Currently Browsing: Vegan
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.
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.)
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 […]
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.
Mediterranean EVOO Herb & Corn Sauce for Chicken and Fish
A light and hearty Mediterranean “Sauce” for Chicken, Fish and beyond. An Extra Virgin Olive Oil Based Pan Sauce combines Garlic, Shallots, Five Herbs and Fresh Corn. A super-quick and healthy sauce you whip up in a skillet in minutes. What does this sauce work with? … well everything!
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.
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.
Grilled Pineapple Salsa a la Plancha
This vibrant salsa with a bright and fresh taste adds pizzaz to many meals. (Yes you can just devour with a spoon! ) Easy to prepare – pineapple cooks on a seasoned cast iron skillet until beautifully caramelized and golden.
Peanut Butter Energy Bites – with Chocolate Drizzle
The ultimate healthy pop-in-your-mouth treat filled with energizing ingredients. The perfect Valentine’s Day recipe for giving and enjoying! Simple to make ~ these bites are loaded with nutrients to keep you going during the day, or the perfect not-too-sweet, pop-in-your-mouth treat I love for dessert.
Karen’s Homemade Weekday Granola
Not too sweet, low in fat – perfect for everyday eating and snacking!
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.
Antioxidant Kale Salad with Lemony Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dressing
Healthful, good-for-you ingredients with amazing flavors. Say “YES” to more plant-based foods in your regime. This nutritious and delicious salad includes: organic red curly kale, heirloom cherry tomatoes, chick peas, breakfast radishes, cooked quinoa, roasted butternut squash, natural sliced toasted almonds, sun gold (yellow)kiwi and microgreens
Incredible Instant Pot Split Pea Soup – With Too Many Vegetables
The comfort soup of the season! Your Instant Pot will cook this soup beautifully… healthy & hearty. Want to make on the stovetop? ~ See instructions below.
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.
Unbelievable Mild Apple Cider Hot Sauce
A mild kick – this homemade hot sauce you can slather on! Easy and fun to prepare in just a few minutes. Homemade Hot Sauce adds zip to healthy, often ordinary table fare. You’ll have control of the ingredients and level of heat. I love a flavorful “mild version” although you can add a higher level […]
Simply Delicious Butternut Squash Soup with Apples and Celery Root
It’s Fall! Homemade Soup you can easily make… healthy, warming and comforting. Silky smooth with some texture from the vegetables – this soup will warm you up on crisp fall and winter days. Cinnamon sticks add a sweet aura of spice – and a hit of cayenne pepper adds the perfect kick.
Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette
For a mild yet flavorful vinaigrette, cook garlic cloves slowly in extra virgin olive oil, add shallots
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!
Buddha Bowl With Beets, Quinoa and a Bevy of Vegetables
Buddha bowls are trending for good reason – they’re one bowl meals packed with grains, veggies, protein, a homemade dressing and finished with seeds or nuts. Use ingredients you have on hand, love ~ or follow my delicious recipe How did it get its name? A bowl which is packed so full that it has a rounded […]
Zesty Sumac- Lemon Dressing
A tart an aromatic dressing, perfect for Mediterranean Salads. Pomegranate Molasses adds a boost of flavor and color. Sumac has a lovely, nearly purple color, and a tart flavor that is reminiscent of vinegar or lemon
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!
Fresh Mint Chocolate Truffles – Vegan
These delectable, creamy truffles are truly all-natural with Fresh Mint from my garden. Coconut Milk swaps in for heavy cream for a lighter, vegan treat. Cacao nibs adds a little crunch. You’ll love the simple ingredients: Belgium Chocolate (73% Cacao, no extra sugar will be added), Coconut Milk, Fresh Mint, Cocao Nibs and Peppermint Extract. […]
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
Quick Scallion Kimchee
The perfect condiment to add flavor and a layer of heat to many foods. Try it with my Spring Minty Pea Soup
Rhubarb and Shallot Vinaigrette
This Zesty Vinaigrette dresses up greens with an essence of Rhubarb. Make these delectable Bruschettas to serve with the salad
Hummus and Grilled Veggie Tacos with Corn Salsa
My favorite hard shell Tacos filled with Za’atar seasoned Hummus and brimming with colorful Vegetables just off the grill. Corn Salsa adds a layer of natural sweetness, heat and crunch. A wonderful meal for a weeknight or special enough for company – these Vegan and Gluten-Free Tacos are healthy, delicious and have great visual appeal! […]
Karen’s Corn Salsa
This simple corn salsa has a puréed base which gives it stability and creaminess.
