Zest For Cooking

Hearty Winter Vegetable Soup

February 25, 2021 by pamflo

It’s been a cold winter in Boston and this hearty vegetable soup just hits the spot. This can be a “clean out your refrigerator” soup, using whatever veggies you have on hand. In addition to onion, celery and garlic, I used a combination of sweet and regular potatoes, butternut squash, rainbow carrots and a large handful of greens. I added a bit of smoked paprika to my soup as it adds a delicious subtle smokiness. A generous splash of sherry […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Soup, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer

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Eggs Baked in Winter Squash

February 18, 2021 by pamflo

Naturally low in fat and nutrient dense, winter squash is a healthy substitute for the toast in the classic breakfast dish of egg-in-the-hole. There’s a beautiful assortment of squash available and you can use any variety of winter squash, although acorn is the best with its sweet and tender flesh. These squash are small and heavy when ripe, with a tough outer skin that’s eatable after cooking. I used the small sweet dumpling squash as I was drawn to its […]

Categories: Appetizer, Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

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Intensely Chocolate Walnut Brownies

February 11, 2021 by pamflo

The smell in my kitchen is absolutely intoxicating! February 14th is approaching and these brownies are the perfect sweet and chocolatey homemade gift. These heavenly squares are gluten-free, and the cornstarch-cocoa powder combination replaces the flour. The toasted chopped walnuts elevate these brownies, but the nuts are optional. I’ve added both cocoa nibs for extra crunch and a pinch of pink Himalayan sea salt, which balances the sugar and intensifies the deep chocolate flavor. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Categories: Brownies, Chocolate, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake

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Cheesy Baked Potato Rounds

February 4, 2021 by pamflo

These loaded baked potato rounds are an easy, fun sized, game day dish for the Super Bowl. The potatoes are sliced, baked until lightly browned and then topped with ingredients of your choice. They’re a healthier way to enjoy stuffed potatoes skins and are just as satisfying. I topped the sweet potato rounds with shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped scallions. The russet potatoes are topped with crispy bacon and a combination of cheddar cheeses. Enjoy!

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Game Day, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

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Hearty Butternut Squash Soup

January 28, 2021 by pamflo

Butternut squash is a great source of dietary fiber and potassium. Turmeric, known as a medicinal spice and a member of the ginger family, has powerful anti-inflammatory qualities. Sweet, hearty and nutritious, this soup is a bowl of complete goodness. There are many ways to make butternut squash soup, but the combination of vegetables, fruit and spices makes this soup one to be repeated. This soup is even better the next day!

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Game Day, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Soup, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer

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Baked Sweet Potato Chips

January 21, 2021 by pamflo

If you’re looking for a healthy way to enjoy potato chips, making your own sweet potato chips is fun and simple. These very thin slices of sweet potato, crisp up and get golden brown in a low temperature oven. Using a mandolin, a very sharp flat slicing tool, is a way to get uniform thin slices that cook evenly. Please use the safety guard provided, a cut-resistant glove or a kitchen towel between your hand and the potato and keep […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Side Dish, Snack, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Bake

Homemade Soft Rye Pretzels

January 14, 2021 by pamflo

Making homemade pretzels is a fun winter’s day project that is simpler than it appears. These pretzels, recently featured in an issue of Eating Well magazine are made with extra-virgin olive oil and light rye flour for a healthier pretzel. The light rye flour adds a subtle malt, or pleasant but slight sour flavor and creates a denser pretzel then just using only all-purpose flour. These pretzels call for instant dry yeast instead of using active dry yeast. The smaller instant […]

Categories: Breads, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Healthish, Snack • Tags: Bake

Sea Bass en Papillote

January 7, 2021 by pamflo

En papillote is a classic method of cooking food wrapped in parchment paper. It’s an easy and healthy way to steam food and infuse flavor. The traditional method of using parchment paper requires origami-style folding and results in a beautiful, elegant presentation; aluminum foil works too. The paper rises while cooking, and is filled with the fragrances of the fresh ingredients. When you open the parchment you get the gift of this wonderful aroma. The rule of thumb for cooking […]

Categories: Cooking Tips, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seafood • Tags: Steam

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Prosecco Pomegranate Cocktail

December 30, 2020 by pamflo

A sparkly, festive cocktail seems like the perfect way to close out a crazy year! The fresh orange juice in this cocktail recipe balances the tartness of the pomegranate juice. On another note, I want to say thank you to all my followers. I really appreciate your comments, questions, food photos and “likes”. I continue to welcome your feedback, thoughts and ideas. I look forward to more great food and drink recipes in 2021. Happy New Year to all!

Categories: Alcohol, Boozy, Cocktail, Crowd Pleaser, Fruit, Holiday Ideas • Tags: No Cooking

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Chocolate Swirl Peppermint Bark

December 23, 2020 by pamflo

Chocolate bark is an easy and delicious dessert for a party, a perfect gift or a treat just for you. A timely snow storm provided a free day for some fun projects. Most professional chocolate is “tempered”, or heated and cooled to a certain temperature to stabilize the chocolate. This ensures a shiny finish, a firm bite and a longer shelf life. This process takes time and a bit of skill. This bark recipe doesn’t require tempering. Chocolate that is not […]

Categories: Chocolate, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Melt

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Mint Chocolate Sable Cookies

