Category Archives: Appetizer

Frico Salad Cups

June 21, 2018 by pamflo

Called frico, these crisp cracker cups are made entirely of melted cheese. They’re easy to make and can elevate your cheese platter, make a beautiful salad holder, or just be a fun snack. It’s as simple as making mounds of cheese on a sheet tray and baking until melted and lightly browned. I placed the hot lacy crackers in an empty muffin tin to create a perfect serving bowl. I filled my cups with a fresh radish and cucumber salad, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Cheeses, Crackers, Dressing, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

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Kale and Sausage Orecchiette Pasta

June 7, 2018 by pamflo

This hearty and healthy dish is a family favorite with greens such as kale, spinach or broccoli rabe. For protein, I use a combination of spicy and sweet sausages, made with either pork or chicken. Instead of using the full sausages, I strip the ground meat out of their casings and sauté it in olive oil. With quick heat to wilt the greens, a giant scoop of mascarpone cheese and some reserved pasta water, the dish comes together very easily. Season […]

Categories: Appetizer, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals • Tags: Sauté

Provençal Tuna Salad

May 17, 2018 by pamflo

Pan Bagnant is a favorite French sandwich that literally means “bathed bread”. This popular sandwich is usually filled with many vibrant vegetables, hard boiled egg, canned tuna and then the bread is soaked in a zesty vinaigrette. With so many beautiful, nutrient dense ingredients, I thought it might be fun to deconstruct this sandwich and serve it as a salad. I roasted the peppers but you can use jarred roasted peppers instead. The dressing elevates an otherwise ordinary salad to […]

Categories: Appetizer, Cooking Tips, Dairy Free, Dressing, Eggs, Gluten Free, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Seafood, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking

Easy Veggie Frittata

May 10, 2018 by pamflo

A warm, custardy vegetable frittata is easier to make then you think! A great brunch idea for Mother’s Day, here are some tips that will help perfect your frittata. Use the right pan for the job, that is either a non-stick oven safe skillet or a well seasoned cast iron pan. After sautéing your potatoes and veggies until almost fully cooked on the stove top, add your vigorously whisked eggs to the pan and it will go into the oven […]

Categories: Appetizer, Breakfast Ideas, Cooking Tips, Eggs, Gluten Free, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Vegetables • Tags: Bake, Sauté

Root Vegetable Chips

May 5, 2018 by pamflo

Note to readers: I apologize and ask for your patience as I experiment with a new recipe format. This yummy root vegetable recipe was posted last week but was never emailed in my Thursday newsletter. Enjoy! Looking for a healthy way to enjoy potato chips? Making your own vegetable chips are healthier, simple and very rewarding. I took a combination of sweet potatoes, turnips and beautiful red beets sliced super thin, and roasted low and slow with just a little […]

Categories: Appetizer, Cooking Tips, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

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Pickled Cauliflower

April 19, 2018 by pamflo

Unable to get a taxi on a cold and rainy spring day many years ago, we decided to brave the weather and walk to a highly recommended Israeli restaurant. Although it’s located in New York’s trendy NoLita neighborhood, Balaboosta was so unassuming we walked by it twice before stepping inside. Small and homey with marvelous aromas coming from the kitchen, we immediately felt welcome. Our meal was so delicious that I bought chef Einat Admony’s cookbook and returned for dinner […]

Categories: Appetizer, Seeds, Side Dish, Spices, Vegetables • Tags: Boil, Fermented

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Shaved Asparagus Salad

April 12, 2018 by pamflo

Spring is here…I think?! Regardless of the crazy weather, the fresh, beautiful stalks of asparagus are in season. Asparagus is a great source of vitamin C and folate. This shaved asparagus salad is fresh and super easy to prepare. I briefly steamed the asparagus prior to shaving it into thin slices with a vegetable peeler. You are welcome to shave it raw, but a little heat increases the nutrient benefits. Trim the spears by snapping one and cutting the rest […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Vegetables • Tags: Steam

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Fish Stew

April 5, 2018 by pamflo

Do you want an easy to make fish dish as an alternative to grilling or broiling? I was excited to explore a new option. Although I love salmon, because it’s a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, it was time for a fresh approach. Wow, the combination of the fennel, white wine and dill make this a fantastic, flavorful dish. The fish is simmered slowly in a combination of white wine and water (with no dairy), on a low heat […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Seafood, Soups/Stews • Tags: Simmer

Zucchini and Lemon Pasta Salad

March 22, 2018 by pamflo

Adding lightly roasted zucchini really seems to elevate a dish. With a little imagination, the zucchini half-moons might remind you of eating candy! This is a delightful meal with a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice and fresh basil. Perfect for an easy lunch, or perhaps you serve it with a protein for a hearty dinner. It’s impressive that there are many brands of gluten-free pasta. It takes a little experimenting to find a brand where you like both […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Rice/Grains, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

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Honey Ginger Chicken Wings

March 15, 2018 by pamflo

Who doesn’t love an easy dinner idea?! These wings are simple to prepare and bake quickly. The bite from the ginger combined with the sweetness of the honey makes for a tasty sauce. Ginger root is readily available in most markets and is known for its ability to ease nausea and improve digestion. The best way to prepare the root it is to cut off the smaller roots from the main piece and peel the skin off with a vegetable […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Bake

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Loaded Baked Potato Rounds

February 1, 2018 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! 2 large russet potatoes 2 […]

