Currently Browsing: Vegetarian

The Ultimate Coconut Macaroons

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

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 […]

Karen's Gluten Free Homemade Matzo

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 […]

Delicious Date & Walnut Bars ~ Gluten Free

Delicious Date & Walnut Bars ~ Gluten Free

Easy and moist, these bars are simple to make and cut into 24 bars. Regular flour works great too! See Passover substitutions below. These irresistible bars are an updated version from vintage 1940 and 50’s recipes – when baking was simple. My Date & Walnut Bars are gluten free and vegan.

Mediterranean Chickpea Stew with Pantry Ingredients

Mediterranean Chickpea Stew with Pantry Ingredients

An Aromatic Stew made with pantry ingredients: chickpeas, extra virgin olive oil, diced tomatoes in juice, sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, Add fresh ingredients you have – potatoes carrots, onions, spinach and cupboard Mediterranean spices.

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!

Karen’s Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette with Shallots and Garlic

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

Crispy Croutons with Grainy Mustard and Garlic

Just the most flavorful croutons! Tons of delicious zesty flavors.

The Best Homemade Grainy Dijon Mustard! And how to use it.

The Best Homemade Grainy Dijon Mustard! And how to use it.

The best homemade mustard! Mine has a rustic, grainy texture that adds a pleasant pop of flavor to many recipes. Delicious homemade mustard takes minutes to make, and cures in a few days. No unwanted preservatives – and yields a big batch for oh-so-many recipes!  It’s fun and quite simple to make your own full flavored […]

Lemon Biscotti with Dried Cherries and Almonds ~ Gluten Free

Lemon Biscotti with Dried Cherries and Almonds ~ Gluten Free

Light and crunchy with lots of zesty flavor! Here is your go-to recipe with healthful ingredients. Crisp and not-too-sweet – these biscotti are the ultimate snack, dessert and great for gift giving! It’s a good idea to flavor the dough itself – boring and bland is not an attractive combination in a biscotti! Made with […]

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!

Homemade Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Homemade Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

The Perfect Irresistible Valentine’s Day treat for your loved ones!  Make these delicious treats with healthful ingredients. These chocolate peanut butter cups are super-simple to make, with just a few ingredients. Use the best quality chocolate ~ I like an extra dark type, although, yes – you can use milk chocolate if you desire (has a much higher […]

Multi-Citrus Salsa

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

Spinach and Parsnip Soup with a Crispy Crouton Skewer

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.

Harissa Sauce – The Perfect Zesty and Flavorful Condiment

Harissa Sauce – The Perfect Zesty and Flavorful Condiment

Harissa can change how you cook! A flavor-bomb with a Kicky and Zesty Flavor. A North African spicy chili paste you can make at home. An easy and quick condiment ~ mild & hot chiles and roasted red pepper are blended into a thick paste with garlic, olive oil, cumin, oregano, tomato paste, red wine […]

Karen’s Creamy Hummus with Harissa

Karen’s Creamy Hummus with Harissa

Harrisa is a flavor-bomb sauce/condiment and pairs wonderfully with mellow hummus.

Bolognese Sauce with Tempeh and Mushrooms: It’s Vegan!

Bolognese Sauce with Tempeh and Mushrooms: It’s Vegan!

This Plant-Based Sauce is a lightened up, hearty and delicious! A recipe to master. Tempeh is a staple protein source and perfect for a vegetarian and vegan diet – a great substitute for meat… really grabs flavors! Cooked with classic techniques: Sweating, Sautéing and Braising.

Pecan Pie Bars (with a Secret Ingredient)

Pecan Pie Bars (with a Secret Ingredient)

The Ultimate Pick-Up Bar ~ Perfect for the Holidays! A press-in shortbread crust with a pour-on-top filling enriched with a crunchy pecan topping. Delish! These bars have it all! Quicker to bake than pecan pie with a high, creamy rich filling that’s sweet, but not cloyingly sweet. The Secret Ingredient: Lyle’s Golden Syrup from England. Typically […]

Roasted Garlic Tahini Dressing and Dip

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.  

The Ultimate Kale, Romaine and Chickpea Salad with Roasted Garlic Tahini Dressing

The Ultimate Kale, Romaine and Chickpea Salad with Roasted Garlic Tahini Dressing

Chock full of antioxidants and complementary flavors! The Roasted Garlic Tahini Dressing is a game-changer for every cook, full of zesty-robust tang. I enjoy serving with spiced grilled chicken for a main course salad.

How to Roast Whole Garlic Heads in Olive Oil and How to Use It

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

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.

