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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 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 […]
Fennel Salad and Perfect Grilled Chicken with Karen’s Lemon-Oregano Marinade
Packed with Zesty Flavor, Crunchy Texture – a Salad to Savor! A refreshing mix of Fennel, Vadalia Onions, Fresh Peaches, Local Cucumbers & Perfect Grilled Lemony Marinated Chicken TODAY ~ Here are Two Recipes! 1. Karen’s Lemon-Oregano Marinade 2. Fennel Salad and Perfect Grilled Chicken (that has been marinated in the Lemon-Oregano Marinade) Fennel has a […]
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 […]
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 […]
Condiments for Flavor – The Little Things Makes the Dish!
Condiments! Yes, these powerhouse RECIPES will add flavor to a bland dish, or were created to enhance the flavor of food. And we all eat for flavor! Tinga Sauce:Â Originating in Puebla, Mexico, Chicken Tinga is an adaptable and authentic dish made with shredded chicken in a hearty, spicy red sauce. Â The dish likely originated […]
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 […]
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 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″) […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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, […]
Karen’s Mild Gochujang Mild Hot Sauce made with Gochugaru Chili Flakes
A “Mild” well-balanced Hot Sauce with enormous flavor. So simple to make you’ll be amazed! A juicy mix ~ includes fresh red peppers and tomatoes for natural sweetness and Gochugaru Chili Flakes. The drizzling options are endless! Gochugaru are Korean Chili Flakes – are vibrantly red in color and has a mild to moderate spicy taste […]
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… […]
Sautéed Spinach with Lemon, Garlic & Pine Nuts
The perfect Easy SautĂ© 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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. PurĂ©ed 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 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 […]
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.
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 – […]