Category Archives: Appetizer

Chilled Avocado Soup

May 12, 2022 by pamflo

This is a beautiful, simple avocado soup that is gluten and dairy free. The avocados are blended with sparkling water, lime juice and extra-virgin olive oil. The soup is then chilled. Although avocados are calorically dense they are a great source of healthy fats, fiber and potassium. Hass avocados have a higher percentage of oil than other varieties, making the texture more creamy. If you want to jazz up your soup, you can add toasted pumpkin seeds, additional red pepper […]

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

Brown Butter Radishes

April 28, 2022 by pamflo

Sweet, juicy radishes can be long or round in shape and their skin color ranges from pink, red, purple to white and yellow. The flesh of the radish is usually white, purple or beautifully striped. The radish is a relative of the turnip and cabbage family and is high in vitamin C, calcium and potassium, just to name a few of the nutrients. Radishes have a peppery bite when eaten raw, but the flavor mellows when they’re roasted. Tossed with […]

Categories: Appetizer, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

Sesame Roasted Asparagus

April 14, 2022 by pamflo

Spring is finally here and the asparagus is in season, with its beautiful green stalks and familiar earthy fragrance. With the holidays approaching, roasting asparagus is an easy and quick side dish for a crowd. When purchasing these beauties looks 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, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Seeds, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

Pan Seared Scallops

February 3, 2022 by pamflo

Many years ago, I was a guest on a 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 stated 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! The secret to a delicious scallop […]

Categories: Appetizer, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Pan Sauce, Seafood • Tags: Sear, Whiz

Candied Walnuts

December 23, 2021 by pamflo

If you’re in need of a festive gift idea, these candied walnuts are a simple and healthier version of glazed nuts. The nuts are roasted in a combination of maple syrup and honey as a substitute for granulated sugar. In addition to giving these caramelized nuts as a gift, you can toss them into a salad, mix with your favorite popcorn, add to your oatmeal or just snack on them. These candied walnuts are also a perfect compliment to a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gifts, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Nuts, Snack • Tags: Roast

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Gruyère Popovers

November 18, 2021 by pamflo

I have an interesting past with popovers. My sister and I spent a summer during our college years working as “popover girls” for the Cape Cod location of Anthony’s Pier 4 Restaurant. We delivered popovers to each table in a big wicker basket and served every customer a hot, steamy popover. Popovers are easy to make and for me a reminder of those fun summer days. Although using the deep-sided 6-cup steel popover pans help you achieve the puffy tops […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Holiday Ideas, Popovers, Side Dish • Tags: Bake

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Whole Roasted Cauliflower

November 4, 2021 by pamflo

These humble heads of white florets can be transformed into a tender, creamy and delicious addition to an entree or center stage with other fun side dishes. Cauliflower is a great source of antioxidants and fiber, as well as an excellent replacement for grains. This recipe is easy to make and will convert even a non-cauliflower eater. The cauliflower heads will bake for about an hour or so and once they have cooled you can slice into steaks, coat with […]

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

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Fennel and Carrot Soup

October 28, 2021 by pamflo

Raw fennel has a similar taste to anise, but don’t let that intimidate you. Fennel is a flavorful addition to salads, soups and savory dishes, and just happens to be a good source of vitamin C. Cooking fennel slowly in olive oil or butter, mellows and sweetens the flavor. Smooth and silky, you’ll find this soup quite tasty. The process of sweating the vegetables or cooking until softened and the moisture is released, brings out the subtle flavors. Consider serving the […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Soup, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Sauté, Simmer, Whiz

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Pears Poached in White Wine

October 21, 2021 by pamflo

Poached pears are an easy, delicious and elegant dessert. The pears can also be added to a salad or served alongside a cheese platter. Always use wine that you’re willing to drink. A sweeter white wine works for this recipe such as Chardonnay or a Riesling. Firm pears like Anjou or Bosc are the best type to poach, as they hold their shape. You’ll peel the pears leaving the stem intact, but also slice a 1/2 inch off of the […]

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

Salmon and Mango Ceviche

October 14, 2021 by pamflo

Although this post comes at the tail end of mango season in the United States, hopefully you can find imported mangoes in your market as it’s the highlight of this ceviche recipe. The mango is an aromatic fruit that is part of the cashew family and a solid source of antioxidants, fiber and vitamin C. Mangoes have immune boosting properties and are beneficial for digestive health. You can use any type of fresh salmon that you like, but make sure […]

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

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Simple Chilled Tomato Soup

September 9, 2021 by pamflo

Although fall is in view, this chilled soup is a throwback to summer and you can use the remainder of the beautiful ripe tomatoes. This is a refreshing tomato soup that is light and simple to make. It’s actually a twist on a Greek salad, but re-invented as a soup. The fresh oregano adds an earthy, peppery flavor. If you’re unable to find it you can substitute fresh thyme or basil leaves. A good blender, Cuisinart, or immersion blender is […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Soup, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté, Whiz

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Figs Baked with Brie and Walnuts

