Currently Browsing: Karen’s Favorites
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Sesame Blistered Shishito Peppers – Mine are Multi-Colored!
An amazing, fun & delicious EASY appetizer and side dish – these charred peppers are addictive and healthy! When pan-roasted the skin of the shishito pepper becomes blackened, resulting in an amazing smoky flavor. Pick one up and nibble to the stem! These Super-Trendy Peppers are on many restaurants menus as they are a wonderful, […]
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 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. […]
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 […]
Karen’s Raspberry Glazed Honey Cakes
The Most Delicious Honey Cake with a Secret Ingredient… Dates! Made in Large Texas Tins and Glazed to Perfection. Parve (non dairy) for Rosh Hashanah and Gluten Free. See some interesting modern recipes for the holiday on the bottom. The coming of Rosh Hashanah signals Jewish cooks everywhere to get ready to bake their much-loved […]
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 […]
Perfect Peach Pie with Whipped Coconut Cream & Basil Syrup
A classic foolproof Summer Peach Pie with all the instructions you need for a flaky crust and perfectly spiced peach filling. Try something new! Instead of whipped cream on the side – try whipped coconut cream! I refrigerate a can of coconut milk, scoop out the thick cream and whisk until light. A little basil […]
Corn Pudding with Cheddar and Chipotle Crust
14 CORN RECIPES to Make and Savor All Summer! Plus NEW Corn Pudding with Cheddar and Chipotle Crust – a must side-dish that is healthy, light & delicious. See bottom for recipe. Butter and Sugar corn is considered the best tasting corn. It is a favorite for its sweet flavor, texture and quality. I’m obsessed […]
12 Beet Recipes You Will Love for Summer + NEW Quattro Colore Beet Salad
I can’t get enough of the earthy-sweetness of Beets! Especially in summer when they are just pulled from the ground in a myriad of colors. They are healthy, easy to prepare – adds a little color to your life. A Simple Beet Salad Showing Off Their Natural Glorious Colors. Four different colored beets are sliced […]
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 […]
Apricot – Cherry Cobbler with Cinnamon Biscuits
Fresh Fruit Gently Sweetened in Individual Ramekins are Begging You to Dig Into! Apricots and Cherries are in season right now – add a quick Cobbler- Cinnamon Biscuit topping for an incredible dessert. This casual fruit dessert Is made in individual one cup ramekins – the PERFECT Summer treat! Light with just the right amount […]
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 […]
Seared Scallops with Karen’s Ponzu Sauce
Sweet Sea Scallops team with a Zesty & Citrusy Ponzu Sauce – Easy and Delicious! A Healthy Japanese inspired meal, gluten free. Citrusy Ponzu Sauce can be made ahead of time – adds flavor and Zest to all! See all my Make Ahead Sauces, Salsas and Condiments for easy-breezy meals! Steamed Rice is a wonderful accompaniment for […]
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 […]
Memorial Day – 20 Inspiring Recipes and 3 Menus I Love
Best Memorial Day BBQ Recipes: creative, inspiring and something for everyone! Beyond Hamburgers and Hot Dogs – there are so many healthy & tasty Memorial Day recipes to explore… plan ahead and Heat Up the Grill! Three Fabulous MENUS I am recommending are: The Perfect Healthy ALL AMERICAN BBQ Menu Global Flavors – The Ultimate […]
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 […]
Mother’s Day Inspirations – 18 Recipes She Will Love!
Spoil Mom with some home cooking! She will love the effort… and results ~ and you might learn a few new recipes and techniques. Look for local Spring ingredients – the best and freshest you can find and make this year a bountiful celebration for the special Moms in your life. Here is a gathering of […]
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 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 – 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
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 […]
Fabulous Iraqi Grilled Chicken with Iraqi Pesto and Preserved Lemon Relish
Capturing the essence and flavor of the region – start with my Iraqi Seasoning Spice Blend for the most delicious meal you will want to make over and over again! See how to: Make the Iraqi Seasoning Spice Blend Marinate and Grill Chicken and Vegetables Make Iraqi Pesto Make Preserved Lemon Relish See How to […]
Salmon with Rhubarb Vanilla Bean Butter Sauce
My favorite Spring Meal! Perfectly cooked Salmon with a luscious Rhubarb Vanilla Bean Sauce and a Spring Vegetable Salad Simple to prepare ~ Make my Rhubarb Vanilla Bean Jam and the sauce is a snap. On the plate: Steamed Chinese Long Beans, Jumbo Asparagus, Spinach and Watermelon Radish dressed with my Simple Rhubarb Vinaigrette.
