Currently Browsing: Obsessed
Quick-n-Easy Chili Oil
A great little flavored oil condiment to have in the refrigerator!
Takes minutes to make and adds a blast of heat and complexity to many dishes.
Uses for Chili Oil:
Add part chili oil to the oil in your stir-fries.… Read More
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… 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
Mediterranean Gypsy Soup
A Healthy, Satisfying Soup with all the flavor to awaken your taste-buds. “Gypsy” ~ a free spirited soup with a rich assortment of ingredients.
A wonderful rich bodied vegetable soup with delicious spices: Saffron, Turmeric, Juniper Berries, Smoked Paprika and… Read More
Raspberry Crunch Salad with Raspberry-Almond Oil Vinaigrette
Crispy, Crunchy & Sweet ~ a brilliant, colorful, healthy salad… make place at your Thanksgiving table for this treat! Make the dressing ahead and adorn with my Nut and Seed Crunch (see recipe)
This recipe is included in The Salad… 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
Mediterranean Stuffed Shishito Peppers
Blistered Shishito Peppers are cut in half and stuffed with a medley of Mediterranean ingredients for an addictive appetizer
Stuffed with softened goat cheese, colorful peppers. tomatoes and herbs, then broiled one minute
Recipe makes 24 pick-up stuffed Shishitos
The… 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
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… Read More
Veracruz-Style Snapper with Fresh Garden Tomatoes
I’ve taken a classic dish and reworked it with Just Picked Local Tomatoes and have added Fresh Garden Herbs. The result – a lighter and aromatic dish bursting with flavor. Serve with my delicious and simple Arroz Blanco
Recipe Overview:… 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
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
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
Karen’s Garlic Scape Vinaigrette
An assertive and zesty vinaigrette with Purple Scallions (can use shallots or red onion) with delicious Garlic Scapes
Garlic Scapes available now ~ late Spring through Summer
Green Garlic Scapes; the curly shoot of the garlic bulb… they’re like scallions… 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
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… Read More
Karen’s Puerto Rican Sofrito Rice
The local cuisine of Puerto Rico comes alive with vibrant colors and a melange of flavors. A few tablespoons of Sofrito will transform everyday rice into zesty deliciousness!
An easy flavorful rice – fluffy & flavorful every time!
Sofrito 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 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
Tomato Risotto – Northern Italian Style
Delicious and Creamy!! I’m using Three Tomatoes – Peeled Plum Tomatoes, Sun Dried Tomatoes and Fresh Sliced Cherry Tomatoes.
Risotto is a traditional Northern Italian dish, and a common way to cook rice in Italy. It’s a creamy & tender… 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
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
Radicchio Salad with Mustard Croutons and Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette
This Radicchio Salad has a nice sweet & bitter elements. Add Frisée lettuce, Watermelon Radish, Shaved Heirloom Carrots, Crispy Croutons with Grainy Mustard and Garlic and Karen’s Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette with Shallots and Garlic. A flavor sensation!… Read More
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… Read More
Crispy Croutons with Grainy Mustard and Garlic
Just the most flavorful croutons! Tons of delicious zesty flavors.… Read More
Mint Chip Chocolate Chip Ice Cream – It’s Vegan!
Creamy, Delicious and Refreshing!! A natural “Ice Cream” that’s irresistible!… Read More
Homemade Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
The Perfect Irresistible Valentine’s Day treat for your loved ones!
Make these delicious treats with healthful ingredients.
These chocolate peanut butter cups are super-simple to make, with just a few ingredients. Use the best quality chocolate ~ I like an… Read More
Multi-Citrus Salsa
A Zesty and Tart Salsa that uses in- season Winter Citrus. Colorful, light and tasty with a hint of sweetness and heat.
A delicious salsa using Blood Oranges, Pink Grapefruit & Honeybell Tangelo Segments with Chopped Mint… 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
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
Haricot Vert with Sliced Radishes and Pan-Fried Shallots with a Miso-Lemon-Maple Glaze
The perfect side dish for Thanksgiving and the Holidays!
Full of color & flavor – can be made early in the day.
Sauté Haricot Verts in a hot skillet to blacken the edges. Add Sliced Radishes and a quick stir… 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
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.… Read More
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!… 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
How To Dehydrate Cherry Tomatoes (oven recipe too!)
Savor Summer and learn how to dehydrate all those fabulous tomatoes!
I save some for adding to many recipes ~ layer others in jars and cover with olive oil and thyme branches. See below all my brilliant ideas for using… Read More
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.… Read More
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… Read More
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.… Read More
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.… 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
Spring Asparagus Soup – Vegan – with Cashew Crema Swirl
A bright green velvety-creamy (yet no cream) delicious Spring Asparagus Soup.
Light yet hearty with fresh flavors.… Read More
Peanut Butter Energy Bites – with Chocolate Drizzle
The ultimate healthy pop-in-your-mouth treat filled with energizing ingredients.
The perfect Valentine’s Day recipe for giving and enjoying!
Simple to make ~ these bites are loaded with nutrients to keep you going during the day, or the perfect not-too-sweet, pop-in-your-mouth… 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
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
Vanilla Ice Milk & Peach Melba Parfaits
A lightened-up vision of a favorite dessert. You won’t believe the texture and flavor of the Ice Milk!… Read More
Shrimp & Farmers’ Market Vegetable Sauté
A quick sauté using what’s local. Florida Pink Shrimp Team with Local Bi-Color, Striped Peppers and Purple Scallions. Delicious and Healthy!
Shop Local – Visit a Farmers’ Market for the best quality, just-picked produce!
A Quick and Healthy Stir-fry perfect… 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
Karen’s Shiitake Mushroom “Bacon” VEGAN
My Shiitake “Bacon” is a game changer – my tasters said taste just like the real thing… but vegan
Cooked on a stovetop skillet so no need to overheat the kitchen in warmer weather. There are a few secrets to… Read More
Strawberry Rhubarb Topping
Rhubarb is one of those flavors that is deliciously addicting…. pairs wonderfully with Strawberries. A tart-sweet flavor, perfectly thickened.… 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
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
Spanish Tapas with Mushrooms, Smoked Paprika Aioli and Mahón Cheese
A few bites of heaven ~ this Spanish tapas recipe has authentic Spanish flavors with sautéed sliced cremini mushrooms, a smoked paprika aioli (garlic mayonnaise) and topped with Spanish Mahón cheese… 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