Author Archives: pamflo

Brandy and Butter Glazed Carrots

November 20, 2023 by pamflo

The Thanksgiving buzz is in full swing! 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. Although I’m not hosting this year, this carrot recipe from the zesty archives is simple, festive and has just the right amount of sweetness. This elegant dish elevates the humble carrot to new heights, infusing it with the warmth of brandy and the […]

Categories: Boozy, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Blanch, Roast

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Red Wine Poached Pears

November 16, 2023 by pamflo

Red-wine poached pears are beautiful, sweet, tart and juicy. Poaching is a simple way to prepare and serve pears. Succulent pears are gently simmered in a fragrant bath of rich red wine, infused with a medley of fall spices. The result is a symphony of flavors that marries the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the deep, robust notes of red wine and the warmth of seasonal spices. Both Bosc and Anjou pears are good choices for cooking and baking, […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Poach

Honeynut Squash with Buckwheat Salad

November 9, 2023 by pamflo

This recipe combines the natural sweetness of roasted honeynut squash with the earthy richness of a buckwheat salad, generously dotted with toasted pecans and plump cranberries. Honeynut squash is a relatively new squash variety. It looks like a mini butternut squash, has sweet, creamy orange flesh and edible skin. Honeynut squash is easy to prepare as you can simply slice it in half, scoop out the seeds and roast it. It’s a perfect choice for a hearty side or a […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Grains, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Simmer

Pan Con Tomate

November 2, 2023 by pamflo

Pan con tomate, or tomato bread, is a classic Spanish dish that exemplifies the simplicity of fresh ingredients in Mediterranean cuisine. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish bursts with flavor, showcasing the quality of its components. Ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, crusty bread and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil come together to create a delectable blend of textures and tastes. Whether served as an appetizer, tapas or a quick and satisfying snack, pan con tomate is a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Snack • Tags: Toast

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Baba Ganoush

October 26, 2023 by pamflo

Baba ganoush is a Mediterranean dip similar to hummus but its base is roasted or grilled eggplant, instead of chickpeas. Eggplant, a vegetable in the nightshade family, is nutrient dense and high in fiber. The beautiful purple globe eggplants make delicious baba ganoush! It’s an easy dip to prepare with just a few ingredients and is simple to dress up with pomegranate seeds and a drizzle of olive oil. As with hummus, sesame paste or tahini, binds the dip together. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Easy Recipes, Game Day, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Whiz

Wild Rice Stuffed Tomatoes

October 19, 2023 by pamflo

This elegant yet easy-to-make dish combines the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes with the earthy richness of wild rice, resulting in a stunning appetizer or side dish that’s sure to impress. The cocktail tomatoes are a bit bigger than your typical cherry or grape tomatoes. They have a sweet flavor from a slightly higher sugar content compared to other tomato varieties. They’re a perfect size for stuffing and in a pinch make a fun, easy appetizer. Pick tomatoes that are […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Side Dish • Tags: Roast

Pumpkin Apple Muffins

October 12, 2023 by pamflo

Fall is in the air, and what better way to embrace the season than with these delightful pumpkin apple muffins! Bursting with the rich essence of pumpkin and the natural sweetness of chopped apples, these muffins are perfect for breakfast, snack or dessert. The addition of molasses adds a deep, caramel-like note, while the use of maple syrup ensures just the right amount of sweetness without the need for excessive sugar. Bursting with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar, Muffins, Snack • Tags: Bake

Borlotti Bean with Garlic and Rosemary

October 5, 2023 by pamflo

Borlotti beans, also known as cranberry beans, are beautiful beige beans with flecks of red. The shell is inedible, but the beans inside have a creamy texture and a perfect nutty flavor, although they don’t maintain their bright color after cooking. Dried borlotti beans are readily available and can be soaked overnight before using. Borlotti beans are a great source of fiber, essential minerals and a good source of plant protein. The creamy borlotti beans, infused with the earthy aroma […]

Categories: Beans, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas • Tags: Simmer

Double Chocolate Buckwheat Cookies

September 28, 2023 by pamflo

I’m working with a unique brand of roasted buckwheat called Koktem. They’re a family-owned small business based in San Diego, California and very passionate about promoting healthy eating habits and sharing their love of buckwheat. Buckwheat is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent option for individuals with a gluten allergy or sensitivity. It’s a rich source of high-quality protein, essential amino acids and dietary fiber. Perfectly moist and loaded with rich chocolate flavor, these cookies are a delectable treat for […]

Categories: Chocolate, Cookies, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake, Grind

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Rustic Apple Crostata

September 21, 2023 by pamflo

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a delicious dessert that captures the essence of autumn. This rustic apple crostata is a simple yet elegant creation that brings together the natural sweetness of ripe apples, the earthy aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves and a flaky, buttery free form crust. With so many apple varieties it’s almost hard to choose a baking apple. Braeburn, Gala, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Holiday Ideas, Pies/Tarts • Tags: Bake

Late Summer Ratatouille

September 14, 2023 by pamflo

As the sun’s rays start to mellow and the days grow shorter, late summer is the perfect time to savor the bounty of the season with a roasted vegetable ratatouille. This dish captures the essence of late summer’s harvest by combining the flavors of sun-ripened tomatoes, tender eggplant, zucchini and squash, vibrant bell peppers and fragrant herbs. Roasting the vegetables infuses them with a deep flavor and a delightful way to showcase the produce. Let the vegetables roast until the […]