Karen’s Rhubarb Vanilla Bean Jam
Spring Rhubarb cooks into a delectable jam! I add a little chopped apple for balance and love the lingering vanilla bean aroma. These vibrant pink to crimson stalks are tart with a flavor all their own. I find the taste to be intoxicating. Easy to make – stir up chopped rhubarb and apple in a […]
Karen’s Simple Rhubarb Vinaigrette
The perfect vinaigrette for your Spring Salads and great for drizzling on top of vegetables! This Rhubarb Vinaigrette has just a few simple ingredients. Start with my Rhubarb Vinegar, and add minced garlic & sea salt. Drizzle in neutral oil slowly until beautifully emulsified. Yes, you can add a few more flavoring ingredients – like […]
Braised Tzimmes Chicken with Balsamic-Rosemary Sauce for Passover and Beyond (with 19 more recipes for Passover!)
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 […]
Parmesan Crisps – Master Recipe with Flavoring Suggestions
These are so easy, crunchy & delicious! The crisps are made with grated Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and your choice of seasonings (I have many suggestions!) Easy Parmesan Crisps can be made into these clever Caesar Salad Tacos. Crush these crisps on top of salads, side dishes like risotto – anywhere you crave a rich Umami flavor-boost. It’s […]
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 […]
Red Coconut Curry with Sesame Tofu & Roasted Vegetables
A delicious & healthy Thai inspired meal. Totally satisfying and hearty with out being heavy. Vegan – Vegetarian – Gluten Free! I’m in love! ~ with this Red Coconut Curry Sauce. Coconut Milk creates a creamy essence and Red Curry Paste lends deep flavor, color and heat. Tip: this little can of red curry paste is a cook’s […]
Classic French Onion Soup – Karen’s Way
Oh-La-La ~ Warm up with a Classic Crock of Onion Soup with a Secret Ingredient – Shiitake Mushrooms! A delicious, hearty broth starts with good vegetable and chicken broths (no beef broth here) – added to perfectly caramelized onions and shiitake mushrooms. The mushrooms add a nice earthy flavor that complements the soup.. just love […]
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 Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette and How to Use It
Tangy, Mellow and Zesty! A Fabulous Full-Of-Flavor Vinaigrette with many uses beyond salads. Preserved Lemons are special. The lemon flavor intensifies and the salt and fermentation creates a punchy umami characteristic that lends incredible depth to dishes. In recipes – you can use the rind (which is prized), the flesh and even the preserved lemon juice. […]
Pumpkin Swordfish with Green Masala Sauce
A rare but delicious delicacy – Pumpkin Swordfish is in season (well, kind of) and it’s the best swordfish you ever ate! With a gorgeous “pumpkin” color ~ it’s a sweeter variety that is more buttery in flavor with a juicy texture. Of course you can use this recipe with any swordfish… I’m just showing off my catch! […]
Preserved Meyer Lemons – Speedy Recipe
Meyer Lemons are perfect for preserving! With their thin skins, bright lemony-color and fragrant flesh they have a sweeter, more floral taste. These beauties will pickle in their own juices. The sharpness mellows (after their salt-preserving bath), the lemon flavor intensifies and the fermentation creates a punchy umami characteristic that lends incredible depth to dishes. My “Speedy […]
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 a chickpea, rice or lentil one for gluten free. Recipe Overview: Have Chili Oil ready. […]
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!
Flourless Chocolate Crackle Cookies
I just love the contrast of the deep-dark chocolate and the snowy white crust of powdered sugar on these chocolate crackle cookies.
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!
Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
[one-half-first][/one-half-first][one-half][/one-half] 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 design on top of the cookies with the tines of a fork
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: […]
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!
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.
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 […]
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 big flavor. Fabulous for snacking and company! Crispy and full of flavor. Aren’t they beautiful? […]
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 Tiger and Strawberry Tomatoes
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 recipe makes 2 smaller 6 inch pies ~ double the recipe for a full sized pie. […]
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 – this Gluten Free Crust will rival ANY with regular flour. A light, crispy crust is […]
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, […]
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! A bunch of Fresh Beets from a farmer’s market makes a whole lot of scrumptious […]
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.
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 buttermilk, then Greek yogurt and you are done!! Refrigerate until cold and churn.
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.