Currently Browsing: Recipes to Impress / Entertaining
Karen’s 21 Fabulous Winter Squash Recipes!
It’s Winter Squash Season in Fall! Learn how to prepare and cook many varieties…in these well tested and modern recipes – 21 to choose from. Winter Squash is harvested in the fall and has a hard rind, which allows it to keep well for months. Summer Squash has a thinner, edible rind and is harvested in […]
Fall Crostini with Whipped Roasted Butternut Squash Goat Cheese and Fresh Figs
THE Fall Appetizer – almost too pretty to eat featuring in-season Fresh Figs. Goat Cheese is whipped with Roasted Butternut Squash and topped with Fresh Figs, Maple-Balsamic Drizzle and Fresh Rosemary. Satisfying, Easy and Real Crowd Pleasers! Just filling enough with healthful ingredients. All About Crostinis: A crostini is a toasted bread appetizer or snack […]
Karen’s Easy Baked Chicken Breast with Mustard, Apples & Honey
Juicy & Tender Chicken Breasts that are simple to prepare with wonderful complimentary flavors. Marinate, Season, top with Apple Slices & Bake. I’m LOVING the 3 ingredient Apple Cider Sauce for drizzling. Three Easy Steps: Marinate the chicken in Coconut Milk and Grated Garlic Season the chicken with spices, a coating of grainy mustard and […]
Karen’s Spaghetti alla Nerano: Zucchini & Pasta Lightened-Up
A total Ode to Stanley Tucci’s CNN “Searching for Italy” series which he shed light on this terrific dish in a hotel kitchen on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. I have ROASTED Zucchini instead of fried… and added lots to the final dish! Easy, economical and one you should master! When the actor Stanley Tucci visited Nerano, a […]
Karen’s Thai Basil Mince Chicken Stir- Fry
A Stir-Fry with True Restaurant Quality Flavor! A redux of the Thai dish Pad Krakow Gai – with extra vegetables and totally Gluten Free. Comforting, savory, aromatic, and garlicky – can be as spicy as you like!! In Thai, pad means “stir-fried,” krapow means “holy basil,” and gai is “chicken,” so literally, “stir-fried holy basil chicken.” […]
Crazy for Heirlooms – 24 Tomato Recipes to Cook Now!
Summer is my favorite season – and Heirloom Tomatoes are my best-loved fruit (botanically.) See ALL the Recipes: Salads, Soups, Condiments, Fresh Tomato Sauce, Risotto and More! Salads Featuring Heirloom Tomatoes: Heirloom Tomatoes are at their peak right now – take advantage of their superior taste and beautiful hues. A wonderful summer pasta salad – […]
Karen’s Cornbread Loaf with Jalapeño
The perfect Cornbread Loaf recipe – rises high with a moist crumb, just the right sweetness and heat. I’m loving it with my Chunky Easy Red Plum Jam! Rises high and square with no high center dome. Slices beautifully; tender crumb with good structure. Here I toasted the cornbread loaf slice with crispy darkened edges… […]
Candyland Marinated Tomatoes with Pasta & Halloumi Cheese
The Best Pasta Dish of the Summer Season! Marinated Candyland Tomatoes are tossed with Pasta, Toasted Garlic Breadcrumbs, Grilled Halloumi Cheese, Softened Red Onions and Fresh Basil Leaves. These little cuties ~ Candyland Tomatoes (named after the classic children’s board game) are just about ½-inch in diameter – yet every bit is packed with super sweet, […]
White Peach & Raspberry Cobbler – Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
A wonderful summer dessert when peaches are ripe & juicy! Perfectly sweetened with easy crispy yet tender drop biscuits. I love to serve with my Caramel Vanilla Bean Vegan Ice Cream Reasons to make this Cobbler: Quite easy to prepare: 2 Steps – Bake peach filling part way; Make cobbler topping, drop on top & […]
Karen’s Spanish-Style Grilled Bread With Tomato
Pan con Tomate: bread with tomato has never tasted so good! Grilled Garlicky Bread, Grated Heirloom Tomatoes with Topping Options I Love. Variation: Zucchini & Garlic topping! A simple EASY recipe using stellar ingredients! The Method: Brush bread slices with a fruit olive oil Broil or grill bread until toasty and edges have blackened Cut […]
Karen’s Mango Sorbet with Ginger & Turmeric