December 17, 2020 by pamflo

I had the privilege of meeting Dorie Greenspan, baker extraordinaire and cookbook author. She has published many beautiful cookbooks, but Dorie’s Cookies is a wonderful gift for any baker. At a recent book signing event, the discussion about her food journey was heartfelt, warm and funny. Listening to her speak about making cookies, reminded me how much I enjoy baking during the holidays. Sables are French butter cookies and they’re a perfect holiday gift or treat. The smooth, deep minty […]

Categories: Chocolate, Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Gifts, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake

Double Chocolate Baked Donuts

December 10, 2020 by pamflo

Decadent and easy, you will never know these divine double chocolate donuts are grain free. All you’ll need is a standard donut pan to make this fun and easy dessert (or breakfast treat)! Coconut flour is a very good alternative flour in gluten-free baking. It has the ability to absorb liquid and provides a perfect substitute for all-purpose flour in many gluten-free baked goods. Often the challenge in gluten-free baking is finding the correct proportion and balance of ingredients to […]

Categories: Chocolate, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Donuts, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake

Coconut Macaroons with a Chocolate Drizzle

December 3, 2020 by pamflo

Calling all coconut lovers! Coconut is a great source of immediate energy, helps reduce inflammation in the body and is a heart healthy fat. These macaroons are a satisfying, gluten free, healthy snack. There are a few ways to make macaroons. This recipe is a two step process, but it guarantees a delicious cookie. The exterior of the cookies will be golden and crisp, and the interior will be soft and moist. Let’s Do Organic Unsweetened Coconut Flakes is the […]

Categories: Chocolate, Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Gifts, Gluten Free, Healthish • Tags: Bake

Roast Tenderloin of Beef with Horseradish Sauce

November 24, 2020 by pamflo

Roasted beef tenderloin is without a doubt incredibly decadent! A dish for a celebratory occasion. In the years that I hosted a large family Thanksgiving, I would make both beef tenderloin and roast turkey. There was always leftover turkey and never leftovers of the beef. This was one of the best dishes at my New York culinary program many years ago. Naomi Pomeroy of Beast in Portland, OR, made this dish with grass-fed beef, and it was outstanding. If the […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Roast

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Chopped Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad

November 19, 2020 by pamflo

With Thanksgiving one week away, here is an easy raw salad to lighten your meal. The combination of flavors is fantastic, but feel free to mixed it up and use almonds, pistachios or pepitas and tart dried cherries, as a substitute for the walnuts and cranberries. Brussels sprouts are especially rich in vitamin K and vitamin C. They have a high fiber content which helps support regularity and gut health. Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower as well as other cruciferous vegetables are […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Vegetarian • Tags: No Cooking

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Simple Roast Turkey

November 12, 2020 by pamflo

Turkey is a delicious Thanksgiving tradition, juicy, crispy and tender! My first turkey experience required me to pluck the turkey feathers, an experience I hope never to have again! I’ve brined turkey in herbs, apple cider and even bourbon. I’ve cooked organic, kosher and heritage turkeys. I’ve tried a dry brine but have never been brave enough to deep fry a turkey. I will leave that to the fearless. From all my experiences, I think that a simple roast turkey […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Roast

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Brandy and Butter Glazed Carrots

November 5, 2020 by pamflo

The Thanksgiving buzz has begun! It starts when cooking magazines arrive at my house with photos of gleaming turkeys and perfectly plated sides. For the years that I hosted the Thanksgiving feast, my preparations typically started in October. I would start with making and freezing turkey stock, baking breads and making ice cream. I would usually assign the side dishes to willing family members. Although this year will be a very small gathering, this brandy and butter glaze adds a […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Blanch, Roast

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Maple Pecan Ice Cream

October 29, 2020 by pamflo

This is a creamy, luscious custard-style ice cream sweetened with maple syrup in place of white sugar. An easy stove-top custard is first made with heavy cream, milk, maple syrup and egg yolks, and then chilled before churning in your ice cream maker. The toasted maple pecans add an abundance of flavor so that you don’t even miss the sugar. With no stabilizers or preservatives to mask the flavors, there is really no substitute for homemade ice cream. Plan ahead […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Gluten Free, Ice Cream, Low Sugar • Tags: Simmer, Toast, Whiz

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Maple Cinnamon Applesauce

October 22, 2020 by pamflo

It is a beautiful fall season in New England. We went apple picking by appointment and it yielded both tart and sweet apple varieties. The wafting smell of simmering apples made the process of peeling and coring the apples worthwhile. Serve your applesauce with yogurt or oatmeal for breakfast, as a snack with some toasted nuts or as a side dish with your main course. I kept it simple with just cinnamon sticks, a pinch of nutmeg and maple syrup […]

Categories: Appetizer, Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Snack • Tags: Simmer

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Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

October 15, 2020 by pamflo

The Paleo diet is one of the most searched diets on the internet and is about eliminating gluten, dairy, grains and refined sugar. It can be considered a restrictive way to eat but for people battling celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, autoimmune issues or just prefer a low inflammatory diet, it’s a great option. These delicious muffins take advantage of a variety of fall spices, and use almond and coconut flour in place of white flour. Pumpkin puree is high in […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dessert, Muffins, Paleo, Snack • Tags: Bake

Roasted Fennel and Tomatoes with Beans

October 8, 2020 by pamflo

Beans, beans they’re good for your heart, the more you eat…..and you know the rest of the tune! Not everyone is a bean lover, but they’re a good source of protein and fiber. Research suggests that if beans are soaked and/or cooked, they are easier to digest, and this is a great way to add them to your diet. Fennel is a member of the carrot family and has a fresh anise flavor when it is eaten raw. It gets […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetarian • Tags: Roast

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