Currently Browsing: Spring

Karen's Cajun Celeriac Fries

Celeriac Oven Fries with Cajun Seasonings

A fabulous low-carb alternative to potatoes with a nutty-celery flavor. Roasted to perfection with golden edges and just the right amount of heat. Crispy and easy to prepare! Cut the Peeled Celery Root into batonettes (thick chunky-cut) – add them to boiling water to soften and cook for just 3 minutes; drain and pat completely […]

Summer Pasta with Sugar Snap Peas, Fresh English Peas & a Creamy Herbal Vegan Sauce

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 […]

Coconut Milk Crème Brûlée with Roasted Strawberry Compote with Rum

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 […]

Cool Beet Soup with Kefir and Pickled Beet Stems

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

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

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 22 Inspirational MEMORIAL DAY RECIPES Here!!! I made this salad last night at my Cooking Class at Leicht […]

Modern Shrimp Louis: A Comeback for a Classic Dish

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! […]

Rhubarb Snack Cake with Cardamom & Ginger

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

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 […]

Karen's Spring Vegetable Fried Rice

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 […]

Grilled Asparagus & Hearts of Palm in a quilted pattern with Chimichurri Sauce on a vintage white plate

25 Inventive Spring Recipes – to Get You Cooking!

I’m all about Cooking with the Seasons! Get ready to take on Spring with my FAVORITE RECIPES including lightened-up options, creative first courses, tempting main courses and must-make desserts that. Celebrate this season’s bounty with 25 well-tested recipes! Spring Grilled Asparagus Salad ~ Blood Orange Buttermilk Dressing Let’s start here – time to uncover the […]

Karen's Spring Green Herbal Ranch Dressing & Salad

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

Best Passover 2023 Recipes! Plus NEW: Karen’s Mosaic Carrot Kugel with Dill

Healthful and Hearty Passover Recipes you can make with confidence. For the Seder and through Eight Days… 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. WOW-Factor! A light soufflĂ©-like […]

Karen's Shaved Asparagus White Pizza

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 […]

Korean Style Chili-Garlic BBQ Gochugaru Marinade for Chicken

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, […]

A serving of Asparagus Frittata with Roasted Peppers & Dill

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

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, […]

Lettuce Wrapped Chicken Burger with Zesty Ranch

22 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

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 […]

A Jar of Homemade Fig Jam with Rosemary

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 […]

Spring Salad with Grilled Chicken and Homemade Fig-Balsamic Dressing

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, […]

Burst Heirloom Tomatoes Over Pasta with Shrimp in vintage bowl

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 […]

Easy Rhubarb Glaze for Rhubarb Scones

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 Quinoa Pilaf with Asparagus and Sugar Snap Peas

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

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 […]

Simply Roasted Asparagus with Garlic, Almonds & Lemon

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 […]

Spinach, Feta and Tomato Quiche with Wild & Brown Rice

Mother’s Day Inspirations – 18 Recipes She Will Love!

Spoil Mom with some home cooking! She will love the effort… and results ~ and you might learn a few new recipes and techniques. Look for local Spring ingredients – the best and freshest you can find and make this year a bountiful celebration for the special Moms in your life.  Here is a gathering of […]

Chimichurri sauce in a vintage glass bowl

Zesty Chimichurri Sauce and How To Use It!

This classic Argentinian Sauce takes only minutes to make and the perfect little sauce/condiment to pair with all your grilling specialties. Chimichurri is a herb-based raw sauce & condiment – you simply chop and stir all the ingredients together. No two recipes are alike – this is how I make it ~ “a mixture of […]

Grilled Asparagus & Hearts of Palm in a quilted pattern with Chimichurri Sauce on a vintage white plate

Grilled Asparagus & Hearts of Palm Salad with Chimichurri

A creative and healthy stunning salad with my master Chimichurri sauce/condiment I had fun putting this together! First, I found these amazing FAT asparagus from Mexico. I’ll have to wait a few more weeks until local asparagus are cut from the fields. I thought Hearts of Palm are a similar size, so I paired the […]

