Currently Browsing: Recipes to Impress / Entertaining
20 Best Summer Salads! And NEW: Karen’s Summer Greek Salad with Peaches & Fennel
My collection of FABULOUS, Creative & Healthy Salads for Everyday and Special Occasions. The freshest ingredients produce the most flavorful salads! Summer salads are about mixing up nature’s bounty ~ “the true taste of summer!” I’ve added Fresh Summer Peaches and Fennel (found at a farmers’ market) to classic ingredients of the Greek Salad. Adds […]
Karen’s Summer Greek Salad with Peaches & Fennel
I’ve added Fresh Summer Peaches and Fennel (found at a farmers’ market) to classic ingredients of the Greek Salad. Adds interesting flavors and natural sweetness. I use crispy Romaine Lettuce, Local Red Leaf Lettuce, Heirloom Tomatoes, Purple Peppers, Red Onions, Colorful Radishes, Cucumbers, Kalamata Olives, Sheep Milk Feta, Dill and Parsley. The Salad is Topped with […]
Karen’s Custard Rice Pudding with Berries
The Ultimate Comfort Food – Baked Creamy Rice Pudding made with Jasmine Rice – Enriched with Coconut Milk. I’m serving the rice pudding with red & golden raspberries from a farmers’ market and a drizzle of blackberry sauce. I found these sweet & delicious raspberries at my local farmers’ market grown By Smith’s Acres Farm in […]
Karen’s Quick Blackberry Sauce
I love this quick blackberry sauce for drizzling on many desserts – especially my Custard Rice Pudding with Berries. Make the sauce when the blackberries taste sweet and not too sour. Drizzle this on everything… Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, Cakes and Crepes! Enjoy! Karen I love this quick blackberry sauce for drizzling on many desserts […]
Hibiscus Tea Poached Salmon with Tzatziki Sauce
Hibiscus Tea Ofers a deep pink color with sweet and tart flavors – the perfect base for poaching Salmon. Glaze the finished fish with Thai Chili Sauce then spoon over a Creamy Tzatziki. This recipe has it all! Moist & Delicious Poached Salmon in a colorful Hibiscus Tea Liquid (Court Bouillon) – perfect for cooking […]
Karen’s Thai Glaze & Dipping Sauce
A quick and flavorful Sauce and Glaze – It is sweet yet boasts a good amount of flavor from Garlic, Ginger, Chilis and Red Scallions. A wonderful DIP for Spring Rolls – fresh or fried. Be creative!! I’m using it as a GLAZE for Poached Salmon… also think as a glaze for chicken or veggies right off the […]
Quick Herbal Tzatziki Sauce
This Creamy Yogurt Sauce is light, tangy and zesty with herbal notes. Cucumbers are quickly salted, then patted dry and added to the mix. This Creamy Yogurt Sauce is light, tangy and zesty with herbal notes. Cucumbers are quickly salted, then patted dry and added to the mix.
Summer Pesto Recipes and NEW: Fresh Pea & Basil Pesto!
Ah…Pesto in Summer – I’m blending Fresh Peas from their pods with traditional pesto ingredients for a creamy and earthy flavor – a Pesto you will love! English Peas – are known for their sweet flavor and bright, beautiful green color. These need to be shucked from their pods… the prize is inside. Find them […]
Karen’s Shaved Asparagus White Pizza
Asparagus adds a veggie element and texture to the Perfect White Pizza! Make 2 pizzas loaded with flavor with wonderful Shaved Asparagus with Garlic, a White Sauce underneath and Three Cheeses. The AT-HOME Pizza Craze is on fire! Thanks to the many new Outdoor Wood Fired Pizza Oven & Portable Pizza Ovens on the market […]
Quattro Colore Beet Salad with Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette
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. A Simple Beet Salad Showing Off Their Natural Glorious Colors. Four different colored beets are sliced with a pungent vinaigrette and pickled onions. For the Quattro Colore Beet Salad – […]
Corn Salad with Browned Butter Vinaigrette
Fresh Corn off the Cob teams with Heirloom Green Tomatoes and tossed with a Nutty & Toasted Brown Butter Vinaigrette. Fresh Zesty Flavors with Crunch! A treasured Summer Recipe. I like this color combo – minimalist; just yellow & green. These tiger striped green heirloom tomatoes are incredibly sweet and low in acid. The vinaigrette […]