Categories: Appetizer, Bacon, Cheeses, Gluten Free, Side Dish

Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad

January 25, 2018 by pamflo

Spring is not that far off…..right?! Lately, I’ve been thinking about tomatoes as I gaze out at my frozen little garden with it’s stark, empty branches. With that thought in mind, I made this bright roasted tomato caprese salad and topped it with a nut-free arugula and basil pesto. It’s as easy as tossing whole cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt and pepper and fresh thyme sprigs. Roast these little gems in the oven until they burst open. It’s funny […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetarian • Tags: Roast

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Grilled Citrus Caesar Salad

January 18, 2018 by pamflo

The hero of a Caesar salad, romaine lettuce is a crisp, mild tasting lettuce with sturdy leaves and a thick rib down the center. Perfect for grilling! Many variations of Caesar salad are still popular on restaurant menus today. Not many of us in the Northeast are using our outdoor grills this winter, so this is a perfect recipe for a stove-top grill pan. I just completed my first freelance food project with a California-based farm called Tanimura and Antle. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dressing, Gluten Free, Greens, Lunch Ideas • Tags: Grill

Cauliflower Steaks with Lemon Caper Sauce

January 4, 2018 by pamflo

Welcome to 2018! For many years I worked for Weight Watchers helping people achieve their weight loss goals, one step at a time. It was more about teaching people to establish a healthy lifestyle instead of just following another diet. There isn’t one plan that works for everyone. It’s about figuring out what works for you as an individual, based on your genetic makeup, preferences, food allergies and health issues. Although I’m not one to make New Year’s resolutions, healthy […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Sear

Ribollita Soup

December 14, 2017 by pamflo

Warm up this holiday season with this hearty and healthy Tuscan vegetable soup. The cold, damp winter weather is the perfect time to hunker down and make a big ol’ pot of soup. Ribollita is an easy soup to make, with hunks of stale or toasted bread and lots of vegetables. Feel free to use a variety of veggies, although traditionally this soup is made with inexpensive vegetables, white beans, kale and cabbage. I love to finish soup with a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Greens, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Soups/Stews • Tags: Simmer

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Pulled Pork Nachos

December 7, 2017 by pamflo

Many years ago, my culinary school “market basket style” final exam was to prepare a pork tenderloin dish with assorted, random ingredients. I passed the exam but having never cooked a pork dish before this, I was petrified of ruining it. Thank goodness I didn’t overcook it, but after that experience I never made pork again until recently. Slow roasting is one of my favorite winter activities. This delicious pulled pork dish takes a good 3 plus hours to cook. Use […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals • Tags: Low and Slow Cooking

Sweet and Savory Glazed Nuts

November 16, 2017 by pamflo

If this isn’t the year you’re hosting Thanksgiving and lucky enough to be a guest, maybe you’re in need of a hostess gift idea. These are an easy and healthier version of glazed nuts. I’ve provided recipes for both lightly sweetened glazed walnuts and spicy savory cashews, but you can use a variety of nuts if you choose. Both recipes use honey or maple syrup as sweetener instead of sugar. Turmeric, a plant that’s part of the ginger family, has curcumin […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gifts, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Nuts • Tags: Roast

Citrus Tomato Salad with Pistachios

October 12, 2017 by pamflo

I’m frequently inspired by the places I go and the meals I eat. Recently on a trip to Washington, D.C. I was struck by a delightful and simple tomato citrus salad. It was beautifully composed and had very distinct flavors. With the farmers markets still stocked with big, juicy tomatoes and my garden still heavy with basil, I created my own version. With a drizzle of good olive oil, a squeeze of orange juice and some fresh basil, this is […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish • Tags: No Cooking

Roasted Radishes with Brown Butter

October 5, 2017 by pamflo

Many chefs say that there’s nothing better than a super sharp knife and I agree. One would think that sharper knives would pose more of a risk in the kitchen, but it’s actually the opposite. Sharper knives make slicing and dicing easier. You’re also using less pressure when chopping, reducing the risk of slipping and injuring yourself. By keeping your knives sharp, your prep time will be quicker and more enjoyable. Serrated knives, Japanese-style santoku knives and even your poultry sheers […]

Categories: Appetizer, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

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Poached Cod

September 21, 2017 by pamflo

Poaching is a method of moist heat cooking that is good for delicate foods. The high fat content of milk makes it an ideal poaching liquid, especially for a thick piece of fish. The milk absorbs whatever aromatics you choose to use, and gently simmers the fish in this flavorful broth. Coconut milk is a good choice for a non-diary poaching liquid. Spoon the delicious broth over the fish before serving. Serve with Yukon gold potatoes mash. 1-2 pounds small […]

Categories: Appetizer, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Seafood • Tags: Poach

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Summer Corn Chowder

September 7, 2017 by pamflo

As the summer comes to a close, this soup is a perfect way to celebrate corn on the cob which is at its peak. At many of the farmers markets, you’ll find both white and yellow corn on the cob piled in nice big stacks. 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 […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Soups/Stews, Vegetarian • Tags: Simmer, Whiz

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Appetizer

Frico Salad Cups

Kale and Sausage Orecchiette Pasta

Provençal Tuna Salad

Easy Veggie Frittata

Root Vegetable Chips

Pickled Cauliflower

Shaved Asparagus Salad

Fish Stew

Zucchini and Lemon Pasta Salad

Honey Ginger Chicken Wings

Loaded Baked Potato Rounds

Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad

Grilled Citrus Caesar Salad

Cauliflower Steaks with Lemon Caper Sauce

Ribollita Soup

Pulled Pork Nachos

Sweet and Savory Glazed Nuts

Citrus Tomato Salad with Pistachios

Roasted Radishes with Brown Butter

Poached Cod

Summer Corn Chowder