Karen’s Shiitake Mushroom “Bacon” VEGAN
My Shiitake “Bacon” is a game changer – my tasters said taste just like the real thing… but vegan Cooked on a stovetop skillet so no need to overheat the kitchen in warmer weather. There are a few secrets to the method, so follow carefully. Fabulous addition to deviled eggs, in sandwiches, salads and stir-fries. […]
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.
Karen’s Quick Harissa Sauce / Paste
The main ingredients in this zippy and zesty Harissa are chili peppers, red bell pepper, caraway seeds, cumin and extra virgin olive oil. Can alter the spiciness… the pungent and earthy flavor of the caraway seeds make it special.. and quite versatile! A quick sauce, packed with flavor and gorgeous color. Keep some in the fridge […]
Easy Lebanese Garlic Sauce
You must try this Lebanese-Style Garlic Sauce – a bold alternative to mayonnaise. Called “toum” – a delicious condiment and can be used as a dip, spread or whisked into many culinary creations. The addition of a little steamed potato, insures the sauce does not break, and tames the garlic’s pungency a bit. This pungent garlic flavor is […]
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!
Lemon Poppy Linzer Cookies – Vegan & Gluten Free
Ever wanted to explore Vegan Baking? These cookies pack flavor and crunch… and yes – a little zesty! So, why not make your own? A few simple swaps will produce these delicious, crispy delightful cookies all can enjoy.
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.
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 […]
Celery Root Bisque Soup with Garlic Pita Croutons
A healthy soup with a creamy texture from the celery root (celeriac) and potatoes. Delicious and Silky Smooth. Dairy Free. Add a swirl of Cashew Cream for a decorative touch. Vegan. A warming soup garnished with Garlic-Herb Pita Croutons and a Cashew Crema Swirl. Cashew Crema Swirl: Soak Raw Cashews – combine with 1/4 cup coconut […]
Karen’s Homemade Chili Powder
Use the kick of chili peppers with complementary spices to create lively Mexican or Tex Mex fare. Mildy spicy ~ better than store-bought… you grind it fresh! Used as a spice to add pungency or piquancy and flavor to dishes. Homemade Chili Powder adds authentic essence and a freshly ground chili flavor that’s only mildly […]
Pink Peppercorn Vinaigrette
A Zesty Pink Peppercorn Vinaigrette adds tang and bite. Drizzle over: Winter White Salad (see recipe) Pink Peppercorns have a fruity and peppery flavor. They aren’t actually, in fact, a member of the peppercorn family, but are the berries of Peruvian pepper tree that grows throughout South America. Buy them whole and grind in a spice grinder, crush […]
Mediterranean Vegetable Soup
Here is how I make a wonderful, hearty and healthy Vegetable Soup with Mediterranean ingredients. This is a guide… use the ingredients you have or prefer to your taste. Easily made gluten-free.
Kabocha Squash Soup with Apples and Cashew Crema – Vegan
Perfect for Thanksgiving! See my easy way to peel a Kabocha Squash. You’ll love the Cashew Crema with hints of maple & cinnamon ~ the Spiced Cashews make a terrific, crunchy garnish A universal soup all and your Vegan guests will adore! Can make the soup ahead and freeze for a hassle- free Thanksgiving soup. […]
Karen’s Caribbean All-Purpose Seasoning
A Zesty and Mildly-Spicy Seasoning Blend. Perfect for everyday cooking – adds a Caribbean flair! A mildly spicy seasoning with a little kick. Blending yourself insures freshness – and very low sodium. Try with my recipe: Spiced Caribbean Chicken Meatballs in Coconut Milk Gravy
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)
Zesty Garlic Confit Vinaigrette
A Zesty-Lemony Vinaigrette with mellow Garlic Confit ~ softened Garlic and Oil
Raw Tomatillo Salsa
A Zesty Salsa with an extraordinary- fresh flavor. Choose tomatillos that are ripe, firm with a nice vibrant green color.
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.
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.
Jamaican Triple Pepper Sauté
A lovely melange of seasonal vegetables with cherry tomatoes, and three types of peppers
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!
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!
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 […]
Sunflower Satay Sauce ~ for Noodles and Grilled Chicken Skewers (Peanut-Free)
Asian-Style Satay Sauce made with Sunflower Seed Butter for a nutty-sweet flavor, yet NUT FREE. Easy blended sauce for Noodles and Grilled Chicken Skewers. Top with Sunflower Seeds and Sunflower Sprouts!
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!
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.
Vegetable Stock in a Wok
A quick Vegetable stock, great to have on hand in the freezer for your culinary creations.