What To Cook Right Now in Summer: First Week of July
Summer is finally here – that means fresh Fruits & Veggies Galore! Time to get out and enjoy the grill and enjoy the BBQ season. Here is a sample of some Summer Recipes I’m excited to make now – Using the season’s freshest ingredients. Always Lightened-Up with Health in mind. Get Grilling with these two […]
Karen’s Puttanesca Rice Stuffed Tomatoes
Intensely Flavored Rice Salad with Mediterranean Flavors: Olives, Onions, Garlic, Capers and Fresh Herbs – Served Cold or Room Temperature. A wonderful side dish or light lunch! Terrific addition to Summer Meals & Picnics. Next week – Look for my FAVORITE SUMMER RECIPES to make right now! Summer Tomatoes will soon be ready to be […]
Korean Style Chili-Garlic BBQ Gochugaru Marinade for Chicken
Korean Gochugaru Marinade combines this bright red chile powder: Gochugaru – a medium-spicy coating to drench chicken prior to grilling with additional garlic & ginger. Finger-Licking Good! If you like your chicken super-flavorful, good & spicy with an eye catching color – this recipe is for you! Let’s learn about Korean Gochugaru Chiles – and make a chile-laced marinade, […]
Asparagus Frittata with Roasted Peppers & Dill
A light and flavorful casserole that is layered with vegetables, cheese, eggs & herbs. Baked until puffy with a creamy-like texture – a meal in itself! A light dish – with a very creamy consistency with beautiful layers & color contrasts. Serve as a meal with a seasonal salad – for lunch – for brunch […]
Karen’s Cajun- Style Blackened Redfish with Summer Herbs in a Cast Iron Skillet
Cajun Seasoning Enlivens Red Fish – Blackened in Minutes in a Cast Iron Skillet. Glazed with a Browned Butter Pan-Sauce with Garlic and Many Summer Herbs. See my Recipe: Karen’s Best Cajun Seasoning Blend MY RECIPE has all the flavor – yet not using all the butter of typical recipes. Chef Paul, who I have admired, […]
21 Spring Memorial Day Recipes with NEW: Shortcakes with Rhubarb, Blueberries and Coconut Whipped Cream
Fantastic, Healthy & Creative Recipes to Celebrate the Holiday with Friends & Family! See NEW: Tender & Flaky Buttermilk Shortcakes are Split and Piled with Rhubarb and Coconut Whipped Cream with a touch of Blueberries for a Delicious Dessert. Nothing could be a more typical, totally American dessert than Strawberry Shortcake! I’ve reworked the ingredients […]
Shortcakes with Rhubarb, Blueberries and Coconut Whipped Cream
Tender & Flaky Buttermilk Shortcakes are Split and Piled with Rhubarb and Coconut Whipped Cream with a touch of Blueberries for a Delicious Dessert. Nothing could be a more typical, totally American dessert than Strawberry Shortcake! I’ve reworked the ingredients using Rhubarb and Blueberries. The perfect ending to your Memorial Day Celebration – or anytime […]
Karen’s Fresh Fig Jam with Rosemary
A Delicious Jam from Ripe Seasonal Figs – with a hint of Balsamic Vinegar and Fresh Rosemary. So many uses! Spoon on toast – Create My Fresh Fig & Herb Balsamic Dressing – Use a Glaze for the Grill. I am a FIG Lover! Known for their aromatic and sweet flavor, I first fell in […]
Fresh Fig & Herb Balsamic Dressing (using my Fig-Rosemary Jam)
A delicious and aromatic dressing, slightly thickened & sweetened. A restaurant quality dressing best made when figs are in season. The recipe starts with this jam! (see the recipe) Ingredients in this Fabulous Salad: Grilled Sliced Chicken Breast (I brushed some Fig Jam on top just off the grill), Organic Red Butter Lettuce, Watermelon Radish, […]
Karen’s Ginger-Sesame Sauce – and what to do with it!
For Dipping, Slathering and Basting – THE Sauce that makes all taste better. Packed with flavor, very low in calories & fat – ginger lends a naturally spicy kick…and a multitude of healthy benefits! Ginger-Sesame Sauce for Dipping & Beyond – tangy with a roasted note and slightly sweet It’s super easy to make! Add […]
Mother’s Day Recipes – Let’s Celebrate Mom!
