Currently Browsing: Recipes to Impress / Entertaining
Vegan Black Cherry Ice Cream + Cashew Brittle
This vegan Black Cherry Ice Cream has a silky texture, is all-natural and surprisingly easy to prepare. (You’ll need an ice cream maker for this recipe, but it’s worth it.)
Grilled Peach Salad with Sweet & Sour Vinaigrette
A Must Try Summer Salad ~ So simple, fresh & delicious! Summer peaches are sweet and juicy and their flavor intensifies on the grill. Simple Ingredients ~ Yellow and White Grilled Peaches, Toasted Hazelnuts & Almonds, Red Oak Lettuce, Little Gem Lettuce, Colorful Cherry Tomatoes and an Awesome Sweet and Sour Vinaigrette with Honey, Mustard […]
Beet Tzatziki Sauce with Spiced Chicken Skewers
Healthy and Oh-So Colorful! A Zesty But Light Sauce enriches many recipes and perfect with my Grilled Chicken Skewers. This is a versatile sauce that is the perfect accompaniment to many Mediterranean dishes. You can also slather it on your sandwiches; or simply use it as a dip with warm pita and your favorite vegetables.
Cold Tomato Bread Soup with Basil (Karen’s take on “Salmorejo”)
THE Summer Soup to devour! Healthy and delicious ~ a lightened up version with personality, creaminess and flavor. Vegan. My Cold Tomato Bead Soup with Basil is a take on the Andalucia region’s famous soup: Salmorejo from Spain. The ingredients are few – ripe, dark red vine ripened tomatoes are a must.
Stuffed Shiitake Mushrooms with Tomatillo Salsa Topping
Delectable with Mexican Spices – these caps are stuffed with flavor! Lots of colorful vegetables and ground turkey.
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.
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.
Grilled Chicken Buffalo Nachos (Vegetarian version too)
Loaded Nachos don’t need to be a fattening, processed mess! Serve these on Super Bowl Sunday… rave reviews to come! This recipe make enough for a hungry crowd – 12 – 16 appetizer portions. Easily Gluten Free (see my cheese sauce.)
Crab Tostadas Bites with Avocado-Cucumber Mash
For the recipe: Make Crisp Corn Tortilla Triangles / Lump Crab Salad / Avocado-Cucumber Mash
Prosecco Cocktail with Spiked Cranberry Syrup
A quick syrup that transforms a glass of bubbly Prosecco or Champagne. Made with Cranberry, Pomegranate and Orange juices and warm spices
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 the right amount of milk & butter… but not too much. Garlic adds depth and […]
Bite Sized Corn Quiche with Blue Cornmeal Crust
A blue corn crust adds interest – a creamy corn center with truffle cheese is savory, sweet and scrumptious The corn custard is full of flavor – after sautéing the corn with onion and chopped poblano chili – I add 1/4 of the batch to the milk-egg mixture in the blender. Really adds some extra […]
Crispy Onion Bhajis with Grated Mango Chutney
Pan fried and similar to a fritter, these pop-in-your-mouth treats are simple to make and well worth the effort. Indian seasonings add a punch of flavor – and they are Vegan and Gluten-Free! Bhajis are crispy little fritters – mine are pan-fried, not deep fried. Little morsels packed with flavor and spice!
Grilled Sea Bass with Eggplant, Tomato & Herb Salad
Nothing better than really fresh fish with a wonderful vegetable preparation. Sea Bass has a meaty texture and pairs well with the Grilled Eggplant and Tomato Salad in a Zesty Vinaigrette This recipe has a Mediterranean feel, lack of dairy and loaded with local vegetables.
Fresh Mint Chocolate Truffles – Vegan
These delectable, creamy truffles are truly all-natural with Fresh Mint from my garden. Coconut Milk swaps in for heavy cream for a lighter, vegan treat. Cacao nibs adds a little crunch. You’ll love the simple ingredients: Belgium Chocolate (73% Cacao, no extra sugar will be added), Coconut Milk, Fresh Mint, Cocao Nibs and Peppermint Extract. […]
Genius Strawberry Lace-Cookie Crisp
These individual crisps are bursting with strawberries and an almond lace cookie top. Totally crunchy! If I do say so myself – these crisps are genius… not loaded with sugar with a top layer that cracks – like Crème Brûlée!