A Creamy & Luscious Sorbet made with five ingredients ~ Fresh Mango, Ginger-Turmeric Tea, Pure Cane Sugar, Fresh Ginger and Lime Juice. Simple to prepare – silky texture! Tropical mangos making a smooth purĂ©e to create a refreshing sorbet treat with sweet fruit intensity. Using Tea in the recipe: Turmeric adds a nice color and earthy […]
Summer Pasta with Sugar Snap Peas, Fresh English Peas & a Creamy Herbal Vegan Sauce
A simple pasta dish LOADED with two kinds of Fresh Peas – simple sautĂ©ed with Garlic then folded with Pasta and a Creamy Herbal Vegan Sauce (which is cashew based.)          How to Make a Pasta Dish Healthier? Add MORE VEGGIES!  There are almost as many peas in […]
NEW Summer Cooking Class – August 1, 2023 – Leicht Cooking Studio, Greenwich
NEW Summer Cooking Class August 1, 2023 Leicht Greenwich A wonderful menu celebrating Summer’s Heirloom Tomato Bounty! Enjoy delicious food and up-close techniques and skills to make yourself an accomplished cook. Help participate, or sit back and enjoy four course & a surprise hors’d oeuvre. Learn about Heirloom Tomatoes – which varieties are best and […]
Grilled Romaine Lettuce with Corn, Green Bean & Tomato Salad
Crispy Romaine with a smoky essence – topped with Farm Fresh Veggies, Lemony Tahini Dressing and Garlic Sourdough Toasted Breadcrumbs A brilliant technique! Romaine Lettuce halves are grilled until slightly charred offering a gently smoky essence. Lettuce remains crispy ~ add a bevy of veggies, dressing, and crispy breadcrumbs for extra crunch & flavor. Elements of […]
Karen’s Lemony Tahini Dressing
A Creamy Dressing for Salads, Pasta Salads – makes a great dip too for CruditĂ©s. Simply whisk in one bowl! Lemony & Garlicky with the addition of Sesame Tahini for a nutty edge. A delicious crisp salad with a smoky essence topped with Karen’s Lemony Tahini Dressing and Garlic Sourdough Toasted Breadcrumbs. Serve the dressing at […]
Coconut Milk Crème Brûlée with Roasted Strawberry-Rum Compote
A lightened-up recipe with creamy deliciousness – a crackled sugar top is complemented with a fruity roasted sauce. These small sized Crème BrĂ»lĂ©es are the perfect indulgent dessert with less fat than traditional recipes… and no heavy cream!  Crème BrĂ»lĂ©e is French for “burnt cream” which refers to the caramelized sugar on top of custard. Perfect […]
Grilled Black Bass Fillets with Red Wine, Shallot & Rosemary Compound Butter
Seasoned and Grilled Outdoors – the mild, sweet fish holds its shape! Add a slice of Delicious Red Wine Compound Butter and let it melt into delectable sauce Why I love this recipe: Perfectly Seasoned Black Bass Fillets served warm with a slice of colorful Red Wine Compound Butter – which melts into the fish and […]
Cool Beet Soup with Kefir and Pickled Beet Stems
A Delicious Cold Blender Beet Soup with personality! Steam fresh beets – then whirl with healthy Kefir and seasonings – it’s that easy! Serve with garnishes that ARE ELEMENTS OF THE SOUP! Garnishes not only look pretty – they are elements of the soup! Topping with Fresh Dill, Sliced Garlic Scapes (so Spring), Pickled Beet […]
Skillet Balsamic Chicken with Strawberries & Tarragon
An easy skillet dish – Tender Chicken, Crispy Skin with a Hearty yet Light Pan Sauce with Plenty of Strawberries and Garnished with Tarragon Leaves. Irresistible! Balsamic Vinegar’s home turf of Modena is a small city in northern Italy located in the Emilia-Romagna region, which is also the birthplace of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. See below for […]
Roasted Asparagus & Shaved Heirloom Carrot Salad with a Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette / Recipes for Memorial Day
Roasted Local Asparagus Tips & Spears Team with Shaved Multi-Colored Carrots, Lettuces & Sprouts for a Delicious Composed Salad. Add Za’atar coated Mini Goat Cheese Balls and toss all with a Lemony Vinaigrette for an unforgettable salad! SEE 22Â Inspirational MEMORIAL DAY RECIPES Here!!! I made this salad last night at my Cooking Class at Leicht […]
My Favorite Shrimp Recipes & NEW: Homemade Panko Popcorn Spiced Shrimp (they’re baked!)
Shrimp is the most popular seafood! For good reason ~ they taste so good, are affordable and cook quickly, making meal preparation easy! Pictured: Homemade Panko Popcorn Spiced Shrimp. Crispy, Crunchy and Drenched in Homemade Panko Crumbs ~ these delicious shrimps are baked on a rack, not deep fried. All the buttery, garlicky and lemony […]
Homemade Panko Popcorn Spiced Shrimp – they’re baked!
Crispy, Crunchy and Drenched in Homemade Panko Crumbs ~ these delicious morsels are baked on a rack, not deep fried. I’m craving something crispy & sweet yet savory – these Popcorn Shrimp fit the bill! Plunge them into this luscious & piquant Lemony Aioli Dip. Up close – in a parchment lined bowl ready to […]
Karen’s Lemony, Garlicky Aioli Dip
A delicious homemade creamy dip with zesty lemon flavor and a good dose of garlic! Whisk by hand for a superior Aioli. A delicious homemade creamy dip with zesty lemon flavor and a good dose of garlic!
Mother’s Day Recipes
This Mother’s Day – Treat Mom to Some Healthy & Inspiring Home Cooking! If you have been making the same recipes for years… have I got some tempting ideas for you! Always healthy-forward, true ingredients & inventive. A super moist cake which rises high and dotted with seasonal rhubarb and warm spices. Easy to prepare! […]
Karen’s Rhubarb Snack Cake with Cardamom & Ginger
A super moist cake which rises high and dotted with seasonal rhubarb and warm spices. Whisk all in one bowl… irresistible! I have a special place in my heart for Rhubarb… ready to pick now through summer. My grandparents had plentiful rhubarb plants sprawling in their garden, and rhubarb pie was typically served after dinner. […]
Stewed Rhubarb Whipped Coconut Cream
The perfect little fruit- whipped cream great to adore Spring & Summer Desserts. Stewed Rhubarb is folded into Whipped Coconut Cream – dairy-free. Not too sweet – highlights rhubarb’s special tart special flavor. Easy to make – add chopped rhubarb to a pot with sugar and orange juice – bring to a boil, simmer just […]
Karen’s Spring Vegetable Fried Rice
Tossed with my favorite in-season Spring Veggies for a wonderfully healthy dish that’s delicious and fun to make. My method teaches the art of stir-frying – perfectly crisped rice with tender-crisp vegetables and Asian aromatics. Spring Veggies: I’m using Fat Asparagus, Fresh Peas (from the pod), Onions, Scallions, Leeks, Multi-Colored Heirloom Carrots, and Fresh Chives An essence […]
25 Inventive Spring Recipes – to Get You Cooking!
I’m all about Cooking with the Seasons! Get ready to take on Spring with my FAVORITE RECIPES including lightened-up options, creative first courses, tempting main courses and must-make desserts that. Celebrate this season’s bounty with 25 well-tested recipes! Spring Grilled Asparagus Salad ~ Blood Orange Buttermilk Dressing Let’s start here – time to uncover the […]
Karen’s Spring Green Herbal Ranch Dressing & Salad
A Light and Flavorful Blender Dressing with a Gorgeous Green Hue! Uses Four Fresh Herbs; Thai Basil, Mint, Parsley & Dill I think it is a good time to create a recipe that is simple, comes together in minutes and shows off beautiful Spring herbs and alliums (chives, onions & scallions.) If you can find […]
Karen’s Vegan “Crab Cakes”
Healthy, Vegan & Delicious! Filled with Chickpeas, Artichoke Hearts and Hearts of Palm (which mimics the look of crab) ~ Herbs & Spices. Make minis for Hors d’oeuvres or larger ones for a delicious Main Course Meal. So much flavor in every Bite! Not fried – “pan fried” with just a touch of oil for […]
Best Passover 2023 Recipes! Plus NEW: Karen’s Mosaic Carrot Kugel with Dill
Healthful and Hearty Passover Recipes you can make with confidence. For the Seder and through Eight Days… Brighten up the holiday with some creative, colorful and healthy dishes ~ from Soup to Dessert. Find all the inspiration you need here to plan a Passover menu that you and your guests will love. WOW-Factor! A light soufflĂ©-like […]
