Currently Browsing: Vegetarian
Favorite Summer Recipes! New: Corn Salad with Browned Butter Vinaigrette
There still are a few weeks of Summer left to use up all those fabulous fresh local veggies! Try a new recipe while the weather is still warm… Fall rolls in on September 22nd. It feels like I have been eating corn every night all summer long! I created this salad with minimal ingredients and […]
Karen’s Raspberry Glazed Honey Cakes
The Most Delicious Honey Cake with a Secret Ingredient… Dates! Made in Large Texas Tins and Glazed to Perfection. Parve (non dairy) for Rosh Hashanah and Gluten Free. See some interesting modern recipes for the holiday on the bottom. The coming of Rosh Hashanah signals Jewish cooks everywhere to get ready to bake their much-loved […]
Karen’s Raspberry Glaze For Cakes – Vegan
Crush Freeze Dried Raspberries and fold in to the coconut oil based delicious Glaze! What a pop of color – raspberries add a punch of flavor, perfect for glazing any cake. This glaze makes just over 1/2 cup – I frosted 6, 5″ small cakes. Easily doubled. Enjoy… It’s yummy! Karen An easy glaze that […]
Fabulous Fresh Tomato Vinaigrette
In the height of the Tomato Season – make this vinaigrette for many salads and for drizzling over roasted or grilled proteins and vegetables. Made in a blender! The method ~ remove seeds from tomatoes with your fingers, cut tomatoes in half and grate, discard the skins. Add all ingredients to the blender saving some […]
12 Beet Recipes You Will Love for Summer + NEW Quattro Colore Beet Salad
I can’t get enough of the earthy-sweetness of Beets! Especially in summer when they are just pulled from the ground in a myriad of colors. They are healthy, easy to prepare – adds a little color to your life. A Simple Beet Salad Showing Off Their Natural Glorious Colors. Four different colored beets are sliced […]
Watermelon & Coconut Salad with Thai Dressing
Keeping it simple – Crunch, Color and Flavor! A wonderful and refreshing summer salad. Such an easy salad to put together – a cool salad for warm Summer days and nights. Shaved Fresh Coconut is a must! (Easily found at many grocery store & health food shops – coconut meat chunked out of it’s shell – […]
Karen’s Zesty Coconut Thai Dressing
A light and zesty dressing with a secret ingredient… Coconut Cream. Replaces some oil in the recipe for a creamy finish. Tangy Lime Juice with Garlic, Ginger, Fresh Basil & Mint and Coconut Cream are the key flavors. Add a few pinches of Thai Chiles for a little heat. Not your boring salad dressing with […]
Chickpea “Baked Beans”
Tastes like the best homemade baked beans but better! More easily digested than all beans! No barbecue feast or picnic is complete without them! Vegan, Vegetarian & Gluten Free. Any homemade baked beans are superior to canned! See below all the preservatives, chemicals and “natural flavors” most major companies add. I Love Baked Beans – just […]
Karen’s Zesty Ponzu Dipping Sauce
Citrusy Ponzu Sauce can be made ahead of time – adds flavor and Zest to all! See all my Make Ahead Sauces, Salsas and Condiments for easy-breezy meals! Ponzu is a citrus based sauce used in Japanese cooking. Ponzu meaning “punch” – does just that… punches up flavor with Umami tastes and benefits. It’s incredibly fragrant ~ […]
Grilled Caponata – A New Twist with Deep Flavor!
From the Mediterranean area – Caponata is a Sicilian eggplant relish or eggplant salad typically served room temperature. I’m seriously grilling lately – so I have turned one of my favorite dishes into a grilled spectacular Italian dish. Caponata is a Sicilian eggplant relish or eggplant salad typically served room temperature. This vegetarian feast has […]
Karen’s Best Cajun Seasoning Blend
The most flavorful Cajun Seasoning Blend with a nice spicy kick! See the important ingredients that make it special. Salt-free ~ add salt when needed. Enjoy the spice! Karen The most flavorful Cajun Seasoning Blend with a nice spicy kick! See the important ingredients that make it special. Salt-free ~ add salt when needed. Use […]
Memorial Day – 20 Inspiring Recipes and 3 Menus I Love
Best Memorial Day BBQ Recipes: creative, inspiring and something for everyone! Beyond Hamburgers and Hot Dogs – there are so many healthy & tasty Memorial Day recipes to explore… plan ahead and Heat Up the Grill! Three Fabulous MENUS I am recommending are: The Perfect Healthy ALL AMERICAN BBQ Menu Global Flavors – The Ultimate […]
Savory Cheese Shortbread Linzer Thins with Tomato Jam
A creative play on the beloved “Linzer Cookie” – savory, cheesy melt-in-your-mouth shortbread sandwiched with Tomato Jam! Your company will be amazed! I’m turning the Linzer Cookie upside down – what is traditionally a sweet cookie is now a savory upscale treat! To make the shortbread thins: Roll this easy dough out 1/8 inch thin. […]
Karen’s Tomato Jam with Shallots – Less Sugar
A Savory and Sweet Interesting Jam with Tomatoes and Shallots – not overly sweet! I’m using it to fill my Savory Cheese Shortbread Linzer Thins, has so many other uses. Uses for Tomato Jam: As a filling for my Savory Cheese Shortbread Linzer Thins A topping for a chunk of cheese on a cracker – […]
How to Make Falafel at Home – With Zesty Tahini Sauce
A Middle Eastern plant-based healthful fritter does not need to be deep fried. See my method for pan-frying and then finishing in the oven for the tastiest falafel! Gluten Free. Crispy & Crunchy with tender insides and bold flavors – enjoy making them at home! Falafel is a fantastic vegan-friendly meal that is packed full of […]
Zesty Chimichurri Sauce and How To Use It!
