Currently Browsing: Weeknight Cooking
Karen’s Roasted Vegetables with Tahini-Garlic Drizzle
How to Successfully Season, Roast and Serve an Assortment of Vegetables. Healthy and delicious – great for weeknight meal building, or serving a crowd. This recipe make a LARGE platter of assorted Vegetables! ~ Perfect for any holiday and can be made early in the day. Think: Easter, Passover, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Mother’s Day […]
Composed Chicken Salad with Avocado Green Goddess Dressing
A thick Blender Dressing with healthful ingredients adorn this easy, tasty and visually beautiful Salad! Use a Rotisserie Chicken and slice – add Lettuces, Veggies, Walnuts, Green Goddess Dressing and a dusting of Pink Peppercorns A Comforting Healthful Chicken Salad made easy with Rotisserie Chicken Breasts *see what type of chicken I buy! Layer the […]
Karen’s Leek Pie (quiche) with a “Magic Crust”
A Creamy Savory Pie includes Sweet and Juicy Leeks dotted with Feta and Fresh Tarragon. It’s crustless! Gluten Free Flour is added to the custard and forms and unique magic crust! The “Magic Crust” forms on the bottom of the pie plate thanks to some flour in the custard. I have used Gluten Free Flour… […]
Speedy Greek Sautéed Shrimp with Fennel, Dill & Ouzo
A wonderful shrimp sauté with a harmonious balance of flavors. Wonderful topped with Greek Feta Cheese, lots of Dill and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes on the Vine. A Quick Sauté: Rub Shrimp with seasonings; set aside as you cook the vegetables Cook shrimps in EVOO until golden on both sides, but not cooked through Sauté Fennel […]
Goat Cheese Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette – Inspired by Alice Waters
Goat Cheese Medallions are Coated with Crispy Quinoa over Lettuces and Vegetables and Drizzled with a Zesty Blood Orange Vinaigrette. Gluten Free. This vibrant salad is one of my favorites. My take on Alice Water’s Goat Cheese Salad served at Chez Panisse, Berkeley, CA. Alice’s iconic salad coats the goat cheese medallions with breadcrumbs and […]
Karen’s Moroccan Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Harissa Vinaigrette
Easy – Gorgeous & Healthy Roasted Carrots are topped with Sprouts & Endive and bathed in a Hearty Harissa Vinaigrette The EASY Method: Scrub Carrots, trim ends – add to a roasting sheet pan Add Olive Oil, Sea Salt and Chili Flakes Roast at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, turn over, cook 5 minutes more […]
Best Winter Soups! Healthy, Comforting & Warming
21 Soups to Make right now in Winter’s Cooler Months. Creative, original soup recipes with wholesome ingredients bursting with flavor. A wonderful collection – get cooking! Oh-La-La ~ Warm up with a Classic Crock of Onion Soup with a Secret Ingredient – Shiitake Mushrooms! Using Vegetable & Chicken Broths – no beef broth. A bowl […]
Karen’s Vegan Milk Chocolate Pudding
Creamy and delicious with added chopped toasted hazelnuts – easy, done in under 10 minutes! Perfect for Valentines Day! I’m adding Caramelized Sugar Shards with Freeze Dried Strawberries. See my pick for the BEST Vegan Milk Chocolate! It is not easy to find a good Vegan Milk Chocolate! Milk Chocolate contains milk… d-a-i-r-y! And almost […]
Outrageous Orange-Chipotle Honey Glazed Salmon
Salmon Fillets Beautifully Caramelize in a Pan for an Easy Weeknight Dish. The Zesty Orange-Chipotle Glaze doubles as a marinade – less work for you! It’s Citrus Season and oranges are bursting with juicy flavor! The Flavors: Rich citrus orange flavor from the Freshly Squeezed Juice and Orange Rind Smoky essence from the Chipotle Peppers […]
Karen’s Oven Fries! Three Recipes: Seasoned Russets, Celeriac and Sweet Potatoes
My go-to weeknight staple… oven fries! Crispy and tender inside – cooks quickly and perfectly seasoned. Unlike fried potatoes -oven fries retain their vitamins and minerals Sazón Seasoned Russet Oven Fries: Crispy and Full Of Flavor – Toss with a little EVOO and my seasonings for the ultimate Oven Fries! Delicious Option: adding Parmesan & Parsley. […]