Karen’s Mosaic Carrot Kugel with Dill
A Delicious Veggie Side-Dish for Passover, Easter or anytime! A light soufflĂ©-like kugel studded with colorful carrots that creates a mosaic look that’s stunning! WOW-Factor! A pretty simple recipe that produces a stunning kugel casserole – you cut in squares. The texture is light and airy – eggs surround the carrots (that are cubed 1/2″) […]
Flourless Chocolate Mousse Cake with Crushed Raspberry Coconut Whipped Cream
A Decadent Bittersweet Chocolate Indulgence with an Airy Easy Whipped Coconut Cream Topping with Crushed Raspberries Gluten Free, Dairy Free & Parve This is the showstopper cake I am making for Passover! Perfect too for Easter…or anytime you crave a dense yet light dose of chocolate indulgence. Decadent but not overly sweet flourless chocolate cake […]
Egyptian Sheet Pan Dukkah Salmon with Veggies & Chickpeas
Weeknight delicious! Distinctive Dukkah Seasoning gets a revamp with Lemon Essence. Roast all on one pan. Top with a simple Minted Herb-Yogurt Sauce and Mint Leaves. A fabulous all-in one pan cooking perfect for weeknights, company and holidays… think Easter and Passover! Dukkah seasoning lends tons of Middle Eastern savory flavors to the salmon; the veggies and […]
Karen’s Lemony Dukkah Seasoning
I’m adding a burst of natural zesty lemon flavor to traditional Egyptian Dukkah Seasoning. A bright multi-purpose blend – wonderful on salmon. What is Dukkah? (pronounced doo-kah) An Egyptian and Middle Eastern condiment consisting of a mixture of herbs, nuts, and spices. It is typically used as a dip (adding olive oil) with bread or […]
Corn Tortilla “Lasagne” with Green Veggies and Roasted Red Pepper Chile Sauce
Naturally Gluten Free – A New twist on Lasagne! Layer it up and enjoy an extra bevy of vegetables with three cheeses between the tortilla layers. Dried Guajillo Chiles enhance the zesty Roasted Pepper and Tomato Sauce with a mild kick. Elements of this Lasagne you will Love: Naturally Gluten Free using cut tortillas in […]
Karen’s Roasted Pepper and Tomato Chile Sauce
Delightfully creamy & robust  – a nice mix of Red Roasted Peppers, San Marzano Tomatoes, Garlic and Guajillo Chiles. A versatile tomato based sauce with a spicy kick. Simple Ingredients: Roasted Red Pepper, San Marzano Tomatoes, Guajillo Chile Peppers, Garlic, Tomato Paste and Mexican Oregano. Guajillo peppers have a rich, slightly earthy, and fruity flavor profile with […]
24 Best Ever A Zest For Life Citrus Recipes
Winter is the time for fragrant, juicy, vibrant citrus — now at their peak. I choose a variety to blend the complex flavors. Before Winter Ends – Take Advantage of a Multitude of Citrus to Brighten Every Recipe! Salmon in Parchment with Multi-Citrus Salsa Slow cooked Salmon with a Tart & Zesty Multi-Citrus Salsa is an easy meal […]
Peruvian Grilled Chicken Paillard with Citrus, Herb & Aji Amarillo Pepper Marinade
Glorious Flattened Chicken Breasts are bathed in a Zesty & Pungent Peruvian Citrus Marinade and simply grilled. Add lettuces and a raw vegetable salad for a  healthy meal. After a hour in the zesty marinade – the flattened chicken is simply grilled – it’s that easy! I have used a cast iron grill pan indoors […]
Peruvian Citrus & Herb Marinade with Aji Amarillo Peppers
A zesty and pungent citrus marinade made in a blender with wonderfully spicy and fruity Aji Amarillo Peppers. Fabulous to flavor Chicken, Fish, Vegetables and Vegan Proteins. Perfect with my Grilled Chicken Paillard Salad. Place all ingredients in a blender and whirl – I add some parsley (or use cilantro) at the end for some […]
Karen’s Arugula & Parsley Winter Pesto
