Currently Browsing: Recipes to Impress / Entertaining
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 […]
Roast Thanksgiving Turkey Basted with Fruit Juices and Marsala Gravy
How to cook the perfect turkey, stuffing and gravy. I have developed this recipe after years in the kitchen. You will use this recipe over and over again! 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 […]
Thanksgiving Overview: What to Cook Right Now & NEW Sautéed Spinach with Pine Nuts & Lemon
The Countdown to Thanksgiving is Upon Us – Create the most memorable meal with my creative, original & well tested recipes! See all: Appetizers, Salads, Side-Dishes, Turkey with the BEST Gravy and Desserts. The perfect Easy Sauté for a Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dish. Great to master for weeknight meals too. Large leaf spinach pairs with […]
Sautéed Spinach with Lemon, Garlic & Pine Nuts
The perfect Easy Sauté for a Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dish. Great to master for weeknight meals too. Large leaf spinach pairs with golden sliced garlic, lemon rind and toasted pine nuts. Why Large Leaf Fresh Spinach? These leaves have a thicker wall – will not wilt as easily as “baby spinach” found in bags, which […]
Chocolate Caramel Pie with Granola Coconut Crust – Vegan
A wonderful decedent but not-too-rich pie with a press-in crust with a chocolate base and caramel top layer. Finished with coconut whipped cream, honey-sugared peanuts and toasted coconut flakes. Love at first bite! Gluten Free too! Is this a delicious pie that just happens to be Vegan? ALL will enjoy this one! I cleverly use […]
Delicata Squash Bake with Cider Reduction and Parmesan Bread Crumbs
Your New SIDE DISH for Thanksgiving! Sweet & Nutty Delicata Squash layered with a Zesty Cider Reduction and Topped with Sourdough-Parmesan-Thyme Breadcrumbs that bakes up Crispy & Golden. Yes ~ can be made a few days in advance! Pairs well with all your Thanksgiving Mains. How to Make this Recipe: Prepare Cider-Honey-Butter mixture. Cut Delicata […]
SOUPS ON! My Favorite Soups to Make Right Now
15 Soups to Make right now and into Winter’s Cooler Months. Creative, original soup recipes with wholesome ingredients bursting with flavor. A wonderful collection to try… before I send out all the Thanksgiving essential recipes! Sunchokes lend a creaminess to warm soups, perfectly paired with the velvety smooth Kabocha Squash for a wonderful Fall & […]
Thai Inspired Honeynut Squash Soup with a Toasted Rice Garnish
My Favorite New Soup of the Season – Perfectly Seasoned and Quite Easy to Prepare. The fabulous creamy texture of Honeynut squash makes a velvety soup – Thai spices from an unexpected place – in a little can… how convenient! Roasted Honeynut Squash is added to a quick base of onions, shallots, ginger and garlic […]
Karen’s Chunky Apple Maple Jelly
So Simple and Irresistibly Delicious! The Key is two different Apples and a dose of really good maple syrup. Slather over your morning bread, for use as a topping for crostini as I did. A Chunky Jelly that’s definitely a little syrupy and ready to slather! I’ve used a Macoun Apple (soft) and an Heirloom Hudson Golden […]
Garlic-Garlic Vinaigrette (with my “Garlic Crisp” Recipe for Salads)
I’m Crazy About Garlic! This Amazing Zesty Vinaigrette uses Garlic Three Ways. Minced Garlic ~ Softened Garlic ~ Garlic Oil. Tangy, Garlicky – Liquid GOLD! Drizzle Over Salads and more. My Garlic-Garlic Vinaigrette uses GARLIC THREE WAYS: Raw Garlic; finely chopped Quick Garlic Confit; softened peeled cloves gently cooked in olive oil (a milder flavor […]
Karen’s Garlic Crisps
Easy Garlic Chips baked in the oven until crispy and sweet, never bitter. A great accompaniment to toss onto salads, pasta and soup. When your craving an extra Garlic Kick – these crisps are sure to please! Simple to prepare. Sure, you can patiently cut garlic into thin slices… but this gadget does wonders! Leifheit […]
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 edges…not quite a “toast” ~ just the most DELICIOUS garlic bread/toast you ever had! And, […]
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. Ok – I’m obsessed with garlic! I rarely cook without it. Nicknamed “the stinking rose” – it’s the most common flavoring agent in […]
Karen’s German Apple Cake with Pink Pearl Apples
Welcome Fall! Time to bake with freshly picked sweet & tart apples. An easy and delicious butter-moist cake is “sunken” as the apples are fanned and placed over the batter, which then rises up around them as the cake bakes. Top with my Maple Caramel Sauce for a little decadence! These Pink Pearl Apples are […]
Karen’s Very Veggie Grilled Summer Pizza
Summer is a Wonderful Time to Grill Pizza! All Vegetables Have Local-Picked Flavor. My simple pizza dough recipe is easy to work with and gets blackened on the grill. Use VEGGIES you like… I have used a mix of: Fairy Tale Eggplant (the little guys), Zephyr Zucchini, Yellow Pattypan Squash, Red Onion, Red, Orange & […]
Karen’s Raspberry Sherbet with Shaved White Chocolate
A flavor explosion with beautiful color and texture. This simple Sherbet has just the right sweetness and is so refreshing! The perfect treat to cool off on a hot summer’s day. Totally loving the white chocolate shavings mixed-into the sherbet. What is Sherbert (you might be thinking…) ? Sherbet is not quite ice cream and […]
No-Cook Heirloom Yellow Tomato Sauce with Pasta
For Tomato Lovers! A simple and delicious sauce – serve over pasta with plenty of basil leaves. Puréed Tomatoes team with sliced cherry & oblong Heirloom Tomatoes with Cooked Garlic Cloves in Olive Oil – a light and flavorful “No-Cook” Sauce! What is a No-Cook Tomato Sauce? The skins are not removed and the sauce is […]
Summer Roasted Cod with Zucchini & Tomatoes and a Fresh Garlicky Breadcrumb Topping
All Roasted on a Single Sheet Pan – Incredible Caramelized Vegetables Surround Fresh Garlicky Breadcrumb Roasted Cod. A healthy and delicious dinner when vegetables are at their peek of flavor. I’m loving the flavors that accompany this perfectly roasted Cod! The freshest summer veggies – summer squash, zucchini & heirloom tomatoes (my favorite!) are roasted until […]
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 […]