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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 with a garlic kick! Look for them at your local Farmers’ Market.
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 fresh mix to stir into so many recipes… the essential flavors of Puerto Rican Cuisine! […]
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.
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 stock and wine. I’m swirling in a little butter and serving with fish; great over pasta too! […]
Karen’s Gluten Free Homemade 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, the matzo crackers were baked in the oven at a low temperature, just to crisp […]
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
Crispy Croutons with Grainy Mustard and Garlic
Just the most flavorful croutons! Tons of delicious zesty flavors.
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
Crispy Crouton Skewers
These skewers offer a nifty way to serve croutons!
Spinach and Parsnip Soup with a Crispy Crouton Skewer
A velvety soup without dairy products… Parsnips and Yukon Gold Potatoes give the soup its creaminess when blended. Make these nifty Crispy Crouton Skewers to garnish the soup. The trick to its glorious color is blending the soup right after the spinach is added.
Karen’s Creamy Hummus with Harissa
Harrisa is a flavor-bomb sauce/condiment and pairs wonderfully with mellow hummus.
Karen’s 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 I’m loving how the toasted bread cube sits in the perfectly delicious (and easy) scampi sauce. Who is going to resist these?? A Simple Scampi Sauce – I’ve added a boost of flavor with […]
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 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 — mustard seeds, chile peppers, multi-colored peppercorns, sliced garlic along with vinegars. I’ve chosen Fiesta Striped […]
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
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 has been a Southern staple for well over 50 years. It’s served cold, well – room temperature. Pimento Cheese is […]
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.
Skillet Jalapeño Cornbread
Mildly spicy and full of flavor! Additions include Jalapeños, Poblano Chiles, Chives and Fresh Corn. Gluten Free.
Stuffed Shiitake Mushrooms with Tomatillo Salsa Topping
Delectable with Mexican Spices – these caps are stuffed with flavor! Lots of colorful vegetables and ground turkey.
Karen’s Best Matzo Balls with Dill
My foolproof recipe for tender and tasty Matzo Balls for Passover or anytime!
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 sauce.)
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.
Crab Tostadas Bites with Avocado-Cucumber Mash
For the recipe: Make Crisp Corn Tortilla Triangles / Lump Crab Salad / Avocado-Cucumber Mash Jumbo Lump Crabmeat’s flavor is left to shine… additions are bright and flavorful: mango, red pepper, chives, jalapeño, lime juice and and the littlest bit of mayo to bind. Make your own crisp tortilla triangles by simply shallow-frying cut fresh […]
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.
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 […]
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 are pan-fried, not deep fried. Little morsels packed with flavor and spice!
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 grill… no need to heat the oven to 500 degrees. Further crisp the crust under […]
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.
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.
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 unsweetened shredded coconut
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.
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.
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!
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!
Spanish Tapas with Mushrooms, Smoked Paprika Aioli and Mahón Cheese
Tapas ~ little bites of tasty foods with bold flavors from Spain. Crispy baguette slices covered with a quick sauté of mushrooms, spiked with sherry & brandy and topped with a delicious Spanish cheese until melted and bubbly Tapas are Spain’s greatest food invention! “Eat when you drink, drink when you eat” is the philosophy. They are […]
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.
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.
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” texture and savory, irresistible “Umami” flavor. The perfect lunch, side dish, snack, dinner or appetizer […]
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.
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. Serve with my Garlic Cheesy Toast (with Garlic Confit)
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 […]
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.
Karen’s Amazing Jerk Chicken
This Jerk Marinade EXPLODES with Flavor! A spicy Jamaican mixture including hot chili peppers, allspice, cinnamon, and thyme.
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!
Layered Cheese Nachos with Fresh Cherry Salsa
These nachos is very satisfying and craveable. Fresh Cherry Salsa adds tart-sweet and spicy notes – addicting!!
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 […]
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 […]
Spinach, Feta and Tomato Quiche with Wild & Brown Rice Crust
Bursting with Flavor and Color – this Naturally Gluten-Free Quiche makes the perfect hassle-free brunch, lunch or healthy dinner Bursting with Flavor and Color – this Naturally Gluten-Free Quiche makes the perfect hassle-free brunch, lunch or healthy dinner. With an interesting rice crust – gluten free.
Modern Shrimp Louis Salad
A Comeback for a Classic Dish! This fresh, seafood-rich trendsetter recipe of the early 20th century takes on a modern flair with Fresh (not frozen) Pink Shrimp and a zippy Louis Sauce
Deviled Eggs with Purple Scallions and Crisp Cheese Frico
My Favorite Deviled Eggs: Grainy Mustard, Purple Scallions, Thyme and a Crisp and Lacy Baked Cheese Frico Makes Them Pungent and Zesty
Karen’s Gluten-Free Matzo Balls – Large and Mini
Make these for the Passover holiday (or year-round!) all will enjoy, they are delicious, fluffy and tender. The only ones I make! Nothing says Passover like a good bowl of matzo ball soup. Matzo balls are more traditionally known as kneidlach (Yiddish for dumplings.) Don’t despair if you Mother or Bubbe never graced you with lessons of rolling and poaching the perfect […]
Marinated Chicken Kebabs – Indian Style
Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor.. don’t forget to soak your bamboo skewers!
Mushroom Soup with Chestnut and Cashew Cream
A hearty and healthy warming soup loaded with umami — yum! I like sauteing two kinds of fresh mushrooms (many locally sourced) for a nice flavor contrast; shiitake and cremini. Vegan and Gluten-Free
New Guacamole with Roasted Zucchini and Lime Zest
A luscious and velvety Guacamole! Lower in fat but high in flavor – add some roasted zucchini for the perfect blend! Yes, even the cherished recipe for guacamole can be modified, respectfully, for a deeper flavor and other favorable nuances.
Coconut-Cashew Curry Sauce with Indian Flavors ~ Spiced Chicken Kebab
A delicious and versatile sauce topped with a yogurt marinated grilled chicken kebob. Spice up your palate! The sauce is Vegan.