A Vibrant Green Pesto with non-traditional ingredients but with all the bite and bursting with flavor. A brilliant pesto with a little peppery, spicy and nutty taste. Anytime can be Homemade Pesto Time! Use the best quality Arugula & Flat Leaf Parsley, I choose organic. Not just for wintertime – but brilliant in Spring and […]
Strawberry Frozen Yogurt “Ice Cream” Sandwiches with Double Chocolate Fudge Cookie Thins – Gluten Free
THE Perfect treat for Valentine’s Day! I’m pairing my Strawberry Frozen Yogurt with Mini Easy Double Chocolate Cookies for the perfect sized treat! Who wouldn’t love a HOMEMADE ICE CREAM SANDWICH?? Three Recipes! Karen’s Strawberry Frozen Yogurt Mini Double Chocolate Fudge Cookie Thins – Gluten Free (to eat and for ice cream sandwiches) Strawberry Yogurt […]
12 Super Bowl Party Food Recipes – Yes – They’re a Little Healthier
Crowd-Pleasing Updated Party Foods with a Healthier Twist that all will enjoy. I might not be your source for Chicken Wing Recipes… BUT  here are some SPECTACULAR Game-Day party suggestions with Less Calories, Carbs, Sodium, Fat & Preservatives – Will help you feel good without sacrificing flavor! A nice shift from the same old appetizers and heavy, uninspired so […]
Karen’s Strawberry Frozen Yogurt
Enjoy by itself – or in an “Ice Cream Sandwich” with Double Chocolate Fudge Cookie Thins – or in little molds (cupcake liners.) THE Perfect treat for Valentine’s Day! All gluten free. Add some Freeze Dried Strawberries for an extra punch of flavor and color. So EASY! Simply add softened frozen yogurt to a regular […]
Mini Double Chocolate Fudge Cookie Thins – Gluten Free (to eat and for ice cream sandwiches)
Bakes like a cookie – tastes like a brownie! Love eating them off the pan, or sandwich with frozen yogurt or ice cream. Gluten Free. Can use regular flour too! Crispy edges and slightly chewy this EASY cookies are praised for their deep chocolate flavor, studded with dark chocolate chips. How to Make: Melt butter […]
Karen’s Mexican Pulled Chicken Tinga – and how to make fabulous tacos!
TINGA is a Mexican Specialty with pulled chicken in a full- flavored Chipotle-Tomato Sauce. Moderately spicy and definitely smokey – top warm corn tortillas and add veggies of your choice such as Charred Corn & Onions, Avocado, Radishes and Herbs. Cotija cheese tops them off. Great for a weeknight meal – or invite friends for […]
French-Style Cod & Vegetable Chowder
A healthy chowder with vibrant French flavors and colors. Loaded with vegetables and perfectly seasoned with French aromatics. Healthy & filling, yet light! Now, in Winter – this chowder really satisfies and tingles your tastebuds. Atlantic cod is sweet-flavored fish that absorbs surrounding flavors in a dish. So, most importantly we are going to season […]
Karen’s Natural Orange, Oat & Nut Granola
A Zesty & Crunchy Granola Loaded with Almonds, Pecans and Natural Orange Rind. Such an addictive flavor using Orange Oil for added flavor (yes a recipe for that too!) I LOVE making granola! I eat some every morning with yogurt and berries, yes – e-v-e-r-y-d-a-y! See that is is citrus season right now – I […]
Natural Orange, Oat & Nut Granola Parfaits with Yogurt & Berries
Layer Karen’s Natural Orange Oat & Nut Granola with Yogurt and Berries in wine glasses or flutes. Perfect for Breakfast, Lightly Lunch, a Snack or Brunch. Layer as you like! I use non-sweetened yogurt, raspberries, blueberries, sliced strawberries and clementine orange slices (they are small sized with a deep orange hue.) You will find the right […]
Spicy Citrus Chili Shrimp and What to Do With Them
An easy and pungent marinade transforms Shrimp with intense flavor. Simply grill with sesame seeds in a cast iron skillet. Add a simple glaze or use as part of a Spa Salad with Roasted Veggies, Rice Noodles and an Asian Orange-Sesame Vinaigrette. A Lightened-Up Version!  Lightened Up and Delicious! For a Light Spa Salad – Serve […]
Karen’s Spa Asian Orange-Sesame Vinaigrette