Rhubarb and Goat Cheese Bruschetta Over a Salad with Rhubarb & Shallot Vinaigrette
Three Rhubarb recipes come together in this marvelous, fresh salad with a Savory Bruschetta. Rhubarb is one of those flavors that is deliciously addicting – Tart to the taste ~ an incredible ingredient to cook as the crimson color and heady perfumy scent stands out.
Shrimp with Charred Brocollini and Shiitake “Bacon” – Browned Butter Balsamic Drizzle
A skillet dish with an amazing flavor combination – healthful and colorful. Shiitake “Bacon” is a game changer – my tasters said taste just like the real thing… but vegan!
Strawberry Rhubarb Cottage Cheese Cheesecake with an Oat & Almond Press In Crust – Gluten Free
You’ll fall in love with the lighter texture of this amazing cheesecake. A simple topping with luscious Spring Rhubarb and Strawberries add just the right tart-sweet flavor and gorgeous color! The one dessert you will make over and over again this Spring. Delight Mom… the perfect Mother’s Day Dessert! Rhubarb is one of those flavors […]
Spring Grilled Asparagus Salad ~ Blood Orange Buttermilk Dressing
The perfect Restaurant Quality Spring Salad! Choose fat asparagus and cook indoors in a grill pan – or outdoors in warmer weather. Mache Lettuce, Radicchio, Purple Spring Onions, Toasted Almonds, Fresh Mango Cubes, Blood Orange Slices and Grilled Fat Asparagus Spears all come together for a memorable, Restaurant-Syle Salad at Home.
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
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 can learn how to prepare this Classic French Dish, for you, your loved ones or […]
Chocolate Heart Cut-Out Decorations with Pretzels and Cacao Nibs
So easy to make – use a good quality, not too sweet chocolate.. the ultimate finishing touch!
Warm Asparagus and Spinach Dip – Lightened Up
This delicious warm dip is a perfect appetizer for game day! Asparagus replaces artichokes for a flavor-twist. A bevy of vegetables keeps the fat content at bay. A Killer Dip that won’t kill your waistline! A spin on the classic spinach artichoke dip… hot and bubbling from the oven, is pretty hard to beat.
Celery Root Bisque Soup with Garlic Pita Croutons
A healthy soup with a creamy texture from the celery root (celeriac) and potatoes. Delicious and Silky Smooth. Dairy Free. Add a swirl of Cashew Cream for a decorative touch. Vegan.
Winter White Salad with Pink Peppercorn Vinaigrette
A beautiful, crispy and crunchy salad with Winter-White Vegetables. Chioggia Beets add a touch of crimson color, as does the rind of the Pears and Black Radish. A restaurant quality salad which is easy and fun to prepare.
Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies – Gluten-Free!
Finally… the perfect chocolate chip cookie that’s deliciously gluten-free (you would never know they are!) Chocolate Hazelnut Butter adds depth ~ add plenty of Bittersweet Chocolate Chunks Delicious crispy cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture
Thanksgiving Turkey Marsala Gravy – the best, richest and most delicious!
It’s all about the gravy! Learn how to make a dark, caramelized and flavorful gravy – and it’s not difficult… just need to follow a few steps. It will make your Thanksgiving celebration a hit!
