Currently Browsing: Summer
Karen’s Rhubarb Vanilla Bean Jam
Spring Rhubarb cooks into a delectable jam! I add a little chopped apple for balance and 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 a […]
Karen’s Simple Rhubarb Vinaigrette
The perfect vinaigrette for your Spring Salads and great for drizzling on top of vegetables! 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 beautifully emulsified. Yes, you can add a few more flavoring ingredients – like […]
Raspberry Crunch Salad with Raspberry-Almond Oil Vinaigrette
Crispy, Crunchy & Sweet ~ a brilliant, colorful, healthy salad… make place at your Thanksgiving table for this treat! Make the dressing ahead and adorn with my Nut and Seed Crunch (see recipe) This recipe is included in The Salad Gazette from the great minds at The Devil Wears Salad in Australia. The salad is on […]
Karen’s Pasta Puttanesca with Fresh Tomatoes
A vibrant sauce takes makes only minutes to prepare – this is one of my favorite dishes ~ Buon appetito! The sauce is cooked in a big skillet – pasta is folded in, then served Puttanesca Sauce is big on flavor! Use fresh tomatoes if you can; the rest are pantry ingredients. Chock full of fresh […]
Grilled Zucchini with Japanese Miso-Glaze and Cashew Crema
Zucchini & Summer Squash off the grill get jazzed-up with these Japanese inspired flavors Local Zucchini is simply sliced and grilled. I add the Miso Glaze on the bottom of the plate, and Cashew Crema on top. Beautiful Zucchini and Summer Squash off the grill served with a flavorful Miso Glaze and Cashew Crema
Mediterranean Stuffed Shishito Peppers
Blistered Shishito Peppers are cut in half and stuffed with a medley of Mediterranean ingredients for an addictive appetizer Stuffed with softened goat cheese, colorful peppers. tomatoes and herbs, then broiled one minute Recipe makes 24 pick-up stuffed Shishitos The ultimate pick-up tasty three bite little stuffed peppers! The mild peppers are stuffed with an explosion […]
Cheddar and Herb “Pennies” ~ Savory Shortbread Crackers (yes, gluten free option too!)
Simple to make – roll mixture into a log – chill, slice & bake! Top with garden herbs for an elegant touch. A revised recipe from the 1950’s – these popular Cheesy Shortbread “Pennies” are the perfect little crackers with big flavor. Fabulous for snacking and company! Crispy and full of flavor. Aren’t they beautiful? […]
Summertime Panzanella Tomato Salad – you should be eating this right now!
Ripe Heirloom Tomatoes team with Garlicky Toasted Bread and Plenty of Basil Leaves. Top with my Zesty “Shaken” Italian Dressing and scatter some thinly sliced Red Onions and cubes of Cucumber. The Heirloom Tomatoes I have used: Red Zebra, Green Tiger and Strawberry Tomatoes
Gluten Free Summertime Panzanella Tomato Salad
Ripe Heirloom Tomatoes team with Garlicky Toasted Gluten Free Bread and Plenty of Basil Leaves. Top with my Zesty “Shaken” Italian Dressing and scatter some thinly sliced Red Onions and cubes of Cucumber. This Zesty Italian Dressing pairs perfectly with my Panzanella Salad. Gluten Free Bread is garlicky, tasty and cut the same size as the […]
Sungold Tomato Butter – Slather on Everything!
A deeply flavored whipped butter combined with slow-roasted Sungold Cherry Tomatoes. The uses are endless! Slather on Sourdough Bread The finished slow-cooked tomatoes – ready to blend with the butter Recipe Overview: Slow-roast halved tomatoes over thyme branches. Cook garlic so it has softened. Add butter to a small food processor – whip until light. […]
Veracruz-Style Snapper with Fresh Garden Tomatoes
I’ve taken a classic dish and reworked it with Just Picked Local Tomatoes and have added Fresh Garden Herbs. The result – a lighter and aromatic dish bursting with flavor. Serve with my delicious and simple Arroz Blanco Recipe Overview: Skin, seed and chop the Garden Tomatoes. Make the Veracruz sauce in a 12″ skillet or […]
Fabulous Black Raspberry Pie!
Summer Black Raspberries lie under a buttery & flaky lattice crust. Perfection with every bite. You will not believe the crust is Gluten Free! A pie to savor ~ I’ve added a handful of red raspberries for color contrast. This recipe makes 2 smaller 6 inch pies ~ double the recipe for a full sized pie. […]
Thai Basil Pesto – and what to do with it!
The flavor has a pronounced licorice essence and a little spicy kick. So many uses – see my list. Find this wonderful variety at farmers’ markets. Makes a delicious and unique pesto! Thai Basil Pesto adorns Pasta Squares, Roasted Zucchini and Toasted Pignoli Nuts Karen’s Thai Basil Pesto includes Thai Basil Leaves, Garlic, Pignoli Nuts, Nutritional Yeast, […]
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: […]
Steamed Baby Beets with Garlic Scape Vinaigrette
A Simple Recipe using Ingredients from a local Farmers’ Market. It’s easy to steam beets! Add to an assertive and zesty vinaigrette with Green Garlic Scapes; the curly shoot of the garlic bulb… they’re like scallions with a garlic kick! A bunch of Fresh Beets from a farmer’s market makes a whole lot of scrumptious […]
Velvety Cool Corn Soup with a Roasted Peppers & Jalapeño Garnish
Velvety corn soup to cool you down! Minimum ingredients so you have lots of Pure-Corn-Flavor. Roasted Pepper with Jalapeño and EVOO adds just a punch of interest.