Spoil Mom this Mother’s Day with some delicious home cooking. If you have been making the same recipes for years… Have I got some tempting ideas for you! Always healthy, true ingredients & inventive. Something for everyone! Brunch Ideas ~ Main Courses ~ Creative Salads ~ Something Sweet for Mom Brunch Ideas ~ In Season […]
13 Rhubarb Recipes! And NEW: Gluten Free Rhubarb Scones with a Rhubarb Glaze
Golden & Tender Triangles of Scone Heaven! Dotted with Almonds and Rhubarb and a Dynamite Easy Rhubarb Glaze. Double the Rhubarb Flavor! 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 […]
Gluten Free Rhubarb Scones with a Rhubarb Glaze
Golden & Tender Triangles of Scone Heaven! Dotted with Almonds and Rhubarb and a Dynamite Easy Rhubarb Glaze. Double the Rhubarb Flavor! Spring Rhubarb is now available at your local market! Be sure to look for it at Farmers’ Markets and buy directly from the grower. Choose unblemished firm rhubarb stalks with a dark ruby […]
Salmon Steaks with Basil & Macadamia Nut Pesto
Elegant Roulades of Boned Salmon Steaks with a Pink Peppercorns Crust are Topped with a Delicious Basil & Macadamia Nut Pesto. Perfect for a special gathering! Yes – you can use Salmon Steaks or Salmon Filets as well! This method – rolling into roulades makes a boneless – most tender, melt-in-your-mouth delectable “Salmon Steak.” Once you […]
Karen’s Basil & Macadamia Nut Pesto
A Delicious & Easy Pesto using Toasted Macadamia Nuts. Adds a rich and buttery flavor. Whirl in a food processor until creamy with some texture. So simple! Beyond tossing with pasta – the uses are endless! A Delicious & Easy Pesto using Toasted Macadamia Nuts. Adds a rich and buttery flavor.
Karen’s Pine Nut Macaroon Cookies – includes “almond paste” you make
Delicious Soft Pine Nut Cookies with a Crispy Exterior ~ Perfect for Passover & Easter. Naturally Gluten Free. These are EASY and FUN to Make! Many recipes you will see add purchased almond paste – it’s all in my recipe. Here you start swirling almonds and sugar, add egg white and pure almond extract – […]
Passover 2022 Recipes plus NEW: Quinoa Pilaf with Asparagus, Sugar Snap Peas & Mint
Healthful and Hearty Passover Recipes you can make with confidence. 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. A Big Batch Side-Dish (serves 12) That Pairs Well With All […]
Passover Quinoa Pilaf with Asparagus, Sugar Snap Peas & Mint
A Big Batch Side-Dish That Pairs Well With All Your Passover Main Courses. Fluffy Quinoa with Onions, Leeks and Spring Veggies, adorned with Fresh Mint – all will love! Add lots of mint leaves at the end… not just a garnish but part of the dish. Quinoa for Passover… Why Not? I always have had […]
Homemade Chicken & Veggie Burgers with Maple Glazed Shallots and Roasted Tomato Ketchup
The Best Homemade Healthy Burgers brimming with Veggies and topped with addictive Maple Glazed Shallots… and a recipe for Homemade Ketchup with Canned Plum Tomatoes! For BEST Chicken Burgers – grind fresh chicken and then form into patties with veggies and seasonings. Use a food processor and pulse chicken tenderloins and boneless, skinless chicken thigh […]
Karen’s Roasted Tomato Ketchup
How to Make Homemade Ketchup Year-Round: Use Italian Canned Plum Tomatoes! I just couldn’t wait for ripe summer tomatoes ~ so I created this recipe using the best quality canned tomatoes. I love making my own ketchup, not too sweet with savory intense flavors. You can whirl it smooth or leave slightly chunky. The First […]
How to Simply Roast Spring Asparagus with Garlic, Almonds & Lemon
Spring has finally arrived! Easy roasted asparagus is done in just 10 minutes. Roasting heightens the vegetable’s flavor – and the toppings add a nice crunch and some nutty & zesty flavor! Roast the spears in a 400 degree oven simply with extra virgin olive oil, salt & pepper. When almost done – add sliced […]
Karen’s Irish Soda Bread Waffles
All the flavor and crunch of Irish Soda Bread – but delicious waffles! Buttermilk based waffles with a boost of caraway seeds and raisins – great for breakfast, brunch, or the ultimate snack… I can’t stop eating them! Works perfectly with regular flour or gluten free! The batter is enriched with Raisins and Caraway seeds […]
18 Zesty Citrus Recipes
Before Winter Ends – Take Advantage of a Multitude of Citrus to Brighten Every Recipe! Slow cooked Salmon with a Tart & Zesty Multi-Citrus Salsa is an easy meal cooked in a Parchment Package. Produces tender salmon with a sauce baked in! Make the season bright this year with the freshest jewel toned citrus. A great […]