Kabocha Squash Soup with Apples and Cashew Crema – Vegan
Perfect for Thanksgiving! See my easy way to peel a Kabocha Squash. You’ll love the Cashew Crema with hints of maple & cinnamon ~ the Spiced Cashews make a terrific, crunchy garnish A universal soup all and your Vegan guests will adore! Can make the soup ahead and freeze for a hassle- free Thanksgiving soup. […]
Fall Salad with Pears, Pomegranate Seeds and Zesty Garlic Confit Vinaigrette
A light Fall Salad with crunchy textures dressed with a Zesty-Lemony Vinaigrette with Confit Garlic A delicious and healthy Fall Salad with Caramelized Pears, three Greens, julienned Purple Carrots, Pecan Halves, Pomegranate Seeds and an awesome Zesty Garlic Confit Vinaigrette. Serve with my Garlic Cheesy Toast (with Garlic Confit)
Roasted Carrots with Fresh Figs ~ Pomegranate Glaze and Pistachios
The perfect side dish for late summer ~ early fall. Carrots caramelize with the figs with a delectable just-sweet-enough glaze… all roasted in one pan. A Vegan recipe. Here is a colorful, balanced side-dish that excites the palate rather than weigh it down. The perfect combination of roasted veggies & fruits with nuts, herbs and a zippy (well….zesty!) […]
Raspberry Marshmallow Pie with Granola Crust
An Unbelievable, Simple Pie with only 4 ingredients and a press-in Granola Crust. Dream-like light filling with plenty of fresh raspberry flavor. I went Raspberry Picking in August – see these gorgeous raspberries, some with the stems still attached!
Cedar Planked Salmon with Pistachio-Tarragon & Lavender Gremolata
Cedar Planked King Salmon is an Easy Summer-Time Dish with a lush, smokey essence ~ the Flavorful Gremolata takes only minutes to prepare
Pistachio-Tarragon & Lavender Gremolata
Easy to prepare ~ adds a blast of flavor with citrusy notes. Perfect for fish, vegetables, chicken and grains.
Blender Watermelon Frosé
Frozen Watermelon & Coconut Milk Cubes and Rosé Wine with a Float of White Rum – Invite Some Guests… It’s Party Time. THE Drink of the Summer! Frosé is a wine-based summery slushie that’s cold and refreshing.
Gluten-Free Ricotta & Spinach Gnocchi
Gluten-Free Homemade Gnocchi ~ Worth the effort, fun to make and DELICIOUS! Gluten-Free Flour in the dough is easy to handle – yes… you can do this! Recipes for Brown Butter Sauce and Garlic Scape & Basil Pesto
Layered Cheese Nachos with Fresh Cherry Salsa
These nachos is very satisfying and craveable. Fresh Cherry Salsa adds tart-sweet and spicy notes – addicting!!
Corn and Zucchini Tortitas
A twist on the Spanish “Tortita” ~ these vegetable griddle cakes are delicious.. you can’t eat just one! With good-for you ingredients, chock full of zucchini, corn, scallions, jalapeño, feta, grated parmesan and a generous mound of fresh dill. Eat alone, with your favorite salsa, or, as my mother would do- sour cream.
Karen’s Smokey & Cheesy Grits
Smoked garlic and maple smoked cheddar make it special. Perfectly paired with grilled shrimp over creamy stirred grits. Parsley joins basil in the pesto mix.
Spinach, Feta and Tomato Quiche with Wild & Brown Rice Crust
Bursting with Flavor and Color – this Naturally Gluten-Free Quiche makes the perfect hassle-free brunch, lunch or healthy dinner
Sunflower Satay Sauce ~ for Noodles and Grilled Chicken Skewers (Peanut-Free)
Asian-Style Satay Sauce made with Sunflower Seed Butter for a nutty-sweet flavor, yet NUT FREE. Easy blended sauce for Noodles and Grilled Chicken Skewers. Top with Sunflower Seeds and Sunflower Sprouts!
Wood Fired Beet Salad with Avocado-Citrus Vinaigrette
Simply Delicious ~ Wood Fired Infused Smoked Beets easily prepared on your grill. Finish the Salad with Petite Greens and a Zesty Avocado-Citrus Vinaigrette.
Modern Shrimp Louis Salad
A Comeback for a Classic Dish! This fresh, seafood-rich trendsetter recipe of the early 20th century takes on a modern flair with Fresh (not frozen) Pink Shrimp and a zippy Louis Sauce
Karen’s Gluten-Free Matzo Balls – Large and Mini
Make these for the Passover holiday (or year-round!) all will enjoy, they are delicious, fluffy and tender. The only ones I make!
Karen’s Butter Chicken
Most Probably the Best Known of all Indian Dishes ~ It’s mildly spicy, creamy, savory flavor makes it more than just delicious… it’s addictive! Note: I use coconut milk instead of heavy cream in many classic recipes… I think it’s delicious. This recipe is well worth the time – the second time you prepare it, it […]
Lobster Savannah
An Elegant Valentine Dinner Treat for 2 ~ A LOVE-ly dish with a healthy profile The original menu offering of “Lobster Savannah” dates back to 1964, served at an elegant establishment – The Andrew Jackson Restaurant in New Orleans.
