Author Archives: pamflo

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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Fruity Cobb Salad

March 21, 2019 by pamflo

As spring arrives this variation on the Cobb salad could offer some diversity to your meal rotation, and take advantage of some of the beautiful winter produce that’s still available. It’s often hard motivating to make a homemade salad on a cold day, but you’re rewarded with an interesting dish that might have been just an average salad. As the bacon is cooking, blanch the green beans in salted boiling water and then transfer to an ice bath to stop […]

Categories: Appetizer, Bacon, Beans, Fruit, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Vegetables • Tags: Bake, Steam

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Classic Beef Stew

March 14, 2019 by pamflo

Arrowroot flour is a form of starch that is derived from the root of a tropical plant. It is used in baking and cooking as an effective gluten-free alternative to white flour or cornstarch. I used arrowroot as a substitute for all-purpose flour, to coat the stew meat and help thicken the sauce. Making a stew does take the better part of the day to make on the stove top. I don’t own a slow-cooker and really enjoy using my […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals • Tags: Sear, Simmer

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Almond Chocolate Chip (No Cook) Oat Bars

March 7, 2019 by pamflo

There is a vast array of snack bars, protein bars and crunchy snack items on the market. I love making my own snack bars since I can choose my ingredients and know there are no stabilizers or added sugar. These bars couldn’t be easier to make as they don’t even require cooking, just a trip to the freezer. Almond butter is the base of the bar, and the oats keep the bars together along with maple syrup. I added lightly […]

Categories: Bars, Breakfast Ideas, Chocolate, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar • Tags: No Cooking

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Beer Can Roast Chicken

February 28, 2019 by pamflo

This chicken dish is absolutely delicious and moist! The benefits of roasting a chicken atop a can of beer ensures a succulent and flavorful bird. Although this is a fun summer dish, the chicken can be cooked in the oven in a cast iron pan or roasting tray and is a satisfying dish any time of the year. The beer provides both steam and flavor so pick a brand that you enjoy drinking. Here are some useful tips for cooking […]

Categories: Boozy, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Roast

Spicy Steamed Shrimp

February 21, 2019 by pamflo

En papillote or cooking “in paper” is when food is enclosed in packets of parchment paper or foil, and cooked in the oven. 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 parchment or foil needs to be sealed completely in order to keep the steam from escaping while the food cooks. As the packets bakes, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seeds, Vegetables • Tags: Steam

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Raspberry Swirl Meringues

February 14, 2019 by pamflo

I was recently at Flour Bakery for one of Joanne Chang’s yummy salads. With such an amazing display of baked goods, there was no way I was leaving empty- handed. I purchased a beautiful pillowy meringue with a raspberry coulis. The fresh raspberry sauce is swirled in before baking using a wooden skewer or chopstick. In honor of Valentine’s day, I created these light crispy cookies at home. Meringues are low in calories, and a naturally gluten and dairy free […]

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

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Decadent Chocolate Truffles

February 7, 2019 by pamflo

Sadly, many of the small private Massachusetts colleges are closing. Unusual that I mention this in a blog post, but I really enjoyed the many semesters I spent years ago at Newbury College in their culinary program. It was a big undertaking with classes running every Saturday from 9am-6pm, and a baby and a three year old at home with my husband. I learned so much though and came home with goodies every weekend. I loved the pastry classes although […]

Categories: Boozy, Chocolate, Dessert, Gifts, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Melt

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Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

January 31, 2019 by pamflo

In honor of my 300th Zest for Cooking post, I’ve created a spicy cauliflower recipe. Over the years, my cauliflower recipes have been some of the most popular. With the 2019 Super Bowl only days away, it seems timely to post a healthy recipe option and a great dish for your vegetarian guests as well. Combining sriracha and your favorite hot sauce is the secret sauce in these tasty, fiery bites. Sriracha, the iconic hot sauce that originated in Thailand, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Game Day, Gluten Free, Healthish, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Author Archives: pamflo

Easy Chocolate Cups

Blueberry and Cashew Smoothie

Charred Sugar Snap Peas

Spicy Rice Noodle Stir Fry

Nutty Strawberry Crisp

Carrot and Apple Muffins

Roasted Asparagus with Cherry Tomatoes

Easy Breakfast Tacos

Brown Butter Sea Scallops with Lemon and Capers

Homemade Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips

Zucchini and Scallion Fritters

Creamy Cashew Latte

Flourless Double Chocolate Pecan Cookies

Fruity Cobb Salad

Classic Beef Stew

Almond Chocolate Chip (No Cook) Oat Bars

Beer Can Roast Chicken

Spicy Steamed Shrimp

Raspberry Swirl Meringues

Decadent Chocolate Truffles

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites