Zest For Cooking

Tuna Poke Bowl

August 15, 2019 by pamflo

This “do it yourself” poke bowl is fresh, customizable and there’s no cooking involved! Tuna is a good source of high quality protein containing many of our essential amino acids. Ahi tuna, also know as yellow-fin is the best tuna to use for this raw dish, although fresh salmon is a good alternative. Buy the freshest fish possible, sometimes referred to as “sushi-grade”. When shopping for fish, it should smell fresh and briny like the sea, the eyes should be […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking

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Sheet Pan Seafood Bake

August 8, 2019 by pamflo

This flavorful and fun seafood bake is like squeezing summer all onto one pan, with flavorful shrimp, sausage, clams, and veggies all made on one sheet tray. I tossed the ingredients with a combination of butter, olive oil and Old Bay seasoning. I blanched the potatoes and corn ahead of time in lightly salted boiling water, and pre-cooked spicy Italian sausages instead of the classic andouille sausage, before adding to the sheet tray. This is a perfect dish for a […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Seafood • Tags: Bake

Baked Tomato Gratin

August 1, 2019 by pamflo

Although it seems almost sinful to cook beautifully ripe tomatoes at the height of the summer, this dish intensifies the flavor of the tomatoes. A classic gratin is usually a dish of layered vegetables topped with cheese and buttery breadcrumbs. My version is a simple dish with large juicy tomato slices, a sprinkling of parmesan cheese, fresh herbs and a splash of balsamic vinegar. This dish is a perfect side for a hearty meal or a nice topping for a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

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Grilled Zucchini Salad

July 25, 2019 by pamflo

The most delightful part of this salad is the pomegranate molasses, a thick tart syrup that’s drizzled on the grilled zucchini. Pomegranate molasses is a syrup traditionally used in Middle Eastern cooking, and can be used in a variety of dishes. It is easy to make your own with sugar, lemon and pomegranate juice or is readily available at most specialty markets. Zucchini is actually a fruit, with its beautiful yellow blossoms that are edible. Usually eaten as a vegetable […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Grill

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Grilled Swordfish and Vegetable Kabobs

July 18, 2019 by pamflo

Swordfish is a firm-fleshed fish with a mildly sweet flavor, perfect for cutting into cubes and grilling for an easy weeknight meal. Although it’s on the list of fish that can be high in mercury, it’s a great protein source, and abundant in minerals and vitamins. If time permits, you can marinate the pieces of fish for up to 30 minutes. Being short on time, I generously coated the cubes with olive oil, salt and pepper before grilling. Serve hot with […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seafood, Vegetables • Tags: Grill

Watermelon and Tomato Gazpacho

July 11, 2019 by pamflo

The delightful flavors of watermelon, ripe tomatoes and cucumbers come together to create this sweet and savory chilled soup. With the added tang of a lime and the heat of a jalapeño, this is the perfect dish for a hot and steamy summer night! This soup can be served smooth or chunky. If you want a combination of both, puree the soup completely in a blender or food processor, and then add the extra finely diced watermelon and cucumbers. If […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

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Summer Panzanella Salad

July 3, 2019 by pamflo

Panzanella is a popular Tuscan chopped salad traditionally made with really ripe tomatoes, toasted bread cubes and red onion. It sometimes includes cucumbers and is simply dressed with olive oil and vinegar. In my summer salad, cornbread croutons add a modern twist to a combination of avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers and freshly chopped basil. Slivered raw red onion adds some bite, but is optional. Dress this salad with extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, and season it with salt and […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Toast, Toss

Creamy Cauliflower and Toasted Walnut Dip

June 27, 2019 by pamflo

Cauliflower is still all the rage. This humble head of white florets can be transformed into a tender, creamy and comforting addition to a great entree, or center stage with other great sides. The bonus is that cauliflower is a great source of vitamin C. Earthy and rich without being heavy, this creamy cauliflower dip is great for a crowd. It is perfect served with raw veggies, crackers or as a spread for sandwiches.

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables

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Easy Chocolate Cups

June 20, 2019 by pamflo

Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and minerals such as magnesium, zinc and iron, and has been shown to have many health benefits. Studies show that chocolate can help reduce inflammation in the body and it’s a mood booster too! There are many good quality brands of chocolate on the market, but be sure to use chocolate containing between 65 and 80 percent cacao. Most professional chocolate is “tempered”, which is the process of melting, cooling and then reheating the […]

Categories: Candy, Chocolate, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar, Nuts/Seeds • Tags: Chill, Melt

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Blueberry and Cashew Smoothie

June 13, 2019 by pamflo

Blueberries are low in calories, high in fiber and help reduce the risk of chronic disease. Studies show that blueberries can improve heart and brain health, as well. Cashews have a sweet, buttery taste and are an excellent source of several vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These healthy and delicious ingredients come together in this smoothie with the addition of mint leaves and a squeeze of lime juice. We’re on the cusp of blueberry season in Massachusetts, but feel free to […]

Categories: Beverage, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Drinks, Fruit, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Smoothies/Shakes • Tags: Whiz

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Charred Sugar Snap Peas

June 6, 2019 by pamflo

Sugar snap peas are a cross between snow peas and garden peas. The peas are naturally sweet and crunchy, and you can eat the whole pod. Snap peas may be eaten raw or cooked, although you may have to remove the “string” at the seam of the pod if eating the peas raw. Snap peas are low in calories, high in fiber, iron and Vitamin C. This is a terrific light dish that’s quick to prepare. The success of this dish is […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans/Legumes, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Char