Best Blueberry Frozen Yogurt with a Sugar Cookie Crumble
Overview: It’s really quite simple to make Frozen Yogurt!First, cook blueberries with sugar, brown rice syrup and a bit of water.Simmer until the blueberries soften and the mixture become syrupy.Next ~ blend in the carafe of a blender – add buttermilk, then Greek yogurt and you are done!! Refrigerate until cold and churn.
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!
Radicchio Salad with Mustard Croutons and Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette
This Radicchio Salad has a nice sweet & bitter elements. Add Frisée lettuce, Watermelon Radish, Shaved Heirloom Carrots, Crispy Croutons with Grainy Mustard and Garlic and Karen’s Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette with Shallots and Garlic. A flavor sensation!
Mint Chip Chocolate Chip Ice Cream – It’s Vegan!
Creamy, Delicious and Refreshing!! A natural “Ice Cream” that’s irresistible!
Ground Turkey “Meat Sauce” with Fresh Tomato Sauce
Doesn’t get more delicious than this! Laced with Onions, Shallots, Garlic and my Fresh Tomato Sauce – it’s my go to sauce for a comforting weeknight meal.
How to Make Fresh Tomato Sauce
End of Summer / Early Fall Tomatoes are put to great use in a wonderful simmered sauce you can savor well into Fall and Winter. Make my wonderful Ground Turkey “Meat Sauce” with Fresh Tomato Sauce too!
How To Dehydrate Cherry Tomatoes (oven recipe too!)
Savor Summer and learn how to dehydrate all those fabulous tomatoes! I save some for adding to many recipes ~ layer others in jars and cover with olive oil and thyme branches. See below all my brilliant ideas for using them.
Maple Zucchini Walnut Bread – Gluten Free
A delicious and moist Gluten Free Zucchini Quick Bread using Maple Syrup three ways ~ in the bread, glaze and glazed walnuts. Not too sweet with healthful ingredients. Easily made vegan. Use a good quality natural maple syrup (not pancake syrup!!) You know – the kind with one ingredient: maple syrup! I used a Grade […]
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.)
Pesto Compound Butter over Grilled Swordfish with Slow-Roasted Heirloom Tomatoes & Peppers
Have too much Summer pesto on hand? Make delicious compound butter in minutes! Slice and add to just-off-the-grilled local swordfish ~ melts into a dreamy sauce.
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 […]
Watermelon Gazpacho with Shaved Feta
An easy Summer soup topped with grated feta cheese and fresh mint ~ it’s light, vibrant and has a spicy kick
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.
Summer Strawberry Salad with Walnuts, Feta and Maple-Walnut Vinaigrette
Seasonal Lettuces and Vegetables team with the Juiciest Strawberries with the perfect Zesty Vinaigrette
Fresh Peach Frozen Yogurt
A refreshing treat on a warm Summer Day – Lightened up with less sugar.
Charred Sugar Snap Peas on the Grill with Hazelnut-Sesame Sauce
Tender crisp with a smoky essence ~ these peas are finished with a zesty and spicy nutty sauce… time to heat up the grill! An AMAZINGLY Delicious Side Dish!! Add proteins and noodles you like for a complete meal.
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.
Strawberry-Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
I’m loving this vinaigrette! Puréed Strawberries are blended in – lending a beautiful color and natural sweetness.
Karen’s Blueberry Oat Linzer Bars – Gluten Free
Just a great combination of complimentary ingredients – ground nuts, cinnamon, sweet jam… confectioner’s sugar and oats for texture.
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 […]
Heirloom Tomatoes Over Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs and Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette
Heirloom Tomatoes are at their peak right now – take advantage of their superior taste and beautiful hues This recipe is a breeze ~ Tomatoes Marinate in a Zesty Vinaigrette – then tossed with Spaghetti (while it’s still warm to “grab” the flavor of the dressing.) Garlic breadcrumbs top the dish and add a nice crunchy […]
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!
Shrimp & Farmers’ Market Vegetable Sauté
A quick sauté using what’s local. Florida Pink Shrimp Team with Local Bi-Color, Striped Peppers and Purple Scallions. Delicious and Healthy! Shop Local – Visit a Farmers’ Market for the best quality, just-picked produce! A Quick and Healthy Stir-fry perfect for everyday cooking
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 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
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.
Rhubarb and Shallot Vinaigrette
This Zesty Vinaigrette dresses up greens with an essence of Rhubarb. Make these delectable Bruschettas to serve with the salad
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
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 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
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.
Basil, Kale & Chive Pistou
An Herbal Pistou ~ Basil, Kale and Chives with garlic and extra virgin olive oil processed to a creamy paste. Adds a zesty and flavorful essence to soups, brushetta, pasta, vegetables and more! Similar to Pesto, but without nuts. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is optional…delicious without.
Vegan Creamy Corn Chowder
A wonderful hearty soup; creamy and chunky and full of flavor! Take advantage of late summer corn – it’s been a wonderful season.
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!
Simple Tomato & Feta Salad with Dill and Radish Vinaigrette
Heirloom Tomatoes ~ Bite-Sized, Team up with Creamy French Feta Cubes with a Zesty Vinaigrette for a Simple Summer Salad. Just picked flavors of the smaller sized tomatoes, simply cut in half team with sliced cubes of French Feta, drenched in Fresh-Cut Dill – a goat’s milk variety made in France which is slightly drier and […]
Grilled Shrimp & Pineapple with Gingery-Miso Dressing
A Quick Healthy Summer Meal Served Hot Off the Grill. Make the Zesty Gingery-Miso Dressing ahead for a speedy recipe. Pineapple is wonderful grilled and adds natural sweetness to the dish.
Fresh Corn and Roasted Tomato Salsa
Charred and stirred in a skillet, then cooled, this summer salsa packs a lot of flavor!
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