Spring Egg Drop Soup with Fresh Jonah Crab

Spring Egg Drop Soup

Classic Egg Drop Soup gets a healthy overhaul with Spring Veggies and a topping of Fresh Crab. Spring Produce is popping up everywhere – so I’m using glorious green vegetables and enhancing the classic Egg Drop Soup – I think for the better! The crab is optional, yet adds a lingering sweetness and a pop of color… fresh […]

Spring Grilled Asparagus Salad ~ Blood Orange Buttermilk Dressing

Spring Inspiration – 20 Recipes to Try!

Get ready to take on Spring with my favorite recipes including lightened-up options (to help with the COVID-19 added pounds), creative first courses, tempting main courses and must-make desserts that celebrate the current and long awaited new season! Let’s start here – time to uncover the grill and savor these fat asparagus in this restaurant quality […]

Salmon with Rhubarb Jam Butter Sauce with Spring Vegetables

Salmon with Rhubarb Vanilla Bean Butter Sauce

My favorite Spring Meal! Perfectly cooked Salmon with a luscious Rhubarb Vanilla Bean Sauce and a Spring Vegetable Salad Spring Rhubarb Season is Here at Last!  Rhubarb Jam is easily transformed into this luscious Rhubarb Butter Sauce. I love the process of Jam-making! Finding the perfect seasonal fruit and stirring it up in a pot […]

Rhubarb Vanilla Jam with Toast on vintage plate

Karen’s Rhubarb Vanilla Bean Jam

Spring Rhubarb cooks into a delectable jam! I add a little chopped apple for balance and I love the lingering vanilla bean aroma. These vibrant pink to crimson stalks are tart with a flavor all their own. I find the taste to be intoxicating. Easy to make – stir up chopped rhubarb and apple in […]

Salmon with Rhubarb Jam Butter Sauce with Spring Vegetables

Karen’s Simple Rhubarb Vinaigrette

The perfect vinaigrette for your Spring Salads and great for drizzling on top of vegetables! A A beautiful color and light and fruity flavor ~ my favorite Spring Dressing This Rhubarb Vinaigrette has just a few simple ingredients. Start with my Rhubarb Vinegar, and add minced garlic & sea salt. Drizzle in neutral oil slowly until […]

Karen’s Strawberry Shortcake Frozen Yogurt

Karen’s Strawberry Shortcake Frozen Yogurt

A COOL take on “strawberry shortcake.” Creamy and refreshing on a hot Summer’s day – with Brown Sugar Shortcake Pieces Folded in! It’s Gluten~free. A smooth, creamy mouthfeel – decadent like ice cream yet lighter. Brown Sugar Shortcakes – they’re gluten free. Use regular flour if you wish. Also see another yummy mix-in frozen yogurt: […]

Really Amazing Rhubarb BBQ Sauce

Really Amazing Rhubarb BBQ Sauce

Seasonal Fresh Rhubarb is blended in a tangy & zesty Barbecue Sauce!An easy Sauce & Glaze – terrific using on the grill and as a side sauce. A fruity Barbecue Sauce does not need to be loaded with sugar to be flavorful. Homemade is better ~ no unwanted preservatives and flavorings! 

Artichokes Ă  la Grecque

Artichokes Ă  la Grecque

Spring Recipe: the French version of an antipasto-style vegetable preparation with intense zesty flavors. Learn how to prepare fresh seasonal artichokes!  Vegetables Ă  la grecque is a French dish ~ vegetables are typically slightly pickled in a broth of vegetable stock and wine. I’m swirling in a little butter and serving with fish; great over pasta too! […]

Vegan Black Cherry Ice Cream + Cashew Brittle

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.)

Summer Strawberry Salad with Walnuts, Feta and Maple-Walnut Vinaigrette

Summer Strawberry Salad with Walnuts, Feta and Maple-Walnut Vinaigrette

Seasonal Lettuces and Vegetables team with the Juiciest Strawberries with the perfect Zesty Vinaigrette

Scooped Vegan Strawberry Rhubarb “Ice Cream”

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

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.