Easy Russet Oven Fries with My Sazón Seasoning
Crispy and Full Of Flavor – Toss with a little EVOO and my seasonings for the Ultimate Oven Fries! Option: adding Parmesan & Parsley. For a Vegan option, sprinkle on Nutritional Yeast, replacing the parmesan. Keep the skins on for extra fiber! With potatoes you get the energy, potassium (more than a banana) and vitamin C you […]
Karen’s Ultimate Veggie Plant-Based Burger
These Burgers are Not Impossible to make and enjoy and Beyond Delicious! This Plant Based Burger is better than any store bought product without a bevy of unwanted ingredients. Gluten Free. Why Make your own Plant-Based Burgers? Use healthful real food, not chemicals – compared to processed commercial plant-based burgers Mine includes: Legumes: Lentils & […]
Fabulous Salads to make now in Winter
Healthful Salads using the Freshest Ingredients available in Winter. Hearty and loaded with fiber and natural goodness. Say NO to boring salads! Learn how to combine crisp ingredients with special vinaigrettes to make Winter blues a little more exciting & delicious! Salads with Chicken: Packed with Zesty Flavor, Crunchy Texture – a Salad to Savor! […]
Karen’s Spatchcocked Smoky Chili Seasoned Chicken
A well seasoned Spatchcocked Chicken (flattened) that produces a crispy skin and unbelievable tender meat. Dry Brine for 24 hours, add whole lemon & garlic bulb halves and simply roast. So Delish! My Smoky Chili Seasoning & Rub adds incredible flavor! Which do you prefer Light or dark pieces? Both well seasoned and delicious. The Biggest […]
Karen’s Thai Tomato Coconut Soup with Lentils and Silken Tofu
A creamy delicious Vegan soup that boasts a bevy of protein with Panang curry flavors. The toppings make it most special! Packed with healthy ingredients and zesty Thai seasonings. Yes ~ Creamy Deliciousness… I blend half the soup until smooth, leaving some wonderful texture. Winter is here, and it’s SOUP-MAKING-TIME in my Kitchen! Love soup […]
Breakfast Fried Egg Tacos with Karen’s Bloody Mary Hot Sauce
Wake up your taste buds with these savory tacos! Sunny side up fried eggs top tacos and a bevy of veggies and Mexican cheeses. Top with my homemade spicy hot sauce for the perfect chile-tang Why Do My Egg Yolks Look Super-Orange in Color? I use Pasture Raise Eggs! Free range hens that have access […]
Karen’s Somewhat Spicy Bloody Mary Hot Sauce
An Easy to Make At-Home Hot Sauce with a great tang and just the right heat! Addition of horseradish, celery seeds, worcestershire sauce and lime juice lends a definite Bloody Mary taste profile. Simple to Make! Add water to your Chili Flakes and let the flavor bloom I love these Sichuan Chili Flakes. Bright red, spicy and […]
Karen’s Crisp & Crunchy Shortbread Squares – Gluten Free
An easy press-in dough recipe that produces a Crispy, Light & Buttery Shortbread. Cut into easy squares ~ eat & enjoy … drizzle them with chocolate, or crumble them into my Rocky Road Candy the way the Brits do! What make them Gluten Free? I’m using Oat Flour, Fine Almond Flour and a Gluten Free […]
Weeknight Cooking – My Favorite Recipes to Learn, Eat & Repeat
My favorite Weeknight Dinners you’ll want to make these over and over again… Weeknight cooking does not need to be bland, unimaginitive and boring – or take hours to prepare. Some inspiration if you are out of ideas – and cook the same dishes over and over again! Here is what I like to stir […]
Karen’s After Thanksgiving Recipes with your Leftovers
Here’s what I’m cooking up with the holiday’s leftovers. Soup, Salad, Throw-back Casserole, Tacos, Chef Salad, Savory Cranberry Chicken Thighs, The Best Russian Dressing for Roast Turkey and more – create new meals for the week with minimal effort. NEW RECIPE! Perfectly Seasoned Chicken Thighs team with a luscious Cranberry Sauce with Rosemary & Thyme. […]
Crispy Chicken Thighs with Savory Cranberry Sauce (using your leftover cranberry sauce!)