New Guacamole with Roasted Zucchini and Lime Zest
A luscious and velvety Guacamole! Lower in fat but high in flavor – add some roasted zucchini for the perfect blend! Yes, even the cherished recipe for guacamole can be modified, respectfully, for a deeper flavor and other favorable nuances.
Crispy Skate with Browned Butter, Capers and Pickled Radishes
Dusting the fish with rice flour and cooking in a hot skillet creates a skate that is “crispy.”
Blue Corn Madeleines with Cheddar, Fresh Corn and Scallions
A little crunchy on the exterior, due to the fresh corn, cheddar and scallions first put in the tin. Organic blue corn meal makes it special.
White Wild Salmon Gravlax with Cracked Pepper and Lavender
Flavor the flesh of Wild Caught Alaskan Salmon with Lavender, Dill, Vodka and Pink Peppercorns. An elegant gravlax that also can be prepared with any fresh salmon. Super simple – the salmon is coated and weighted for three days – then ready to thinly slice and enjoy.
Lebneh Balls – Yogurt Cheese with Herbs, Spices, Walnuts and Olive Oil
Dip into this home made treat that’s simple to make – has a luxurious velvety texture and flavor with subtle and assertive flavors you love. Extra Virgin Olive Oil surrounds these delicious protein-packed yogurt cheese balls as does herbs, spices, lemon rind and crunchy walnuts.
Chicken En Papillote ~ Asian Style
Delicious chicken and vegetables with sliced clementines in a crimped envelope of parchment ~ all the natural juices sealed in.
Crispy Coconut Baked Zucchini Sticks with Avocado Ranch Dip
Oven baked and delicious zucchini fries with a crispy coating of shredded coconut, corn meal and gluten-free flour. Serve with a creamy, luscious avocado dip flavored with coconut oil. Tips given for using a fresh coconut to make home made coconut milk and shredded coconut. Gluten-Free
Go Green Spring Quiche with Truffled Cheese
Fresh Spring produce shines in this quiche with a simple cracker crumb base and truffled cheddar cheese to compliment. Go-Green!
Clementine Cake with Marcona Almonds
Simple ingredients transform into a moist and heavenly orange-almond flourless cake. Reminiscent of a Sicilian recipe, Mediterranean ingredients, using Marcona Almonds and Clementine Oranges from Spain. Inspired by movie: “The Secret Lives of Walter Mitty.”
Pecan Chicken and Waffle Appetizer with Sautéed Collards and Maple-Bourbon Drizzle
The Ultimate Appetizer with Southern Charm ~ Grilled Chicken with Pecans and a Maple-Bourbon Glaze on top of crisp Buttermilk Waffles and Sweet and Sour Sautéed Collard Greens
Chocolate Turtles with Homemade Natural Caramel
Give your sweetie these delectable candies and learn how to make the most delicious homemade caramel from scratch. The ultimate Valentine’s Day treat!
Sweet Potato Tater-Tots with Tortilla Crumbs ~ Hot Sauce Honey-Butter Glaze and Blue Cheese Dip
The perfect vegetarian appetizer for your Super Bowl party – Crispy tater-tots with a healthy profile. Rolled in multi-grain tortilla chips and baked- served with a Honey-Hot Sauce-Butter Glaze and Blue Cheese Dip. Move over chicken wings… Vegetarian and Gluten-Free.
Sizzling Flounder with Soy, Lemon and Sesame
To commemorate Chinese New Year, I am sharing one of my all-time favorite recipes: Sizzling Flounder. Simple Asian flavors surround this healthy, light and delicious dish – a must try for my readers.
Little Gem Salad with Cara Cara Caesar-ish Dressing with Garlic Parmesan Toasts
It’s Winter Citrus Season – these low acid, sweet Cara Cara navel oranges entice a Caesar-style dressing with zest! A Wonderful – Simple Salad with crunch and a daily dose of garlic.