read More
Gingerbread Men Cookies ~ Gluten Free!
Filled with healthy ingredients and not too sweet – THE Cookie to make and give this holiday season.… Read More
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. … Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
Amazing Caramelized Apple Cake – Gluten Free and Dairy Free
A moist cake with warm spices topped with Caramelized Apple Slices and baked with Fine Almond Flour. I top it with a drizzle of Vanilla Bean Rum Glaze. A healthy new alternative recipe.
This apple cake is filling is not… Read More
Bite Sized Corn Quiche with Blue Cornmeal Crust
A blue corn crust adds interest – a creamy corn center with truffle cheese is savory, sweet and scrumptious
The corn custard is full of flavor – after sautéing the corn with onion and chopped poblano chili – I add… Read More
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… Read More
Fabulous Fattoush ~ A Middle Eastern Salad with Vegetables and Toasted Bread
There is nothing better than a Fattoush Salad in Summer with seasonal, glistening vegetables! Pita bread is toasted in the oven with olive oil and Za’atar seasoning and tossed into the salad. Finish with a Zesty Lemony Sumac Dressing
This… Read More
Crispy Onion Bhajis with Grated Mango Chutney
Pan fried and similar to a fritter, these pop-in-your-mouth treats are simple to make and well worth the effort. Indian seasonings add a punch of flavor – and they are Vegan and Gluten-Free!
Bhajis are crispy little fritters – mine… Read More
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… Read More
On the Grill: Zucchini Crusted Pizza
All the flavor without the guilt – A low-carb dream pizza bursting with flavor. Gluten-Free.
No need to heat up the kitchen in Summer ~ grill the crust outdoors.
A great recipe for the summer ~ crust cooks on the… Read More
Genius Strawberry Lace-Cookie Crisp
These individual crisps are bursting with strawberries and an almond lace cookie top. Totally crunchy! If I do say so myself – these crisps are genius… not loaded with sugar with a top layer that cracks – like Crème Brûlée!… Read More
Hummus and Grilled Veggie Tacos with Corn Salsa
My favorite hard shell Tacos filled with Za’atar seasoned Hummus and brimming with colorful Vegetables just off the grill. Corn Salsa adds a layer of natural sweetness, heat and crunch.
A wonderful meal for a weeknight or special enough for… Read More
Shrimp with Charred Brocollini and Shiitake “Bacon” – Browned Butter Balsamic Drizzle
A skillet dish with an amazing flavor combination – healthful and colorful. Shiitake “Bacon” is a game changer – my tasters said taste just like the real thing… but vegan!… Read More
Strawberry Rhubarb Cottage Cheese Cheesecake with an Oat & Almond Press In Crust – Gluten Free
You’ll fall in love with the lighter texture of this amazing cheesecake. A simple topping with luscious Spring Rhubarb and Strawberries add just the right tart-sweet flavor and gorgeous color!
The one dessert you will make over and over again… Read More
Spring Grilled Asparagus Salad ~ Blood Orange Buttermilk Dressing
The perfect Restaurant Quality Spring Salad! Choose fat asparagus and cook indoors in a grill pan – or outdoors in warmer weather.
Mache Lettuce, Radicchio, Purple Spring Onions, Toasted Almonds, Fresh Mango Cubes, Blood Orange Slices and Grilled Fat Asparagus… Read More
Incredible Mole Chicken & Vegetables on the Stovetop
A Mexican style rich stew with chicken, lots of vegetables, spices, tomatoes, chiles, sesame seeds, cocoa powder and bittersweet chocolate. Slow and even stovetop heat produces succulent ingredients.
A one-pot meal… it’s all in there ~ chicken, vegetables, garbanzo beans… Read More
Incredible Instant Pot Mole Chicken & Vegetables
A Mexican style rich stew with chicken, lots of vegetables, spices, tomatoes, chiles, sesame seeds, cocoa powder and bittersweet chocolate. An Instant Pot (easy pressure cooker) produces succulent ingredients.
A one-pot meal… it’s all in there ~ chicken, vegetables, garbanzo… Read More
Lemon Poppy Linzer Cookies – Vegan & Gluten Free
Ever wanted to explore Vegan Baking? These cookies pack flavor and crunch… and yes – a little zesty!
So, why not make your own? A few simple swaps will produce these delicious, crispy delightful cookies all can enjoy.… Read More
Potato Scaled Fish – Inspired by Paul Bocuse
An elegant way to prepare fish – try my foolproof recipe to cook this classic dish. Paul Bocuse, the father of French gastronomy inspired the dish… I have added a wonderful Brown Butter-Garlic Drizzle with Parsley Oil
Yes – you… Read More
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!… Read More
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.… Read More
Turkey Chili with Homemade Chili Powder
A hearty bowl of Chili with extra vegetables, plenty of chipotles and homemade Chili Powder for the ultimate flavor. Gluten-Free.
This is a big batch of Chili! Low in fat and chock full of all the good things in life:… Read More
Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies – Gluten-Free!
Finally… the perfect chocolate chip cookie that’s deliciously gluten-free (you would never know they are!) Chocolate Hazelnut Butter adds depth ~ add plenty of Bittersweet Chocolate Chunks
Delicious crispy cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture
… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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.… Read More