Currently Browsing: Seasonal
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 […]
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 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… […]
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 2022 MAINS & SIDE-DISHES “MY FAVORITE RECIPES” – plus NEW: Delicata Squash Bake with Parmesan Breadcrumbs
Thanksgiving is upon us ~ One of my favorite times to cook delicious food for friends and family. Here are my best-loved dishes to cook ~ classics with healthy twists! Main Dishes and Sides: (Next week Appetizers, Soups and Desserts!) Your New Thanksgiving Side Dish! Sweet & Nutty Delicata Squash layered with a Zesty Cider […]
Thanksgiving Appetizers, Soups & Desserts – I’ve Got You Covered!
Thanksgiving is almost here – time to organize and cook delicious food! Here are my best-loved dishes to cook ~ classics with healthy twists! Today: Appetizers, Soups & Desserts NEW! Chocolate Caramel Pie with Granola Coconut Crust – Vegan (Gluten Free too) A wonderful decedent but not-too-rich pie with a press-in crust with a chocolate […]
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 […]
Fabulous Fall Vegetable Soup with Lentils & Buckwheat
All your Fall Favorite Veggies with Two Gluten Free Grains (one is actually a seed) – Health in a Bowl! SOUPS ON ~ Warm up with this chunky & hearty broth soup: chop, stir, simmer – ENJOY! Use Vegetable broth for Vegan. I love to make a healthy Vegetable Soup in the Fall using what’s growing […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Valentine’s Day Treat: Grapefruit Sherbet & 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 […]
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 […]
After Thanksgiving Recipes with your Leftovers
Here’s what I’m cooking up with the holiday’s leftovers. Soup, Salad, Throw-back Casserole, Tacos, Chef Salad, Frittata and more – create new meals for the week with minimal effort. After Thanksgiving – besides dunking roast turkey into russian dressing (homemade of course) I crave this soup! It’s zesty lemony flavor with many vegetables mingling in […]
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 2022 – 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! […]
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 […]
Flavors of Fall – 20 Irresistible Squash & Apple Recipes!
Here to inspire you – what to cook that is in season right now! Comforting & nutritious recipes prepared with seasonal ingredients to warm you up from the inside and make you enjoy the fall season at its fullest. Cook & Bake with confidence with my healthy and well-tested recipes. Press on the green titles for all […]
Sesame Blistered Shishito Peppers – Mine are Multi-Colored!
An amazing, fun & delicious EASY appetizer and side dish – these charred peppers are addictive and healthy! When pan-roasted the skin of the shishito pepper becomes blackened, resulting in an amazing smoky flavor. Pick one up and nibble to the stem! These Super-Trendy Peppers are on many restaurants menus as they are a wonderful, […]
Roasted Honeynut Squash Stuffed with a Kasha & Vegetable Pilaf
Super Sweet Honeynut Squash is special and in season! It’s small size boasts a sweet and nutty flavor with a hint of caramel. Easily roasted and stuffed with a Kasha (Buckwheat) Pilaf with plenty of Roasted Peppers, Red Onions, Herbs and Creamy Goat Cheese. The most delicious Fall main course or side dish! Buckwheat is […]
Favorite Summer Recipes! New: Corn Salad with Browned Butter Vinaigrette
There still are a few weeks of Summer left to use up all those fabulous fresh local veggies! Try a new recipe while the weather is still warm… Fall rolls in on September 22nd. It feels like I have been eating corn every night all summer long! I created this salad with minimal ingredients and […]
Fabulous Fresh Tomato Vinaigrette
In the height of the Tomato Season – make this vinaigrette for many salads and for drizzling over roasted or grilled proteins and vegetables. Made in a blender! The method ~ remove seeds from tomatoes with your fingers, cut tomatoes in half and grate, discard the skins. Add all ingredients to the blender saving some […]
Burst Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes over Pasta & Shrimp
Create a Quick Sauce with Local Cherry Heirloom Tomatoes to Toss With Pasta and Shrimp. Tomatoes “burst” – fall slightly apart with all of their natural sweet juices. Your choice – use the sauce with or without the shrimp. Vegan if you omit the cheese (and of course the shrimp.) I have used Gluten Free Pasta […]