Haricot Vert with Sliced Radishes and Pan-Fried Shallots with a Miso-Lemon-Maple Glaze recipe

Haricot Vert with Sliced Radishes and Pan-Fried Shallots with a Miso-Lemon-Maple Glaze

The perfect side dish for Thanksgiving and the Holidays! Full of color & flavor – can be made early in the day. Sauté Haricot Verts in a hot skillet to blacken the edges. Add Sliced Radishes and a quick stir in of Miso, Lemon Juice and Pure Maple Syrup. All tastes delicious with Pan-Fried Shallot […]

Haricot Vert with Garlic, Almonds, Pomegranate Seeds and Shiitake “Bacon” with Za’atar Seasoning

The perfect side dish for Thanksgiving and the Holidays! Full of color & flavor – can be made early in the day. Vegan. Sauté Haricot Verts in a hot skillet to blacken the edges. Add Garlic Chips, Shiitake “Bacon”, Toasted Almonds, Pomegranate Seeds and Za’atar Seasoning.

Amazing Veggie Chili Without Beans

Amazing Veggie Chili Without Beans

A Healthy and Hearty Chili Chock Full of Veggies with Chick Peas, Lentils, Butternut Squash and Cremini Mushrooms in a Tomato Based sauce with Homemade Chili Seasoning – dig in and be creative with your toppings!

Acorn Squash and Celeriac Soup for Fall

Acorn Squash and Celeriac Soup for Fall

A Creamy & Chunky Soup with a Coconut Cream Swirl and Hatch Chiles… very comforting and healthy! Perfect for weekdays, special enough for company and holidays. Many types of winter squashes make glorious soups. I recently picked up some Acorn Squash and thought – maybe an underdog squash for soup… is butternut squash really superior? […]

Baba Ganoush with Roasted Peppers

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.

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!

Fall Salad with Chèvre and Apples

Fall Salad with Chèvre and Pink Pearl Apples

A salad to “fall” in love with! Starring Fall ingredients like Radicchio, Pink Pearl Apples, Pink Radishes, Delicata Squash and teamed with Chèvre Cheese and Pistachios. Fresh fall produce makes this salad stand out, and will satisfy your healthy cravings. Farmers’ markets are jammed now with end-of-summer delights! Visit one and let the season offerings motivate you […]

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.

How to Quick Pickle Vegetables

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 […]

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

Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe ~ THE Spread for Everything!

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”)

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

Mediterranean EVOO Herb & Corn Sauce for Chicken

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!

Fresh Peach Frozen Yogurt

Fresh Peach Frozen Yogurt

A refreshing treat on a warm Summer Day – Lightened up with less sugar.

Skillet Jalapeño Cornbread

Skillet Jalapeño Cornbread

Mildly spicy and full of flavor! Additions include Jalapeños, Poblano Chiles, Chives and Fresh Corn. Gluten Free.

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.

Karen’s Best Matzo Balls with Dill

Karen’s Best Matzo Balls with Dill

My foolproof recipe for tender and tasty Matzo Balls for Passover or anytime!

Spring Asparagus Soup – Vegan – with Cashew Crema Swirl

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

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.

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.

Strawberry and Beet Salad with Strawberry-Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

Strawberry and Beet Salad with Strawberry-Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

This vibrant salad is crave-worthy and perfect for entertaining! Correctly roasting brings a wonderful flavor and texture to beets. I have prepared them every way: shaved raw, grated, boiled, steamed and roasted. My oven roasting method I think is my favorite ~ beets get a golden color and depth of flavor, and cook quicker than […]

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.

Banana Oat & Walnut Waffles

The Ultimate Banana, Oat & Walnut Waffles – Naturally Gluten Free

Seriously – a genius recipe! Place ingredients in a blender, whirl until smooth – heat up the waffle iron… and the ultimate, healthy waffles are minutes away! Gluten Free – the recipe contains no flour, use alternate milks for a Vegan version.

Peanut Butter Energy Bites – with Chocolate Drizzle

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

Karen’s Homemade Weekday Granola

Not too sweet, low in fat – perfect for everyday eating and snacking!

Grilled Chicken Buffalo Nachos (Vegetarian version too)

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

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.

Lemony Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dressing

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

Gingerbread Men Cookies ~ Gluten Free!

Gingerbread Men Cookies ~ Gluten Free!

Filled with healthy ingredients and not too sweet – THE Cookie to make and give this holiday season.

Incredible Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

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

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.

Creamy Layered Purple & Ivory Mashed Potatoes (Perfect for Thanksgiving)

Creamy Layered Purple & Ivory Mashed Potatoes (Perfect for Thanksgiving)

How amazing are these potatoes? They can be made days ahead and reheated. What I love about this recipe – besides it’s gorgeous presentation is they are not heavy, but light and creamy. But no cream in the recipe. Just the right amount of milk & butter… but not too much. Garlic adds depth and […]

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