A blast of flavors with a citrus essence – a flavorful vinaigrette! Lighter in calories; with less oil. So many uses… I love it drizzled over my Spa Salad with Spicy Grilled Citrus Shrimp & Rice Noodles. High on flavor…lower in calories! A very ZESTY Vinaigrette that can add flavor to so many composed salads, […]
Great Recipes for New Year’s Day Brunch
Ring in the New Year with some Home Cooked Delicious and Healthy Food you make yourself! Stay in and enjoy a leisurely brunch – many recipes can be made ahead of time. My Newest Obsession! In between toasted Challah Bread lies Creamy Eggs, Shiitake “Bacon”, Sesame Kale Crisps, Cheddar Cheese and a Gochugaru Sauce. Your next favorite […]
Karen’s Revamped Korean Egg Sandwich with Gochugaru Sauce
In between toasted Challah Bread lies Creamy Eggs, Shiitake “Bacon”, Sesame Kale Crisps, Cheddar Cheese and a Gochugaru Sauce. Your next favorite Brunch Dish ~ All the elements melt in your mouth surrounded by buttery crispy bread. My riff on this egg sandwich is named after the South Korean restaurant, Egg Drop. A Vegetarian Version […]
Holiday Hors d’oeuvres – From Latkes to Tapas
The holidays are times to gather with family and friends ~ to bing cheer, and indulge with spectacular food. Try my inventive and Special Appetizer Recipes which are made to be crowd pleasers! Below are some of my favorite, well tested recipes for Holiday Hors d’oeuvres. Many can be made a head of time ~ for […]
My Favorite Holiday Cookies + NEW: Toffee Holiday Bars
Get baking with my line up of Holiday Cookies to Eat, Share & Enjoy! 15 cookies to savor! For the holidays – do not miss: Holiday Nibbles & Hors d’oeuvres 24 Amazing & Creative Recipes for People Who Love Party Food! A Perfect Shortbread Crust is topped with a toffee flavored topping rich with Natural Coconut, Crystalized Ginger […]
Toffee Bars with Coconut, Ginger and Almonds
A Perfect Shortbread Crust is topped with a toffee flavored topping rich with Natural Coconut, Crystalized Ginger & Sliced Almonds. Perfect for the Holidays, Entertaining and Gift Giving! Crunchy tops, creamy filling with a buttery shortbread base – all will enjoy these! See all My Favorite Holiday Cookies here! These Toffee Bars are SUPER-EASY to make! […]
Mediterranean Slow-Baked Appetizer with Feta, Colorful Peppers, Olives & Garlic
A wonderful and easy appetizer for the holidays all will enjoy! Spread on toasted bread and soak up all the amazing flavors. Cooks slowly in the oven until the peppers actually melt into the olive oil. Serve with toasted pita triangles or toasted baguette slices. Mediterranean Cuisine has bright, fresh flavors ~ mostly plant food […]
Karen’s Butternut Squash, Apple, Leek & Goat Cheese Frittata
A light and flavorful frittata that has plenty of vegetables, apples, cheeses & eggs. Creates beautiful Mosaic Layers! Baked until puffy with a creamy-like texture – a meal in itself! The recipe that keeps giving! I can’t stop eating this frittata! Reheats brilliantly! Makes 9 BIG wedge portions. Great for lunch, a light dinner, snack, brunch… […]
The BEST Easy Russian Dressing for Roast Turkey & Beyond
This easy and ZESTY Russian dressing features just 3 Ingredients! Perfect for dipping turkey, slathering on a sandwich or tossing in a salad. Includes Mayonnaise, Ketchup and Karen’s “Shaken” Italian Dressing. Here’s How I like my Russian Dressing: One part Mayonnaise – I use Organic without Natural Flavorings One part Ketchup – I use Organic without […]
Happy Thanksgiving! Here IS MY MUST-MAKE GRAVY RECIPE
As your turkey is going in the oven for the big holiday – Make your gravy magnificent these few tricks & methods! Karen’s Marsala Turkey Gravy for Thanksgiving OVERVIEW – this is what you will do: METHOD (with turkey): Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Scatter the carrots, celery, onions, shallots and garlic on the bottom […]