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

Simple Fish Stew

September 7, 2023 by pamflo

This delightful recipe combines tender fish fillets with aromatic fennel, fragrant garlic and the subtle elegance of white wine. Fennel, known for its distinct licorice undertones, brings a unique twist to this dish. Beyond its remarkable flavor, fennel boasts an impressive array of nutritional benefits including a source of vitamin C, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The anise-like notes of fennel meld perfectly with the rich undertones of garlic, while the white wine lends a delicate acidity that elevates the dish. […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Seafood, Soups/Stews • Tags: Simmer

Chilled Cucumber Soup

August 31, 2023 by pamflo

With this chilled soup, the crispness of cucumbers meets the vibrant tang of lime juice, while the subtle sweetness of honey complements the fresh aroma of basil. Elevating the experience is the velvety richness of cashew butter, lending a luscious creaminess that’s both satisfying and indulgent. No cooking is required and after a few hours in the fridge, this cucumber soup will be so creamy, cool, bright, and refreshing that you won’t be able to resist going back for seconds. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Soup, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

Honey Deuce Cocktail

August 24, 2023 by pamflo

Inspired by the signature cocktail served at the US Tennis Open, the Honey Deuce pays homage to the classic summery combination of vodka, lemonade and a splash of raspberry liqueur, making it a true delight for both casual fans and seasoned tennis enthusiasts. This cocktail is reminiscent of the iconic tennis ball, with delicate floating honeydew melon balls adorning the glass. Its sweet and tangy flavor profile, balanced with the gentle warmth of vodka, transforms every sip into a moment […]

Categories: Alcohol, Boozy, Cocktail, Crowd Pleaser, Game Day • Tags: No Cooking, Shake

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Watermelon Gazpacho

August 17, 2023 by pamflo

The delightful flavors of watermelon, ripe tomatoes and cucumbers come together to create this sweet and savory chilled soup. Enhanced with a hint of smoky paprika and a touch of sherry vinegar, this gazpacho boasts a depth of flavor that perfectly balances the sweet and savory elements. The paprika infuses a subtle, earthy undertone, while the sherry vinegar lends a gentle acidity that brightens up every spoonful. The velvety consistency of blended watermelon and tomatoes is enlivened by the refreshing […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

Plum and Slivered Almond Galette

August 10, 2023 by pamflo

Indulge in the delightful flavors of summer with this delicious plum galette. Bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe, juicy plums and adorned with a golden-brown, flaky crust, this rustic dessert is a true celebration of the season. This traditional French pie crust called pâte brisée, which means “shortcrust pastry” forms a buttery, flaky and slightly crumbly crust, and the perfect foundation for a variety of sweet and savory delicacies. The addition of slivered almonds adds a delightful nutty crunch […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Holiday Ideas, Pies/Tarts • Tags: Bake

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Savory Tomato Gratin

August 3, 2023 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. Uncomplicated yet utterly satisfying, this recipe is a testament to the simple pleasures of seasonal cooking […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish • Tags: Bake

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Summer Corn Chowder

July 27, 2023 by pamflo

Indulge in the delicious flavors of summer with this vibrant and refreshing corn chowder, enriched with the creamy goodness of coconut milk. Bursting with the season’s sweetest corn, this dairy-free twist on the classic chowder is perfect for those seeking a lighter chowder. When shopping for corn, the husks should be bright green and wrapped tightly against the kernels. I sometimes take a tiny peek by peeling back the husk an inch or so, to make sure the kernels are […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Soup • Tags: Simmer

Spicy Watermelon and Feta Salad

July 20, 2023 by pamflo

Beat the summer heat with this refreshing and vibrant salad! This delightful dish is a true fusion of flavors, where the coolness of the watermelon beautifully contrasts with the tangy saltiness of the feta, all enhanced by a subtle kick of spiciness. The addition of fresh mint adds a burst of herbal freshness. Perfect for a light lunch, a side dish or even as a unique party appetizer, this salad is a sublime balance of sweet, savory and spicy flavors. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Salads, Side Dish • Tags: No Cooking

Summer Salad with Peaches, Pepitas and Mozzarella Cheese

July 13, 2023 by pamflo

This vibrant and delicious summer salad combines the best flavors of early summer, featuring juicy peaches, creamy avocado, crunchy pepitas and fresh mozzarella cheese. Bursting with freshness and complemented by a splash of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, this salad is a perfect choice for warm summer days when you crave a light meal. The salad is not only visually stunning but also offers a healthy dose of essential nutrients and antioxidants. Whether enjoyed as a side dish […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads • Tags: No Cooking

Blueberry Cashew Smoothie

July 6, 2023 by pamflo

Blueberries are low in calories, high in fiber and help reduce the risk of chronic disease. Studies show that blueberries can also improve heart and brain health. The cashews not only lend a velvety texture but also provide a dose of healthy fats and essential minerals, while the juicy blueberries infuse a burst of natural sweetness. These healthy and delicious ingredients come together in this smoothie with the addition of mint leaves, a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch […]

Categories: Beverage, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Smoothies/Shakes • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Author Archives: pamflo

Brandy and Butter Glazed Carrots

Red Wine Poached Pears

Honeynut Squash with Buckwheat Salad

Pan Con Tomate

Baba Ganoush

Wild Rice Stuffed Tomatoes

Pumpkin Apple Muffins

Borlotti Bean with Garlic and Rosemary

Double Chocolate Buckwheat Cookies

Rustic Apple Crostata

Late Summer Ratatouille

Simple Fish Stew

Chilled Cucumber Soup

Honey Deuce Cocktail

Watermelon Gazpacho

Plum and Slivered Almond Galette

Savory Tomato Gratin

Summer Corn Chowder

Spicy Watermelon and Feta Salad

Summer Salad with Peaches, Pepitas and Mozzarella Cheese

Blueberry Cashew Smoothie