Skillet Chili-Shrimp and Blackened Green Beans with Blood Orange Butter Sauce
A Simple Skillet Dish with Big ZESTY Flavors – perfect for a weeknight meal, special enough for company. Who doesn’t love a quick Shrimp Sauté? This dish boasts tons of flavor with Chili Seasoning, Blackened Green Beans and a delectable French Style Butter sauce a-la “beurre blanc.” BUT lighter…lightened-up with just a few tablespoons of […]
Karen’s Thai-Style Hot & Sour Soup
A Thai twist on the beloved Chinese soup – best made at home with the freshest ingredients! Tips on how to adjust the heat so it’s just right! Totally worth your time… yummy! Gluten Free. Hot and Sour Soup is a tradionally is a Chinese soup that’s savory, spicy and tangy – its flavor is incredibly […]
Herbal Olive Tapenade with Preserved Lemons – And What To Do With It
This delicious Mediterranean Tapenade gets a Flavor-Boost from Lots of Green Herbs and Preserved Lemons. A fabulous Condiment to Savor. Serving Suggestions are endless! Easy to whip up in the food processor in seconds! Tapenade is a classic French appetizer and the very essence of Mediterranean flavors, a savory, earthy olive spread with tangy and herbal flavor. […]
Valentine’s Day Treat: Grapefruit Sherbert & Coconut Heart Sablé Cookies
Three Ingredient Grapefruit Sherbert is Creamy Vegan Delicious! Add a Coconut Sablé Cookie frosted with a white chocolate glaze and topped with raspberry coconut for the perfect dessert for you & your loved ones! What is Sherbert (you might be thinking…) ? Sherbet is not quite ice cream and not quite sorbet. It is made […]
Glorious Grapefruit Sherbert with Three Ingredients – Vegan
Red Ruby Grapefruit Juice – with pulp is combined with Coconut Milk and Pure Cane Sugar. Churns to a light and creamy sherbert with a zesty, fruit flavor that is not too sweet and totally refreshing! What is Sherbert (you might be thinking…) ? Sherbet is not quite ice cream and not quite sorbet. It […]
Coconut Heart Shaped Sablé Cookie – Gluten Free
A delicious cookie for Valentine’s Day or whenever you want to create bakery quality cookies at home! Your choice of cookie cutter. Yes, you can use regular flour too! With a White Chocolate Glaze on half, top with Raspberry-Coconut mixture; no food coloring here! Sablés, also known as a French Butter Cookie or Breton Biscuit, are […]
Karen’s Roasted Winter Kumato Tomato Salsa
The Best Homemade Salsa features Kumato Tomatoes available year-round and prized for their sweet, juicy flavor and firm texture. With a dark-red brown hue and a blush of green – they will roast to a burgundy color… the perfect complement with the chipotle peppers. Kumato tomatoes luckily are available year round! My go-to tomato in Winter. What’s in the […]
Pistachio Crusted Branzino with Grapefruit Salad
A Restaurant Quality meal you can make at home! Featuring Pistachio Crusted Fish with a Grapefruit-Butter Sauce and Composed Grapefruit Salad You’ll love this salad: See the linked Salad Recipe: Composed Grapefruit Salad with Ginger-Grapefruit Vinaigrette Try it on top of the pistachio-crusted fish.. or by itself! “Suprême” refers to the classic culinary technique of […]
Composed Grapefruit Salad with Ginger-Grapefruit Vinaigrette
A Mix of Healthy Lettuces with Ruby Grapefruit Segments Lacquered with a Zesty Citrus Vinaigrette As you know, I love the flavor and tang of Citrus Fruits! This simple composed salad takes just minutes to prepare. Start by whisking the Ginger-Grapefruit Vinaigrette – I like using Red Ruby Grapefruit Juice for its punch of crimson […]
Applesauce Streusel Loaf Cake – It’s Gluten Free
Delicious with Homemade Applesauce! Using my panty ingredients – this satisfying loaf cake features an oat-streusel topping and is dotted with natural dried cranberries. I’m craving comfort food right now – this loaf cakes smells marvelous as it bakes with hints of warm spices wafting through the kitchen. Comforting & Addictive! Baked with healthful ingredients […]
Tuscan Marinated Mushrooms
Deeply fragrant mushrooms team with flavorful Tuscan spices – coated with a wine-lemon-olive oil marinade. Tangy, delicious, and easy to make. Small-plate sharing isn’t just a Spanish thing. The Italian version of tapas, known as cicchetti in Venice, stuzzichini in Southern Italy and antipasti to many Italian Americans, are great for passing around over a […]
Asian Glass Noodle Stir-Fry With Too Many Vegetables