Perfectly Seasoned Chicken Thighs team with a luscious Cranberry Sauce with Rosemary & Thyme. Use up your leftover Chunky Cranberry Sauce for this lucious meal! (Mine has ginger and pineapple in it.) Why I LOVE this Recipe: A great use for your leftover Cranberry Sauce (I know you have some!) Learn how to make CRISPY […]
Skillet Stir-Fried Blackened Green Beans
Dip these irresistible Crunchy Blackened Green Beans into my Roasted Garlic Remoulade Dip with Bread & Butter Pickles! CRUNCH- FLAVOR + EASE… one of my favorite veggie dishes to make! Makes an interesting Side-Dish for your Thanksgiving Table too! Use any fresh beans you like – Green Beans and or Yellow Wax Beans… or a combination […]
Karen’s Quick Butterflied Shrimp & Garlic
A simple recipe that is simply delicious! A good dose of thinly sliced garlic in a wine-butter-thyme sauce that’s comes together quickly. Serve on its own or toss with some pasta or crusty bread. Garlic Chives… if you have them, makes the dish special. I served this delicious Garlicky Dish at my “Cooking with Garlic” […]
Karen’s 21 Fabulous Winter Squash Recipes!
It’s Winter Squash Season in Fall! Learn how to prepare and cook many varieties…in these well tested and modern recipes – 21 to choose from. Winter Squash is harvested in the fall and has a hard rind, which allows it to keep well for months. Summer Squash has a thinner, edible rind and is harvested in […]
Fall Crostini with Whipped Roasted Butternut Squash Goat Cheese and Fresh Figs
THE Fall Appetizer – almost too pretty to eat featuring in-season Fresh Figs. Goat Cheese is whipped with Roasted Butternut Squash and topped with Fresh Figs, Maple-Balsamic Drizzle and Fresh Rosemary. Satisfying, Easy and Real Crowd Pleasers! Just filling enough with healthful ingredients. All About Crostinis: A crostini is a toasted bread appetizer or snack […]
Karen’s Easy Baked Chicken Breast with Mustard, Apples & Honey
Juicy & Tender Chicken Breasts that are simple to prepare with wonderful complimentary flavors. Marinate, Season, top with Apple Slices & Bake. I’m LOVING the 3 ingredient Apple Cider Sauce for drizzling. Three Easy Steps: Marinate the chicken in Coconut Milk and Grated Garlic Season the chicken with spices, a coating of grainy mustard and […]
Karen’s Spaghetti alla Nerano: Zucchini & Pasta Lightened-Up
A total Ode to Stanley Tucci’s CNN “Searching for Italy” series which he shed light on this terrific dish in a hotel kitchen on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. I have ROASTED Zucchini instead of fried… and added lots to the final dish! Easy, economical and one you should master! When the actor Stanley Tucci visited Nerano, a […]
Karen’s Thai Basil Mince Chicken Stir- Fry
A Stir-Fry with True Restaurant Quality Flavor! A redux of the Thai dish Pad Krakow Gai – with extra vegetables and totally Gluten Free. Comforting, savory, aromatic, and garlicky – can be as spicy as you like!! In Thai, pad means “stir-fried,” krapow means “holy basil,” and gai is “chicken,” so literally, “stir-fried holy basil chicken.” […]
Crazy for Heirlooms – 24 Tomato Recipes to Cook Now!
