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Karen’s Cheesy Swiss Fondue with Garlic & Chives
While fondue might be the ultimate party food- I’m in the mood for it’s silky, stingy texture and assertive flavor, and have decided to have a fondue night at home. Indulgent, okay just a little, but it only sounds fancy… Read More
Karen’s Master Dinner Mini Roll Recipe
I’m making these dinner rolls in a circular wreath pattern to serve and dunk into my Classic Cheesy Fondue.
Simple and fun to make with a wonderful smell wafting though the kitchen as the rolls bake!
See my recipe: Karen’s… Read More
Karen’s Easy Honey Peanuts
Delicious Honey Peanuts coated last minute with a little sugar. Simple and fun to make.
Caution: These are addictive!!
The perfect nosh! Also use as a garnish for a dessert like my Lightened-Up Peanut Butter Cheesecake with Chocolate Biscotti Crust… Read More
Butternut Squash Gnocchi ~ It’s Gluten Free
Using flavorful Honeynut squash – these pillowy gnocchi include the roasted squash in the dough and also served in the finished dish. Serve with simple browned butter and fresh herbs – delish!
So much fun to make! See recipe for… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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!… Read More
Karen’s Garlic Scape Vinaigrette
An assertive and zesty vinaigrette with Purple Scallions (can use shallots or red onion) with delicious Garlic Scapes
Garlic Scapes available now ~ late Spring through Summer
Green Garlic Scapes; the curly shoot of the garlic bulb… they’re like scallions… Read More
Karen’s Essential Puerto Rican Sofrito
The mother starter sauce of Latin Cuisine.
A mixture of aromatic ingredients, either chopped or pureed, used to add layers of flavor to different foods. Serve raw, or add a few tablespoons to your cooking to jazz it up!
A… Read More
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.
The BEST cold corn soup! The difference from all the rest?The recipe is… Read More
Artichokes à 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 à la grecque is a French dish ~ vegetables are typically slightly pickled in a broth of vegetable… Read More
Karen’s Gluten Free Matzo
In my test kitchen, I used carefully measured gluten-free “flours,” pulsed the ingredients in a food processor, rolled and cut the dough, then cooked each piece for a moment in a hot cast iron skillet until it slightly blackened. Finally,… Read More
Karen’s Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette with Shallots and Garlic
The perfect Zesty Vinaigrette for Salads and Beyond!
This vinaigrette is my daily salad dressing staple! Easily whisk ingredients together and store in the refrigerator. Terrific paired with my: Radicchio Salad with Mustard Croutons and Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette… Read More
Crispy Croutons with Grainy Mustard and Garlic
Just the most flavorful croutons! Tons of delicious zesty flavors.… Read More
Multi-Citrus Salsa
A Zesty and Tart Salsa that uses in- season Winter Citrus. Colorful, light and tasty with a hint of sweetness and heat.
A delicious salsa using Blood Oranges, Pink Grapefruit & Honeybell Tangelo Segments with Chopped Mint… Read More
Crispy Crouton Skewers
These skewers offer a nifty way to serve croutons!… Read More
Spinach and Parsnip Soup with a Crispy Crouton Skewer
A velvety soup without dairy products… Parsnips and Yukon Gold Potatoes give the soup it’s creaminess when blended.
Parsnips and Yukon Gold Potatoes give the Vegan soup it’s creaminess when blended. Make these nifty Crispy Crouton Skewers to garnish the… Read More
Karen’s Creamy Hummus with Harissa
Harrisa is a flavor-bomb sauce/condiment and pairs wonderfully with mellow hummus.… Read More
Skewered Shrimp Scampi Appetizer
Sautéed Shrimp in a Hearty Garlic Herbal Butter Sauce Skewered with a Cube of Sourdough Bread to Soak up the Flavors
A Simple Scampi Sauce – I’ve added a boost of flavor with fresh herbs, scallions and jalapeño.
The perfect… Read More
Roasted Garlic Tahini Dressing and Dip
A fabulous dressing and dip that is a game-changer for every cook! Creamy, garlicky (yet mild from the roasted garlic), slightly sweetened with maple syrup and enough zesty flavor from fresh squeezed lemon. … Read More
How to Roast Whole Garlic Heads in Olive Oil and How to Use It
Mellow yet with deep concentration – oven roasted garlic cloves enhances the flavor of everything!… Read More
Baba Ganoush with Roasted Peppers
Fabulous & Smokey Eggplant Mediterranean Dip & Spread you’ll keep making and enjoying! Healthy and Delicious.
A recipe all good cooks should master – the perfect healthy nosh or appetizer.… Read More
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.… Read More
How to Quick Pickle Vegetables
Crunch on these! Eat them right out of the jar, or chop them up – they lend bright flavors to all kinds of dishes. Fun, easy and super-quick to prepare!
These Pickled Vegetables have a little spice going on too… Read More
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… Read More
Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe ~ THE Spread for Everything!
This spread has so many culinary uses. Great served with good crackers and crudités ~ use also as a sandwich spread, a burger topper or a stuffing for vegetables. The possibilities are really endless.
Pimento Cheese: Adds a cheesy, slightly… Read More
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… Read More
Skillet Jalapeño Cornbread
Mildly spicy and full of flavor! Additions include Jalapeños, Poblano Chiles, Chives and Fresh Corn. Gluten Free.… Read More
Stuffed Shiitake Mushrooms with Tomatillo Salsa Topping
Delectable with Mexican Spices – these caps are stuffed with flavor! Lots of colorful vegetables and ground turkey.… Read More
Karen’s Best Matzo Balls with Dill
My foolproof recipe for tender and tasty Matzo Balls for Passover or anytime!… Read More
Grilled Chicken Buffalo Nachos (Vegetarian version too)
Loaded Nachos don’t need to be a fattening, processed mess! Serve these on Super Bowl Sunday… rave reviews to come!