Strawberry-Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

Strawberry-Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

I’m loving this vinaigrette! PurĂ©ed Strawberries are blended in – lending a beautiful color and natural sweetness.

Vanilla Ice Milk & Peach Melba Parfaits

Vanilla Ice Milk & Peach Melba Parfaits

A lightened-up vision of a favorite dessert. You won’t believe the texture and flavor of the Ice Milk!

Fresh Cherry BBQ Sauce ~ Over Chicken & Veggie Kebobs

Fresh Cherry BBQ Sauce ~ Over Chicken & Veggie Kebobs

A fabulous Basting and Dipping BBQ Sauce to make During Cherry Season! A gorgeous color with Fresh Cherry Flavor. See recipe below for Chicken & Veggie Kebobs.

Genius Strawberry Lace-Cookie Crisp in individual pie pans

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 BrĂ»lĂ©e!

Spring Minty Pea Soup with Scallion Kimchee in vintage blue & white bowl

Spring Minty Pea Soup with Scallion Kimchee

A quick blender soup with a good handful of mint – Scallion Kimchee adds a hit of mellow heat  A tasty soup that showcases the vibrant, delicate flavors of the season. The key to a vibrant green soup is cooking the peas perfectly, which means very briefly

Rhubarb & Goat Cheese Bruschetta

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.

Rhubarb and Shallot Vinaigrette

Rhubarb and Shallot Vinaigrette

This Zesty Vinaigrette dresses up greens with an essence of Rhubarb. Make these delectable Bruschettas to serve with the salad

A tart-sweet flavor, perfectly thickened.

Strawberry Rhubarb Topping

Rhubarb is one of those flavors that is deliciously addicting…. pairs wonderfully with Strawberries. A tart-sweet flavor, perfectly thickened.

Strawberry Rhubarb Cottage Cheese Cheesecake with an Oat & Almond Press In Crust – Gluten Free

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 Asparagus Spears are cooked in Parchment Paper with Lemon Rind, Garlic, Tarragon and Butter ~ an easy method with delicious results

Spring Asparagus Cooked in Parchment Over Pasta

Spring Asparagus Spears are cooked in Parchment Paper with Lemon Rind, Garlic, Tarragon and Butter ~ an easy method with delicious results! A wonderful light dish which is simple to prepare. I love adding roasted Jerusalem Artichoke slices and Fresh Peas into the mix… see recipe. Loaded with Vegetables… actually more veggies than pasta!

Spring Grilled Asparagus Salad ~ Blood Orange Buttermilk Dressing

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. Enjoy the flavors of […]

Warm Asparagus and Spinach Dip Lightened-Up

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.

Gluten-Free Flour in the Gnocchi dough is easy to handle – yes… you can do this!

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

Layer the cherry salsa with the tortilla chips and cheeses and bake

Fresh Cherry Salsa

During the height of the “cherry season” ~ try this wonderful Cherry Salsa that’s tart, spicy with a hint of sweetness. Add to layers of tortilla chips and cheeses for the ultimate, updated NACHOS ~ YUM!

Fresh Spring produce shines in this quiche with a simple cracker crumb base and truffled cheddar cheese to compliment. Go-Green!

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!

Spinach & Frisee Salad with French Baguette topped with Goat Cheese and Strawberry Swirl

Spinach & Frisee Salad with French Baguette topped with Goat Cheese and Strawberry Swirl

Rhubarb Tart ~ Shortbread Cookie Crust

Rhubarb Tart ~ Shortbread Cookie Crust

As summer fruits are still ripening, taste the marvelous, special flavor of Rhubarb in this easy to make (promise!) fruit tart

Spring Artichokes with Southern Spiced Cornbread Crumbs in a vintage bowl

Spring Artichokes with Southern Spiced Cornbread Crumbs

Spinach, Kale and Sunchoke Kugel-SoufflĂ© – Perfect for Passover

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