You’ll slurp up these Gluten Free Sweet Potato Noodles with Vegetables Galore! Crispy, Crunchy & Chewy with a Soy-Chili-Citrus Sauce – Delish! A flavorful soy-chili-citrus sauce is cooked with a bevy of vegetables and silky-chewy Glass Noodles (made with sweet potato starch.) A flavor explosion – gluten free, vegan and dairy free. Topping are an […]
Southwest Style Green Shakshuka with Hatch Chili Oil
What to eat on New Years Day! Gather the ingredients you will need and pump up the green antioxidants in this one-pan dish. Healthy and satisfying with mild heat. My favorite Brunch recipe! Also see: Holiday Hors D’Oeuvres , Pick-Up Appetizers & Nibbles for amazing New Year’s Eve ideas! With the surge for global cuisine […]
Holiday Cookies! Plus NEW: Strawberry Mexican Wedding Cookies and Gluten Free Double Chocolate Mexican Wedding Cookies
Get baking with my line up of Holiday Cookies to Eat, Share & Enjoy! You’ll love my new Mexican Wedding Cookies – 2 flavors: Strawberry or Gluten Free Double Chocolate! Plus 10 more creative cookie recipes. (Press on titles for recipes) For the holidays – do not miss: Holiday Hors D’Oeuvres , Pick-Up Appetizers & Nibbles These […]
Natural Strawberry Mexican Wedding Cookies
These addictive melt-in-your-mouth cookies are getting a flavor revamp with crushed freeze dried strawberries. Enjoy these powdered sugar-dusted, crunchy, nut-filled cookies ~ a true holiday treat! I have named these cookies ” Mexican Wedding Cookies” yet similar cookies called Snowball Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes and sometime Mexican Wedding Cakes. The cookies have a distinctive tangy strawberry essence without artificial […]
Holiday Hors D’Oeuvres , Pick-Up Appetizers & Nibbles
Stress free entertaining: Christmas, New Years Eve and New Year’s Day. Get cooking with these Well-Tested Recipes. Creative, Healthy and Inspiring. The holiday season continues as we ring in the new 2022 year! 16 Must-Make Crave-Worthy Appetizers for People Who Love Party Food! Let’s start with a CHEESY selection – recipes that incorporate cheese in […]
Spinach & Chicken Meatball Appetizer with Fontina Fondue
A killer appetizer!! These pop-in-your-mouth meatball~crostini~marinara bites are topped with a flowing, easy fontina cheese fondue. Spinach & Chicken Meatballs have a light texture and roast beautifully. Recipe makes 50 miniature Spinach & Chicken Meatball Appetizers with Fontina Fondue. Can also freeze some mini meatballs for another use. This recipe can be made gluten free using gluten […]
Totally Homemade Spinach & Chicken Meatballs
Loads of Spinach mixed in to Freshly Ground Chicken – that you grind! This makes the most delicious and nutritious meatballs with an amazing texture. Recipe makes 50 medium sized meatballs or – 35 plus 30 miniature for hors d’oeuvres. I make a big batch here – eat some for the week, tuck the rest away […]
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. […]
Thanksgiving Appetizers, Mains, Sides & Desserts – I’ve Got You Covered!
Finish writing your grocery lists with some of these classic, inventive and healthy recipes for Thanksgiving! Appetizers! Some light nibbles while your guests are arriving, drinking, toasting and anticipating the holiday meal. Simple to make – roll mixture into a log – chill, slice & bake! Top with garden herbs for an elegant touch. A […]
Lightened-Up Dark Chocolate Crème Brûlée
A cracked caramel-sugar top with a creamy chocolate dessert underneath. Made entirely with milk, not a drop of heavy cream! Lightened-Up: Creamy, decadent and delicious… decadent but not too rich! Ingredients for Chocolate Crème Brûlée ~ Port Wine soaked Cherries optional I really love all custard-y sweets – there are dozens of culinary desserts based on […]
Thanksgiving 2021 – Mastering Turkey & Gravy PLUS All the SIDES
Make the most flavorful turkey with a memorable gravy you will make every year. See my tricks and hints! Plus – let’s also get serious with a Creative & Healthy Mix of Crave Worthy SIDE DISHES. It’s all about the gravy! Learn how to make a dark, caramelized and flavorful gravy – and it’s not […]
Sunchoke & Kabocha Soup with Fabulous Garnishes
Sunchokes lend a creaminess to warm soups, perfectly paired with the velvety smooth Kabocha Squash for a wonderful Fall & Winter Soup. A great festive yet simple recipe for Thanksgiving. Vegan. I love serving soup on Thanksgiving! Why not try serving a soup with appetizers in individual shot glasses? A simple soup with 6 yummy garnishes! […]
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 […]