Currently Browsing: Summer

Sungold Tomato Butter – Slather on Everything!

Sungold Tomato Butter – Slather on Everything!

A deeply flavored whipped butter combined with slow-roasted Sungold Cherry Tomatoes. The uses are endless! Compound Butter ~ (“beurre composé” in French) is simply butter mixed with other ingredients that add sweet or savory flavor. Summer little golden Sungold Tomatoes are one of the sweetest varieties. Simply cut them in half and slow-cook in the […]

Karen's Veracruz-Style Snapper with Fresh Garden Tomatoes

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!

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!

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

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

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 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

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

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

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!

Mint Chip Chocolate Chip Ice Cream – It’s Vegan!

Creamy, Delicious and Refreshing!! A natural “Ice Cream” that’s irresistible!

Fried Summer Zucchini with Garlic – Lightened-Up

Fried Summer Zucchini with Garlic – Lightened-Up

A lightened-up Fried Zucchini Recipe inspired from the famous Il Mulino Restaurant in New York City. A healthier yet delectable version! My master recipe is Gluten-Free.

Ground Turkey “Meat Sauce” with Fresh Tomato Sauce

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

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!)

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.

Karen's Maple Zucchini Walnut Bread – Gluten Free

Karen’s 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

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

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

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

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”)

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

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

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

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.

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.

Strawberry-Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

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

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

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 […]

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!

Shrimp & Farmers’ Market Vegetable Sauté

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! I’m all for a quick weeknight dinner with farm-fresh local ingredients… especially in Summer! Look for never frozen Florida Pink Shrimp – so sweet with a beautiful rosy hue. Dust them with pantry herbs; smoked paprika […]

Grilled Sea Bass with Eggplant, Tomato & Herb Salad

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

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 Brûlée!

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 […]

Basil, Kale & Chive Pistou

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.

A wonderful hearty soup; creamy and chunky and full of flavor!

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.

Carrots caramelize with the figs with a delectable just-sweet-enough glaze… all roasted in one pan

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!) […]

Frozen Raspberry Marshmallow Pie with a Granola Crust

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!

Heirloom Tomatoes ~ Bite-Sized, Team up with Creamy French Feta Cubes with a Zesty Vinaigrette for a Simple Summer Salad

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 […]

A Quick Healthy Summer Meal Served Hot Off the Grill. Make the Zesty Gingery-Miso Dressing ahead for a speedy recipe.

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.  

Karen’s Fresh Caramelized Corn and Roasted Tomato Salsa

Charred and stirred in a skillet, then cooled, this summer salsa packs a lot of flavor! Who doesn’t love a good homemade salsa? Summer corn is at it’s glory right now! Varieties like Silver Queen (a generic name for white corn), Golden Bantam for yellow and Butter and Sugar for bicolor corn – take your pick…all […]

Cedar Planked Salmon with an easy-to prepare Planked Salmon with Pistachio-Tarragon & Lavender Gremolata Pistachio Planked Salmon with Pistachio-Tarragon & Lavender Gremolata smothered on top

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

Easy to prepare Gremolata ~ adds a blast of flavor with citrusy notes. Perfect for fish, vegetables, chicken and grains

Pistachio-Tarragon & Lavender Gremolata

Easy to prepare ~ adds a blast of flavor with citrusy notes. Perfect for fish, vegetables, chicken and grains. 

Frozen Boozy Watermelon Frosé - the drink of Summer!

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 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!

A twist on the Spanish “Tortita” ~ these vegetable griddle cakes are delicious.. you can’t eat just one!

Karen’s 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. I just […]

Better than store-bought bottled – yes you can make your own BBQ sauce at home!

Karen’s All Natural Smokey Apricot-Tomato Barbecue Sauce

Better than store-bought bottled – yes you can make your own BBQ sauce at home! This is the best down-home All American Barbecue Sauce!

Chock full of flavor from the brine with mustard seeds, red pepper flakes and freshly cracked black pepper.

Karen’s Zesty Quick Dill Refrigerator Pickles

So fun to make – and delicious to eat. Pickles are stored in the refrigerator – no special equipment required. Chock full of flavor from the brine with mustard seeds, red pepper flakes and freshly cracked black pepper. Low in salt & sugar too! Gourmet quality you proudly make in your kitchen in less than 30 […]

Karen's Quinoa Tabbouleh - Vegetable Salad (Naturally Gluten-Free)

Karen’s Quinoa Tabbouleh – Vegetable Salad (Naturally Gluten-Free)

My version of they healthy Middle Eastern Salad spiked with a melange of Vegetables is tossed in a Zesty Lemony- Scallion Dressing. One of the healthiest salads you can eat. Refreshing and Addictive!

Simply Delicious ~ Wood Fired Infused Smoked Beets easily prepared on your grill. Finish the Salad with Petite Greens and a Zesty Avocado-Citrus Vinaigrette.

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. 

The Ultimate Anti-Oxidant Salad Bursting with Color and Flavor… It’s Berry-Good!

Fruit and Nut Salad with Kaniwa, Blueberries, Almonds and Kale

The Ultimate Anti-Oxidant Salad Bursting with Color and Flavor… It’s Berry-Good!

A beautiful bright color and an herbal-zesty flavor, made in a blender ~ use as a dressing and dip

Green Goddess Dressing and Dip

A beautiful bright color and an herbal-zesty flavor, made in a blender ~ use as a dressing and dip

shaved carrots combine with coconut, beets and mint leaves with a Sesame-Ginger Dressing

Carrot-Coconut-Mint Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing

Three recipe suggestions below using the Sesame-Ginger Dressing – which is also an awesome marinade!  

Skillet Succotash with fresh corn, lima beans, butter beans, (optional) multi-colored zucchini, caramelized shallots and a touch of jalapeño.

Karen’s Skillet Succotash

Succotash is a simple corn and beans sauté. A traditional dish of many Thanksgiving celebrations in New England – first developed by the Narraganset Indians in Rhode Island. Today, many chefs add ingredients that are local to them, or that complement the mix. 

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