Summer is my favorite season – and Heirloom Tomatoes are my best-loved fruit (botanically.) See ALL the Recipes: Salads, Soups, Condiments, Fresh Tomato Sauce, Risotto and More! Salads Featuring Heirloom Tomatoes: Heirloom Tomatoes are at their peak right now – take advantage of their superior taste and beautiful hues. A wonderful summer pasta salad – […]
Karen’s Cornbread Loaf with Jalapeño
The perfect Cornbread Loaf recipe – rises high with a moist crumb, just the right sweetness and heat. I’m loving it with my Chunky Easy Red Plum Jam! Rises high and square with no high center dome. Slices beautifully; tender crumb with good structure. Here I toasted the cornbread loaf slice with crispy darkened edges… […]
Candyland Marinated Tomatoes with Pasta & Halloumi Cheese
The Best Pasta Dish of the Summer Season! Marinated Candyland Tomatoes are tossed with Pasta, Toasted Garlic Breadcrumbs, Grilled Halloumi Cheese, Softened Red Onions and Fresh Basil Leaves. These little cuties ~ Candyland Tomatoes (named after the classic children’s board game) are just about ½-inch in diameter – yet every bit is packed with super sweet, […]
White Peach & Raspberry Cobbler – Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
A wonderful summer dessert when peaches are ripe & juicy! Perfectly sweetened with easy crispy yet tender drop biscuits. I love to serve with my Caramel Vanilla Bean Vegan Ice Cream Reasons to make this Cobbler: Quite easy to prepare: 2 Steps – Bake peach filling part way; Make cobbler topping, drop on top & […]
Karen’s Spanish-Style Grilled Bread With Tomato
Pan con Tomate: bread with tomato has never tasted so good! Grilled Garlicky Bread, Grated Heirloom Tomatoes with Topping Options I Love. Variation: Zucchini & Garlic topping! A simple EASY recipe using stellar ingredients! The Method: Brush bread slices with a fruit olive oil Broil or grill bread until toasty and edges have blackened Cut […]
Karen’s Mango Sorbet with Ginger & Turmeric
A Creamy & Luscious Sorbet made with five ingredients ~ Fresh Mango, Ginger-Turmeric Tea, Pure Cane Sugar, Fresh Ginger and Lime Juice. Simple to prepare – silky texture! Tropical mangos making a smooth purée to create a refreshing sorbet treat with sweet fruit intensity. Using Tea in the recipe: Turmeric adds a nice color and earthy […]
Summer Pasta with Sugar Snap Peas, Fresh English Peas & a Creamy Herbal Vegan Sauce
A simple pasta dish LOADED with two kinds of Fresh Peas – simple sautéed with Garlic then folded with Pasta and a Creamy Herbal Vegan Sauce (which is cashew based.) How to Make a Pasta Dish Healthier? Add MORE VEGGIES! There are almost as many peas in […]
Fennel Salad and Perfect Grilled Chicken with Karen’s Lemon-Oregano Marinade
Packed with Zesty Flavor, Crunchy Texture – a Salad to Savor! A refreshing mix of Fennel, Vadalia Onions, Fresh Peaches, Local Cucumbers & Perfect Grilled Lemony Marinated Chicken TODAY ~ Here are Two Recipes! 1. Karen’s Lemon-Oregano Marinade 2. Fennel Salad and Perfect Grilled Chicken (that has been marinated in the Lemon-Oregano Marinade) Fennel has a […]
Grilled Romaine Lettuce with Corn, Green Bean & Tomato Salad
Crispy Romaine with a smoky essence – topped with Farm Fresh Veggies, Lemony Tahini Dressing and Garlic Sourdough Toasted Breadcrumbs A brilliant technique! Romaine Lettuce halves are grilled until slightly charred offering a gently smoky essence. Lettuce remains crispy ~ add a bevy of veggies, dressing, and crispy breadcrumbs for extra crunch & flavor. Elements of […]
Grilled Black Bass Fillets with Red Wine, Shallot & Rosemary Compound Butter
Seasoned and Grilled Outdoors – the mild, sweet fish holds its shape! Add a slice of Delicious Red Wine Compound Butter and let it melt into delectable sauce Why I love this recipe: Perfectly Seasoned Black Bass Fillets served warm with a slice of colorful Red Wine Compound Butter – which melts into the fish and […]
Cool Beet Soup with Kefir and Pickled Beet Stems
A Delicious Cold Blender Beet Soup with personality! Steam fresh beets – then whirl with healthy Kefir and seasonings – it’s that easy! Serve with garnishes that ARE ELEMENTS OF THE SOUP! Garnishes not only look pretty – they are elements of the soup! Topping with Fresh Dill, Sliced Garlic Scapes (so Spring), Pickled Beet […]
Skillet Balsamic Chicken with Strawberries & Tarragon
An easy skillet dish – Tender Chicken, Crispy Skin with a Hearty yet Light Pan Sauce with Plenty of Strawberries and Garnished with Tarragon Leaves. Irresistible! Balsamic Vinegar’s home turf of Modena is a small city in northern Italy located in the Emilia-Romagna region, which is also the birthplace of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. See below for […]
Roasted Asparagus & Shaved Heirloom Carrot Salad with a Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette
Roasted Local Asparagus Tips & Spears Team with Shaved Multi-Colored Carrots, Lettuces & Sprouts for a Delicious Composed Salad. Add Za’atar coated Mini Goat Cheese Balls and toss all with a Lemony Vinaigrette for an unforgettable salad! SEE 22 Inspirational MEMORIAL DAY RECIPES Here!!! I made this salad last night at my Cooking Class at Leicht […]
My Favorite Shrimp Recipes & NEW: Homemade Panko Popcorn Spiced Shrimp (they’re baked!)