This classic Argentinian Sauce takes only minutes to make and the perfect little sauce/condiment to pair with all your grilling specialties. Chimichurri is a herb-based raw sauce & condiment – you simply chop and stir all the ingredients together. No two recipes are alike – this is how I make it ~ “a mixture of […]
Grilled Asparagus & Hearts of Palm Salad with Chimichurri
A creative and healthy stunning salad with my master Chimichurri sauce/condiment I had fun putting this together! First, I found these amazing FAT asparagus from Mexico. I’ll have to wait a few more weeks until local asparagus are cut from the fields. I thought Hearts of Palm are a similar size, so I paired the […]
Delicious Dan Dan Noodles – They’re Vegan!
Dan Dan Noodles are a traditional street food from Sichuan, China and can easily be recreated in your home kitchen! I’m lightening them up with Tofu & Mushrooms in place of pork, and adding vibrant greens. I love these noodles! A combustion of flavors — savory, nutty, spicy, and smoky. It’s Earth Day! We’re celebrating […]
Karen’s Rhubarb Vanilla Bean Jam
Spring Rhubarb cooks into a delectable jam! I add a little chopped apple for balance and I 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 […]
Karen’s Simple Rhubarb Vinaigrette
The perfect vinaigrette for your Spring Salads and great for drizzling on top of vegetables! A A beautiful color and light and fruity flavor ~ my favorite Spring Dressing 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 […]
Red Coconut Curry with Sesame Tofu & Roasted Vegetables
A delicious & healthy Thai inspired meal. Totally satisfying and hearty with out being heavy. Vegan – Vegetarian – Gluten Free! I’m in love! ~ with this Red Coconut Curry Sauce. Coconut Milk creates a creamy essence and Red Curry Paste lends deep flavor, color and heat. Tip: this little can of red curry paste is a cook’s […]
Chocolate Lava Cakes with Peanut Butter Truffles
Let Your LOVE Flow this Valentine’s Day with this Yummy, Fudgy Treat! Dark Chocolate Cake – with an oozing filling of swirling chocolate & peanut butter. This Valentine’s Day treat your sweetie to a delicious, rich, dense and fudgy cake – perfect for sharing! A chocolate treat that has a warm, gooey, flowing chocolate-peanut butter center. Who […]
Simple Romaine Salad with Shaved Cucumbers and Radishes with a Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette
Lots of crunch with a Zesty Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette Shaving vegetables brings a nice look and texture to a salad. Shave with a sharp, wide vegetable peeler… so easy and fun. I like to have watermelon and purple daikon radishes in my fridge, they are great keepers and add a blast of gorgeous color and […]
Preserved Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette and How to Use It
Tangy, Mellow and Zesty! A Fabulous Full-Of-Flavor Vinaigrette with many uses beyond salads. This dressing is simple to make – a few tricks, and you will learn how to emulsify it correctly! Preserved Lemons are special. The lemon flavor intensifies and the salt and fermentation creates a punchy umami characteristic that lends incredible depth to dishes. […]
Peruvian Potato Salad with Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette
These steamed potatoes are naturally bright purple and team brilliantly with Olives, Scallions and Parsley with this Zesty Vinaigrette I’m loving these Peruvian Purple Potatoes! Beyond an exceptional dose of antioxidants – they are sweet and the deep-purple color can brighten anyone’s day! I steam them whole, peel when cool and cube them. Mixing them with […]
Preserved Meyer Lemons – Speedy Recipe
Meyer Lemons are perfect for preserving! With their thin skins, bright lemony-color and fragrant flesh they have a sweeter, more floral taste. These beauties will pickle in their own juices. I’m curing my Meyer Lemons in a vintage Ball Jar ~ inside the screw cap in a lining, is white milk glass. Once […]
Very Veggie Tempeh Chili with Homemade Chili Powder
Vegan Chili with Homemade Chili Powder Packs Flavor and Mild Heat. I love eating in a crock ~ but today serving the chili over Roasted Sweet Potatoes with plenty of toppings! You know I’m always adding loads of vegetables… but what makes them truly delicious are the seasonings! Tempeh is a wonderful; meat substitute with […]
Quick-n-Easy Chili Oil
A great little flavored oil condiment to have in the refrigerator! Takes minutes to make and adds a blast of heat and complexity to many dishes. Uses for Chili Oil: Add part chili oil to the oil in your stir-fries. Use in a marinade As a dipping sauce – adding a splash of soy sauce […]
Citrus Vinaigrette with Vanilla Beans
A dressing with ZEST! With Clementine & Meyer Lemon Juice plus zest from Buddha’s Hand. Add a touch of vanilla beans for balance of floral and caramel notes. Fabulous on my Citrus Salad!
Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
Look no further for the perfect recipe – for eating & gift giving! These are gluten free! Or ~ use regular flour too. Simple, not fussy and EASY Bakery quality cookies you’ll love! See recipe: how to make a crosshatch design on top of the cookies with the tines of a fork This is a […]
The Best Butternut Squash Latkes! (an updated “potato” pancake)
A new twist for your Potato Pancake repertoire.Butternut squash with warm spices makes a delicious sweet latke that is perfect for Chanukah or anytime! Gluten Free adaptable. Latkes are that ethereal treat; a potato mixture made by dropping large tablespoons into a skillet of shimmering, hot oil. Enjoy year-round! The trick for a perfect latke is twofold: […]
Lightened-Up Peanut Butter Cheesecake with Chocolate Biscotti Crust and Honey Peanuts
A Creamy Cheesecake made with Cottage Cheese – no cream cheese here!
Decadent and creamy – Make my recipe: Chocolate Peanut Biscotti for the crust and pile on some Honey Peanuts on top ~ see that recipe too!
Natural Candied Yams with Apple Cider Cinnamon Glaze
A must for Thanksgiving! A wonderful thick glaze surrounds rounds of yams with a cinnamon essence. A healthier lightened- up recipe! A beautifully sticky glaze that’s not too sweet. The trick: reduce Fresh Apple Cider!
Incredible Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic
These are a weekly staple in my house. Serve them too for Thanksgiving – everyone loves these! Seasoned, Roasted and Tossed in Garlic, Butter and Parsley.
Yummy Pumpkin & Oatmeal Pancakes
Delicious and loaded with healthy ingredients with tips on how to cook a pumpkin and make homemade Pumpkin Puree.
Mediterranean Gypsy Soup
A Healthy, Satisfying Soup with all the flavor to awaken your taste-buds. “Gypsy” ~ a free spirited soup with a rich assortment of ingredients.
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 […]
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 how to cut into 1 inch lengths and form Delicious Butternut Squash Gnocchi includes Ricotta […]
Amazing Apple Crumb Cakes with Cardamom and Ginger
Apple season is here – and these cakes are divine! Enjoy for dessert, a snack or for the Jewish New Year – Rosh Hashanah A delicious cake with a bit of honey, these cakes are layered with sliced apples and a crumb topping The perfect fall dessert – I’m serving with Coconut Whipped Cream I’M OBSESSED […]
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? […]
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 […]
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
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. […]
Karen’s Arroz Blanco (Mexican White Rice)
My version of a simple side rice dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. I’m serving it with my Veracruz-Style Snapper with Fresh Garden Tomatoes. The perfect little side dish Adding Fresh Thyme Branches elevates the flavor of this simple side dish Medium grain rice is soaked for 10 minutes in water, then […]
Karen’s Gluten Free Pastry Crust for Pie
I like my crust golden, flakey, buttery and sweet! This recipe makes two 6 inch smaller pies. Double the recipe for a 9 inch regular sized pie. Karen’s Gluten Free Buttery & Flaky Pie Crust With a few hints – this Gluten Free Crust will rival ANY with regular flour. A light, crispy crust is […]
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: […]
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.
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!
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! […]
Honey Walnut Banana Bread ~ Gluten Free
Gluten Free (I tell all my tricks) Moist and Delicious! I’m making it today using my mini loaf pans which offers a full, beautiful rise. Mash some bananas ~ leave some in chunks for the ultimate banana bread! I am always tweaking recipes – reducing sugar (mostly refined sugars which spike our blood sugar) if […]
Pareve Ultimate Chocolate Dipped Coconut Honey Macaroons
My favorite Macaroon with a crispy exterior with a chewy and tender interior. The honey gives them a little more golden color while baking. A beloved dessert at Passover ~ also for anytime… A fabulous year-round Gluten Free Cookie.
The Ultimate Coconut Macaroons
Two Varieties: Chocolate Dipped and Dried Apricot & Cherry Pyramids. My favorite version has a crispy exterior with a chewy and tender interior. A beloved dessert at Passover ~ also for anytime… A fabulous year-round Gluten Free Cookie. Also see my: Parve Chocolate Dipped Honey Coconut Macaroons!
Pistachio Lemon Bars for Passover
Bakery-style bars from my kitchen to yours Who can resist tangy, zesty lemon bars? These are that good… especially at Passover – they taste just like the real deal. Adding sweet and colorful pistachio nuts adds a little interest and sophistication. The base of the bars is a short crust made with matzo cake meal, […]
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, the matzo crackers were baked in the oven at a low temperature, just to crisp […]