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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
Citrus Vinaigrette with Vanilla Beans
A dressing with ZEST! With Clementine & Meyer Lemon Juice plus zest from Buddha’s Hand. Add a touch of vanilla beans for balance of floral and caramel notes.
Fabulous on my Citrus Salad!… 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
Karen’s Best Blondies – They’re Gluten Free
A “Blonde Brownie” with a rich caramel- butterscotch like flavor dotted with chocolate chips.
Baked in a pan – you cut them into squares or rectangles. Simple to make and a family favorite of mine!… Read More
Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
Look no further for the perfect recipe – for eating & gift giving!
These are gluten free! Or ~ use regular flour too.
Simple, not fussy and EASY
Bakery quality cookies you’ll love
See recipe: how to make a crosshatch… Read More
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… 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
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… 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
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.
An easy side dish – takes just minutes to prepare!… Read More
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… Read More
Cheddar and Herb “Pennies” ~ Savory Shortbread Crackers (yes, gluten free option too!)
Simple to make – roll mixture into a log – chill, slice & bake! Top with garden herbs for an elegant touch.
A revised recipe from the 1950’s – these popular Cheesy Shortbread “Pennies” are the perfect little crackers with… Read More
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 Heirloom Tomatoes I have used: Red Zebra, Green… Read More
Fabulous Black Raspberry Pie!
Summer Black Raspberries lie under a buttery & flaky lattice crust. Perfection with every bite. You will not believe the crust is Gluten Free! A pie to savor ~ I’ve added a handful of red raspberries for color contrast. This… 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
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… Read More
Steamed Baby Beets with Garlic Scape Vinaigrette
A Simple Recipe using Ingredients from a local Farmers’ Market. It’s easy to steam beets! Add to an assertive and zesty vinaigrette with Green Garlic Scapes; the curly shoot of the garlic bulb… they’re like scallions with a garlic kick!… Read More
Velvety Cool Corn Soup with a Roasted Peppers & Jalapeño Garnish
Velvety corn soup to cool you down! Minimum ingredients so you have lots of Pure-Corn-Flavor. Roasted Pepper with Jalapeño and EVOO adds just a punch of interest.
The BEST cold corn soup! The difference from all the rest?The recipe is… Read More
Best Blueberry Frozen Yogurt with a Sugar Cookie Crumble
Overview:
It’s really quite simple to make Frozen Yogurt!First, cook blueberries with sugar, brown rice syrup and a bit of water.Simmer until the blueberries soften and the mixture become syrupy.Next ~ blend in the carafe of a blender – add… Read More
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… 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
Mint Chip Chocolate Chip Ice Cream – It’s Vegan!
Creamy, Delicious and Refreshing!! A natural “Ice Cream” that’s irresistible!… Read More
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 –… Read More
Karen’s Garlic Confit ~ A Silky, Spreadable Condiment
Garlic Confit is a “must have” recipe for every cook. Luscious softened garlic surrounded by a blend of healthy oils. Use the cloves and garlic- infused oil for a subtle yet rich flavor
After making your confit, you’ll also end… Read More
Pesto Compound Butter over Grilled Swordfish with Slow-Roasted Heirloom Tomatoes & Peppers
Have too much Summer pesto on hand? Make delicious compound butter in minutes! Slice and add to just-off-the-grilled local swordfish ~ melts into a dreamy sauce.… Read More
Vegan Strawberry Rhubarb “Ice Cream”
I’m a rhubarb fanatic! Perfectly blended into a fabulous creamy dessert. It’s sweet-tart flavor and gorgeous pinky hue sets off the sweeter strawberries.… Read More
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… Read More
Karen’s Homemade Weekday Granola
Not too sweet, low in fat – perfect for everyday eating and snacking!… Read More
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),… 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
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
This recipe is a breeze ~ Tomatoes Marinate in a Zesty Vinaigrette – then tossed with Spaghetti (while it’s still warm to… Read More
Rhubarb and Goat Cheese Bruschetta Over a Salad with Rhubarb & Shallot Vinaigrette
Three Rhubarb recipes come together in this marvelous, fresh salad with a Savory Bruschetta.
Rhubarb is one of those flavors that is deliciously addicting – Tart to the taste ~ an incredible ingredient to cook as the crimson color and… 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
Spicy Red Kale Chips with Cashews and Miso
Crispy, light & flavorful – these chips are quite easy to make. The ultimate healthy snack! Recipe: Baked and RAW
Make a flavor paste~seasoned topping and simply massage into leaves and bake. An explosion of flavor!… Read More
Tahini Sesame Kale Chips with Za’atar Seasonings
Crispy, light & flavorful – these chips are quite easy to make. The ultimate healthy snack! Recipe: Baked and RAW
Middle Eastern Flavors are rubbed into the leaves and baked until crunchy. An explosion of flavor!… Read More
Stir-Fried Blackened Green Beans
Dip these irresistible crunchy beans into my Roasted Garlic Remoulade Dip with Bread & Butter Pickles… Read More
Baked Applesauce Donuts with Brown Butter Caramel Maple Glaze
A super-satisfying treat you bake in donut tins. Decadent Glaze or Cinnamon-Sugar…your choice!… 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
Thanksgiving Turkey Marsala Gravy – the best, richest and most delicious!
It’s all about the gravy! Learn how to make a dark, caramelized and flavorful gravy – and it’s not difficult… just need to follow a few steps. It will make your Thanksgiving celebration a hit!
… Read More
Garlic Cheesy Toast with Garlic Confit
This Garlic Toast takes garlic bread to a new level! Sourdough Bread gains flavor from the outdoor grill – kissed twice with garlic… Garlic Confit Oil and Softened Garlic Confit Cloves
A little soft on the inside, crispy around the… Read More
Raspberry Marshmallow Pie with Granola Crust
An Unbelievable, Simple Pie with only 4 ingredients and a press-in Granola Crust. Dream-like light filling with plenty of fresh raspberry flavor.
I went Raspberry Picking in August – see these gorgeous raspberries, some with the stems still attached!… Read More
Lettuce Wrapped Chicken Burger with Zesty Ranch
The Ultimate Grilled Burger Wrapped in Lettuces with Onion and Heirloom Tomatoes ~ Homemade Ranch Dressing. Pulse chicken in a food processor, then add vegetables and seasonings for these amazing burgers… Read More
Cedar Planked Salmon with Pistachio-Tarragon & Lavender Gremolata
Cedar Planked King Salmon is an Easy Summer-Time Dish with a lush, smokey essence ~ the Flavorful Gremolata takes only minutes to prepare… Read More
Pistachio-Tarragon & Lavender Gremolata
Easy to prepare ~ adds a blast of flavor with citrusy notes. Perfect for fish, vegetables, chicken and grains. … Read More
Karen’s Amazing Jerk Chicken
This Jerk Marinade EXPLODES with Flavor! A spicy Jamaican mixture including hot chili peppers, allspice, cinnamon, and thyme.… Read More
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… Read More
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!… Read More
Deviled Eggs with Purple Scallions and Crisp Cheese Frico
My Favorite Deviled Eggs: Grainy Mustard, Purple Scallions, Thyme and a Crisp and Lacy Baked Cheese Frico Makes Them Pungent and Zesty… Read More
Marinated Chicken Kebabs – Indian Style
Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor.. don’t forget to soak your bamboo skewers!… Read More
Crispy Skate with Browned Butter, Capers and Pickled Radishes
Dusting the fish with rice flour and cooking in a hot skillet creates a skate that is “crispy.”… Read More
Crispy Coconut Baked Zucchini Sticks with Avocado Ranch Dip
Oven baked and delicious zucchini fries with a crispy coating of shredded coconut, corn meal and gluten-free flour. Serve with a creamy, luscious avocado dip flavored with coconut oil. Tips given for using a fresh coconut to make home made… Read More
Clementine Cake with Marcona Almonds
Simple ingredients transform into a moist and heavenly orange-almond flourless cake. Reminiscent of a Sicilian recipe, Mediterranean ingredients, using Marcona Almonds and Clementine Oranges from Spain. Inspired by movie: “The Secret Lives of Walter Mitty.”… Read More
Pecan Chicken and Waffle Appetizer with Sautéed Collards and Maple-Bourbon Drizzle
The Ultimate Appetizer with Southern Charm ~ Grilled Chicken with Pecans and a Maple-Bourbon Glaze on top of crisp Buttermilk Waffles and Sweet and Sour Sautéed Collard Greens… Read More
Karen’s Cashew Cluster Crunch
A simple nut crunch snack that is SIMPLE (really!) to prepare and totally irresistible. Puffed Brown Rice adds lightness and crunch – a pinch of tumeric and chili flakes adds interest and a touch of heat.… Read More
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… Read More
Chocolate Turtles with Homemade Natural Caramel
Give your sweetie these delectable candies and learn how to make the most delicious homemade caramel from scratch. The ultimate Valentine’s Day treat!… Read More
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.… Read More