Shrimp is the most popular seafood! For good reason ~ they taste so good, are affordable and cook quickly, making meal preparation easy! Pictured: Homemade Panko Popcorn Spiced Shrimp. Crispy, Crunchy and Drenched in Homemade Panko Crumbs ~ these delicious shrimps are baked on a rack, not deep fried. All the buttery, garlicky and lemony […]
Homemade Panko Popcorn Spiced Shrimp – they’re baked!
Crispy, Crunchy and Drenched in Homemade Panko Crumbs ~ these delicious morsels are baked on a rack, not deep fried. I’m craving something crispy & sweet yet savory – these Popcorn Shrimp fit the bill! Plunge them into this luscious & piquant Lemony Aioli Dip. Up close – in a parchment lined bowl ready to […]
Karen’s Lemony, Garlicky Aioli Dip
A delicious homemade creamy dip with zesty lemon flavor and a good dose of garlic! Whisk by hand for a superior Aioli. A delicious homemade creamy dip with zesty lemon flavor and a good dose of garlic!
Mother’s Day Recipes
This Mother’s Day – Treat Mom to Some Healthy & Inspiring Home Cooking! If you have been making the same recipes for years… have I got some tempting ideas for you! Always healthy-forward, true ingredients & inventive. A super moist cake which rises high and dotted with seasonal rhubarb and warm spices. Easy to prepare! […]
Karen’s Rhubarb Snack Cake with Cardamom & Ginger
A super moist cake which rises high and dotted with seasonal rhubarb and warm spices. Whisk all in one bowl… irresistible! I have a special place in my heart for Rhubarb… ready to pick now through summer. My grandparents had plentiful rhubarb plants sprawling in their garden, and rhubarb pie was typically served after dinner. […]
Karen’s Spring Vegetable Fried Rice
Tossed with my favorite in-season Spring Veggies for a wonderfully healthy dish that’s delicious and fun to make. My method teaches the art of stir-frying – perfectly crisped rice with tender-crisp vegetables and Asian aromatics. Spring Veggies: I’m using Fat Asparagus, Fresh Peas (from the pod), Onions, Scallions, Leeks, Multi-Colored Heirloom Carrots, and Fresh Chives An essence […]
25 Inventive Spring Recipes – to Get You Cooking!
I’m all about Cooking with the Seasons! Get ready to take on Spring with my FAVORITE RECIPES including lightened-up options, creative first courses, tempting main courses and must-make desserts that. Celebrate this season’s bounty with 25 well-tested recipes! Spring Grilled Asparagus Salad ~ Blood Orange Buttermilk Dressing Let’s start here – time to uncover the […]
Karen’s Spring Green Herbal Ranch Dressing & Salad
A Light and Flavorful Blender Dressing with a Gorgeous Green Hue! Uses Four Fresh Herbs; Thai Basil, Mint, Parsley & Dill I think it is a good time to create a recipe that is simple, comes together in minutes and shows off beautiful Spring herbs and alliums (chives, onions & scallions.) If you can find […]
Karen’s Vegan “Crab Cakes”
Healthy, Vegan & Delicious! Filled with Chickpeas, Artichoke Hearts and Hearts of Palm (which mimics the look of crab) ~ Herbs & Spices. Make minis for Hors d’oeuvres or larger ones for a delicious Main Course Meal. So much flavor in every Bite! Not fried – “pan fried” with just a touch of oil for […]
Karen’s Mosaic Carrot Kugel with Dill
A Delicious Veggie Side-Dish for Passover, Easter or anytime! A light soufflé-like kugel studded with colorful carrots that creates a mosaic look that’s stunning! WOW-Factor! A pretty simple recipe that produces a stunning kugel casserole – you cut in squares. The texture is light and airy – eggs surround the carrots (that are cubed 1/2″) […]
Egyptian Sheet Pan Dukkah Salmon with Veggies & Chickpeas
Weeknight delicious! Distinctive Dukkah Seasoning gets a revamp with Lemon Essence. Roast all on one pan. Top with a simple Minted Herb-Yogurt Sauce and Mint Leaves. A fabulous all-in one pan cooking perfect for weeknights, company and holidays… think Easter and Passover! Dukkah seasoning lends tons of Middle Eastern savory flavors to the salmon; the veggies and […]
Karen’s Lemony Dukkah Seasoning
I’m adding a burst of natural zesty lemon flavor to traditional Egyptian Dukkah Seasoning. A bright multi-purpose blend – wonderful on salmon. What is Dukkah? (pronounced doo-kah) An Egyptian and Middle Eastern condiment consisting of a mixture of herbs, nuts, and spices. It is typically used as a dip (adding olive oil) with bread or […]
Corn Tortilla “Lasagne” with Green Veggies and Roasted Red Pepper Chile Sauce
Naturally Gluten Free – A New twist on Lasagne! Layer it up and enjoy an extra bevy of vegetables with three cheeses between the tortilla layers. Dried Guajillo Chiles enhance the zesty Roasted Pepper and Tomato Sauce with a mild kick. Elements of this Lasagne you will Love: Naturally Gluten Free using cut tortillas in […]
24 Best Ever A Zest For Life Citrus Recipes
Winter is the time for fragrant, juicy, vibrant citrus — now at their peak. I choose a variety to blend the complex flavors. Before Winter Ends – Take Advantage of a Multitude of Citrus to Brighten Every Recipe! Salmon in Parchment with Multi-Citrus Salsa Slow cooked Salmon with a Tart & Zesty Multi-Citrus Salsa is an easy meal […]
Peruvian Grilled Chicken Paillard with Citrus, Herb & Aji Amarillo Pepper Marinade
Glorious Flattened Chicken Breasts are bathed in a Zesty & Pungent Peruvian Citrus Marinade and simply grilled. Add lettuces and a raw vegetable salad for a healthy meal. After a hour in the zesty marinade – the flattened chicken is simply grilled – it’s that easy! I have used a cast iron grill pan indoors […]
Peruvian Citrus & Herb Marinade with Aji Amarillo Peppers
A zesty and pungent citrus marinade made in a blender with wonderfully spicy and fruity Aji Amarillo Peppers. Fabulous to flavor Chicken, Fish, Vegetables and Vegan Proteins. Perfect with my Grilled Chicken Paillard Salad. Place all ingredients in a blender and whirl – I add some parsley (or use cilantro) at the end for some […]
Karen’s Arugula & Parsley Winter Pesto
A Vibrant Green Pesto with non-traditional ingredients but with all the bite and bursting with flavor. A brilliant pesto with a little peppery, spicy and nutty taste. Anytime can be Homemade Pesto Time! Use the best quality Arugula & Flat Leaf Parsley, I choose organic. Not just for wintertime – but brilliant in Spring and […]
Karen’s Mexican Pulled Chicken Tinga – and how to make fabulous tacos!
TINGA is a Mexican Specialty with pulled chicken in a full- flavored Chipotle-Tomato Sauce. Moderately spicy and definitely smokey – top warm corn tortillas and add veggies of your choice such as Charred Corn & Onions, Avocado, Radishes and Herbs. Cotija cheese tops them off. Great for a weeknight meal – or invite friends for […]
French-Style Cod & Vegetable Chowder
A healthy chowder with vibrant French flavors and colors. Loaded with vegetables and perfectly seasoned with French aromatics. Healthy & filling, yet light! Now, in Winter – this chowder really satisfies and tingles your tastebuds. Atlantic cod is sweet-flavored fish that absorbs surrounding flavors in a dish. So, most importantly we are going to season […]