This recipe make enough for a hungry crowd – 12 – 16 appetizer portions.
Easily Gluten Free (see my cheese… Read More
Lemony Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dressing with Many Uses
A zesty and healthy dressing you whisk and refrigerate. Drizzle on lettuces, composed salads and serve on the side of roasted vegetables or fish.… Read More
Crab Tostadas Bites with Avocado-Cucumber Mash
For the recipe: Make Crisp Corn Tortilla Triangles / Lump Crab Salad / Avocado-Cucumber Mash… Read More
Prosecco Cocktail with Spiked Cranberry Syrup
A quick syrup that transforms a glass of bubbly Prosecco or Champagne. Made with Cranberry, Pomegranate and Orange juices and warm spices… Read More
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… Read More
Crispy Onion Bhajis with Grated Mango Chutney
Pan fried and similar to a fritter, these pop-in-your-mouth treats are simple to make and well worth the effort. Indian seasonings add a punch of flavor – and they are Vegan and Gluten-Free!
Bhajis are crispy little fritters – mine… Read More
On the Grill: Zucchini Crusted Pizza
All the flavor without the guilt – A low-carb dream pizza bursting with flavor. Gluten-Free.
No need to heat up the kitchen in Summer ~ grill the crust outdoors.
A great recipe for the summer ~ crust cooks on the… Read More
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… Read More
Karen’s Hummus with Za’atar in an Instant Pot
You will love the texture of this Creamy Hummus ~ wonderful Middle Eastern flavors with Za’atar seasonings: a mix of toasted Sesame Seeds, Sumac, Thyme and Sea Salt. An Instant Pot produces perfectly plump, cooked chickpeas.… Read More
Curry Coconut Slow Roasted Nuts
Raw cashews are soaked for easier digestion and are cooked in a slow oven until golden and crispy. Coat with sweet and savory seasonings: curry powder, ginger, cinnamon, cumin, smoked paprika, pink sea salt, coconut nectar, coconut palm sugar and… Read More
Rosemary & Spice Mixed Nuts
Pecans, Walnuts, Almonds and Brazil Nuts are roasted in a slow oven until fragrant and lightly golden. Kissed with fresh rosemary and a hints of a sweet-salty flavor. No overwhelming flavors, all complement each other.… Read More
Easy Pickled Turnips – Lebanese Style
Delightful little pink Middle Eastern Pickles – great crunch… fabulous punch of color!
This simple recipe adds a pungent note to flavorful, spiced foods.… Read More
Spicy Red Kale Chips with Cashews and Miso
Crispy, light & flavorful – these chips are quite easy to make. The ultimate healthy snack! Recipe: Baked and RAW
Make a flavor paste~seasoned topping and simply massage into leaves and bake. An explosion of flavor!… Read More
Tahini Sesame Kale Chips with Za’atar Seasonings
Crispy, light & flavorful – these chips are quite easy to make. The ultimate healthy snack! Recipe: Baked and RAW
Middle Eastern Flavors are rubbed into the leaves and baked until crunchy. An explosion of flavor!… Read More
Roasted Garlic Remoulade Dip with Bread & Butter Pickles
A luscious southern-style remoulade sauce (a fancy-spiced flavored mayonnaise.) Use as a dip for my Stir-Fried Blackened Green Beans … Read More
Stir-Fried Blackened Green Beans
Dip these irresistible crunchy beans into my Roasted Garlic Remoulade Dip with Bread & Butter Pickles… Read More
Spanish Tapas with Mushrooms, Smoked Paprika Aioli and Mahón Cheese
A few bites of heaven ~ this Spanish tapas recipe has authentic Spanish flavors with sautéed sliced cremini mushrooms, a smoked paprika aioli (garlic mayonnaise) and topped with Spanish Mahón cheese… Read More
Karen’s Smoked Paprika Aioli (Garlicky Flavorful Mayonnaise)
Whisked by hand in a few minutes ~ a smokey, garlicky mayonnaise with a zesty flavor. An ingredient in my Spanish Mushroom Tapas Recipe. Use wherever you need a flavorful mayonnaise.… Read More
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… Read More
Portobello Mushroom Pizzas with Crispy Kale Ribbons
Magnificent Meatless Monday Recipe!
Roast the mushroom caps (on a rack – they don’t get soggy!) add Marinara Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, Slow Baked Cherry Tomatoes and top with Basil Leaves and Crispy Baked Kale Ribbons
Mushrooms have a heavenly “meaty”… Read More
Spiced Caribbean Chicken Meatballs in Coconut Milk Gravy
Zesty Caribbean Flavors in the meatballs and this creamy, addictive sauce! Gluten- Free and Dairy Free.
A wonderful main course or the ultimate appetizer.… Read More
Fall Salad with Pears, Pomegranate Seeds and Zesty Garlic Confit Vinaigrette
A light Fall Salad with crunchy textures dressed with a Zesty-Lemony Vinaigrette with Confit Garlic
A delicious and healthy Fall Salad with Caramelized Pears, three Greens, julienned Purple Carrots, Pecan Halves, Pomegranate Seeds and an awesome Zesty Garlic Confit Vinaigrette.… Read More
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… Read More
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.
… Read More
Fresh Corn and Roasted Tomato Salsa
Charred and stirred in a skillet, then cooled, this summer salsa packs a lot of flavor!… Read More