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Spicy Rice Noodle Stir Fry

May 30, 2019 by pamflo

Joyce Chen is the chef credited with bringing northern-style Chinese cuisine to the United States. She invented the flat-bottom wok with a long handle, making it easier for the home cook to create authentic stir-fry dishes. Her daughter Helen Chen was one of my favorite chef instructors in culinary school. If you don’t own a wok, a heavy-bottomed skillet is a great substitute. Any type of fresh or dried noodle can be used in a stir-fry. I used the thick dried […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Peanuts, Rice/Grains, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Stir-Fry

Nutty Strawberry Crisp

May 23, 2019 by pamflo

Strawberries are an iconic summer treat – sweet, juicy and a little tart. Fresh strawberries can be easily transformed into a bubbly, fragrant and beautiful dessert. This crisp is a perfect way to enjoy strawberry season. A lightly sweetened crumbly topping made with a variety of chopped nuts adds a nice crispy texture to each bite. I find the best way to enjoy this crisp is by serving it warm, maybe with some frozen yogurt or ice cream of your […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Dessert, Dressing, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar, Nuts • Tags: Bake

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Carrot and Apple Muffins

May 16, 2019 by pamflo

Looking for a breakfast treat that’s healthy, not too sweet and easy to make? Gluten and dairy free, these carrot muffins are just the right combination of sweet and savory. The muffins take a combination of some favorite pantry ingredients like applesauce, oats and nuts, and unites them with freshly grated carrots to create a delicious treat. The carrots provide a dose of both Vitamin A and Vitamin C. I’m not sure these delightful muffins will last very long, but […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar, Muffins, Nuts, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

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Roasted Asparagus with Cherry Tomatoes

May 9, 2019 by pamflo

Spring is finally here and the asparagus is in season, with its beautiful green stalks and familiar earthy fragrance. Roasting asparagus is a quick and easy dish for a weeknight meal or for a crowd. When purchasing these beauties look for firm stalks and closed tips. Asparagus should be used within 2 days of purchase and can be stored with the ends wrapped in a damp paper towel. You can peel the stalks for a sleek plated presentation, but it […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Toast

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Easy Breakfast Tacos

May 2, 2019 by pamflo

This dish is a great choice for a quick, casual breakfast. Don’t underestimate the wakeup call that hot sauce can provide in the morning. Honestly, I never considered hot sauce for breakfast, but it turns out that the tangy sauce pairs perfectly with eggs. I’m often asked if I have any go-to ingredients in my pantry. Indeed I do, and Sriracha is one of them. The combination of the blistered tortilla, runny eggs and creamy avocado really hits the spot. I […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas • Tags: Blister, Fry

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Brown Butter Sea Scallops with Lemon and Capers

April 25, 2019 by pamflo

Many years ago, I was a guest on a local television show and was asked a few personal questions to wrap up my cooking segment. The host asked if my mother was a positive cooking influence in my life. Without filtering my thoughts, I said that my mom was an awful cook and had ruined my joy of eating scallops…oops! Although this was true, I profusely apologized to my mom. We still laugh about it! Scallops are a lean protein source and quite easy to cook. However, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seafood • Tags: Sauté

Homemade Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips

April 18, 2019 by pamflo

My family loves salt and vinegar potato chips! I happened to read the label on a package of chips and realized that they’re seasoned with a vinegar powder, not something I had heard of before. I ordered the powdered vinegar on-line with the idea of making my own salt and vinegar chips. I experimented with sprinkling the vinegar powder over the warm chips and soaking the raw potato slices in apple cider vinegar, to see if there was a difference […]

Categories: Appetizer, Chips, Dairy Free, Gluten Free • Tags: Fry

Zucchini and Scallion Fritters

April 11, 2019 by pamflo

These zucchini fritters are crispy, simple to make and perfect for the upcoming holidays. The fritter batter requires flour for texture and I used almond flour. Feel free to use another flour like chickpea or all-purpose flour. If you’re making these fritters for the Passover holiday you can use potato starch. The trick to achieving crispy fritters, is to remove as much moisture as possible from the grated zucchini. This is a two step process by first salting the grated zucchini […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Passover Recipes, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

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Creamy Cashew Latte

April 4, 2019 by pamflo

I was completely on-board when Bulletproof coffee was all the rage as a replacement for breakfast, and to boost energy and endurance by adding grass-fed unsalted butter and coconut (or MCT) oil. I also added cinnamon and vanilla extract before whizzing my energizing beverage in a high speed blender. This creamy cashew latte is lower in calories, dairy free, and a very satisfying alternative. I roasted unsalted cashews and used a couple of dates as a natural sweetener. I brewed […]

Categories: Beverage, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Nuts • Tags: Toast, Whiz

Flourless Double Chocolate Pecan Cookies

March 28, 2019 by pamflo

I was so nervous the first year I traveled to New York City to attend cooking classes at the International Culinary Center, although back in 2008 the ICC was known as the French Culinary Institute. The two intense days of cooking school was a very generous birthday gift. I was the only attendee from Boston with almost all of the students coming from New York and all the participating chefs were highly regarded. My first class was taught by the […]

Categories: Cookies, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gifts, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Nuts • Tags: Bake

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