August 26, 2021 by pamflo

Late summer into early fall is the start of fresh fig season. You can find figs at your local farmer’s market or at your supermarket. Figs don’t ripen after they’re picked, so buy them at the peak of ripeness when they are soft, round and about to burst. With smooth skin, and sweet, juicy flesh, fresh figs are the perfect healthy snack. Figs are high in calcium, magnesium, and fiber. I halved the figs and baked each with a piece […]

Categories: Appetizer, Cheeses, Crowd Pleaser, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Nuts • Tags: Bake

Grilled Romaine Salad

August 12, 2021 by pamflo

Romaine lettuce is the hero of a Caesar salad, mild tasting 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. The lettuce can be grilled in a grill pan or on your outdoor grill. I grilled the romaine hearts on the stove-top and dressed the leaves with a tangy citrus Caesar dressing. Anchovy paste adds that “umami” flavor to the dressing, but Worcestershire sauce or […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dressing, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads • Tags: Grill

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Halloumi Caprese Salad

July 29, 2021 by pamflo

I’m participating in a fun virtual global cooking class that provides a box of diary ingredients for each class. The last class was a tour of Greece along with a nutrition presentation and cooking demonstration. My box of Greek inspired dairy products came with a block of halloumi cheese. Having never had halloumi cheese, I did a bit of research to find out that grilling the cheese, which I did on the stove top in a grill pan, is the […]

Categories: Appetizer, Cheeses, Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads • Tags: Grill

Sautéed Corn Salad with Tomatoes and Feta

July 8, 2021 by pamflo

Sautéing corn kernels in a combination of olive oil and butter adds tremendous flavor to this salad. It’s simple, delicious and a perfect dish for these steamy summer nights. I added fresh avocado, jalapeño pepper, tomatoes, fresh basil and a sprinkle of feta cheese. My son finished the salad before I had the chance to dress it! It was so flavorful that it didn’t need dressing. I just finished it with a pinch of sea salt and a generous squeeze […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

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Parmesan Thyme Crackers

June 17, 2021 by pamflo

It’s very exciting to gather with friends and family again! A charcuterie platter is often my contribution to an event or party, and I take the assembly quite seriously. Often composed on a slate or wood board, it has to be a robust combination of cheeses, meats, dried and fresh fruit, nuts and of course crackers. I made these delicious, crunchy, speckled crackers to add to my board. They’re easy to make and can elevate your platter or just be a fun […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crackers, Crowd Pleaser, Holiday Ideas, Snack • Tags: Bake

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Salad Niçoise

June 10, 2021 by pamflo

This beautiful salad originated in the French city of Nice and is traditionally made with hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, Niçoise olives, and tuna or anchovies. You can be as creative with the ingredients as you like! I added sliced cucumbers and grilled artichokes. It takes a little time in the preparation of each item, but you can cook the green beans, potatoes and eggs ahead of time. It’s a great dish for a potluck dinner or feeding a crowd. I recommend […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dressing, Eggs, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Seafood, Vegetables • Tags: Boil, Steam

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Ginger Peanut Chicken Wings

May 27, 2021 by pamflo

These wings are simple to prepare and bake quickly. The bite from the ginger combined with the sweetness of the honey makes a very 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 peeler or the side of a spoon. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Meat/Poultry, Peanuts • Tags: Bake

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Roasted Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

April 8, 2021 by pamflo

Spring is here, although some days still feel like winter! Lately, I’ve been thinking about tomatoes as I gaze out at my stark little garden. With that thought in mind, I made this bright roasted tomato caprese salad, and topped it with a nut-free arugula and basil pesto. I just tossed whole cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt and pepper, and fresh thyme sprigs and then roasted these little gems in the oven until they burst open. It’s funny that […]

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

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Asparagus with Poached Eggs and Chive Oil

March 25, 2021 by pamflo

Spring is finally here and the asparagus is in season, with its beautiful green stalks and familiar earthy fragrance. 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 is not necessary. You’ll need to just snap one stalk at its breaking point and then […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Vegetables • Tags: Broil, Poach

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Roasted Spaghetti Squash Pizza

March 18, 2021 by pamflo

I thought it might be fun to put together a quick and easy crowd pleasing dish. All that is needed is a few pantry staples and any veggies you have on hand. The fact that this actually tastes like pizza came as a complete surprise. Spaghetti squash is a healthy, versatile vegetable. The flesh becomes beautiful noodle-like strands, that will take on whatever flavor you add to it. High in fiber and rich in nutrients, spaghetti squash is a tasty […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Broil, Roast

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Appetizer

Chilled Avocado Soup

Brown Butter Radishes

Sesame Roasted Asparagus

Pan Seared Scallops

Candied Walnuts

Gruyère Popovers

Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Fennel and Carrot Soup

Pears Poached in White Wine

Salmon and Mango Ceviche

Simple Chilled Tomato Soup

Figs Baked with Brie and Walnuts

Grilled Romaine Salad

Halloumi Caprese Salad

Sautéed Corn Salad with Tomatoes and Feta

Parmesan Thyme Crackers

Salad Niçoise

Ginger Peanut Chicken Wings

Roasted Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

Asparagus with Poached Eggs and Chive Oil

Roasted Spaghetti Squash Pizza