The Chopping Block Cooking Blog

Karen D

Karen is a Virtual Moderator and Class Assistant at The Chopping Block. Her mother was first-generation Italian and her grandparents lived nearby, so eating meals together was always a focus and holidays meant lots of people, courses, and “old country” traditions. This love of good food grew into a passion for cooking, and no matter where in the world she has traveled or lived, Karen has always found that food is what brings people together. She finds the best way to unwind and relax is to spend time cooking or baking, whether it’s trying something new or preparing a “tried and true” meal – her husband says she literally sings in the kitchen! At The Chopping Block, Karen enjoys sharing that joy with guests, hoping to spark that same love of cooking in their lives.

Mama Mia! Learn How to Make Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms

My Italian immigrant grandfather had the most amazing vegetable garden – there was even a fig tree and concord grape vine! My sister and I were just talking about how there are so many “taste ...

It's Grilled Zucchini Season

When we were in Italy last fall, I fell in love with these wonderful little rolled zucchini bites that Rosella, our Agriturismo host, whipped up. I remember asking her what kind of cheese was in ...

Freeze it: Sweet or Savory Pie Crust

I’m all for preparing whatever I can ahead of time and freezing it. Who can’t use that kind of time savings when it comes to preparing dinner or dessert? My problem is that my kitchen is ...

Don't Waste a Cake Mistake

I don’t know about you, but I always seem to have some sort of cake frozen in my freezer. It works wonders for those times when I want to put something together, but don’t have the time for the ...