Category Archives: Boozy

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

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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Pom Pom Punch

December 29, 2022 by pamflo

The New Year is within reach and I love ending the year with a celebratory cocktail recipe. Thanks so much to my guest post writers, Tyori, Audrey and Lucas, you’re the best! Generally gin-based cocktails are not our favorite, but with the fruit forward sweetness, citrus acidity and nutty gin flavor, this Pom Pom Punch is a winner! It’s a perfectly balanced holiday punch to share with friends and family. For those who want a less sweet drink with a […]

Categories: Alcohol, Boozy, Cocktail, Drinks, Easy Recipes, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Stir

Lime Fizz Cocktail

July 28, 2022 by pamflo

This tangy cocktail gets its fizz from a bottle of dry sparkling wine. With vermouth and fresh lime juice, it’s everything a summer cocktail should be – light, citrusy and perfect for happy hour or paired with a summer meal. A simple syrup is made using equal parts water and sugar. You’ll heat the ingredients on the stovetop just until the sugar dissolves. This recipe makes extra simple syrup which can be made ahead of time and stored in the […]

Categories: Alcohol, Boozy, Cocktail, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free • Tags: Cocktail

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Watermelon Tequila Slushy

July 7, 2022 by pamflo

This slushy blender cocktail is perfect for a steamy summer evening. Instead of using ice, freeze the watermelon cubes ahead of serving. Place the cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. There is an abundance of peak produce at the farmers’ markets now, and in addition I purchased local raw honey to use as a sweetener. A simply syrup works as well. To make a simply syrup, simmer equal parts water and sugar […]

Categories: Alcohol, Boozy, Cocktail, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Whiz

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Singapore Sling Cocktail

December 28, 2021 by pamflo

A classic tiki cocktail is not only colorful, fruity and lavishly garnished, but often has a folklore surrounding the recipe. For any experimenters looking to create a vacation in a glass, the Singapore Sling is an easy cocktail to impress your guests at a holiday party. The original drink was developed in the early 20th century at the Long Bar in Singapore’s Raffles Hotel and has since become the island’s national drink. Singapore Sling has a pink color from the […]

Categories: Alcohol, Boozy, Cocktail, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Shake

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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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Grilled Pineapple Margarita

August 27, 2020 by pamflo

Mezcal, a Mexican distilled spirit made from different varieties of agave that can be made clear, golden or amber. Incredibly smoky, it adds a unique flavor to this margarita. The reason for the smokiness is because of the way the agave plant is cooked. Tequila, on the other hand, is made by distilling the juice of the blue agave plant. The combination of mezcal and tequila makes an extremely tasty margarita! I sweetened my cocktail with a little agave nectar and […]

Categories: Alcohol, Boozy, Cocktail, Crowd Pleaser, Fruit • Tags: Grill

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Red Sangria

June 18, 2020 by pamflo

The best part of making sangria whether it’s red or white is showcasing the beautiful seasonal fruit. This time of year, the fruit options are unlimited with peaches, plums, cherries, and melons ripe for the picking. For my wine choice, I selected a Spanish Rioja which is a blend of grapes varieties. You could use a Grenache, Tempranillo or Pinot Noir, pick something that is big, fruity and you would enjoy drinking on its own. I added thinly sliced citrus, […]

Categories: Alcohol, Beverage, Boozy, Cocktail, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free • Tags: No Cooking

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Easy Beef and Beer Chili

April 2, 2020 by pamflo

What is the secret to making a dish that is restaurant quality? Spices! Using dried spices can add so much flavor, texture, and heat to a dish. Dried ground spices usually have a shelf life of 6 months, whole spices will last up to a year, so ensure that your spices are fresh. If they don’t smell strong, it’s time for a new bottle. Store your dried spices in a cool dry place. This chili recipe has a variety of dried […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Boozy, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals, Pantry Staples, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté, Simmer

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Cranberry Daiquiris

December 26, 2019 by pamflo

For the last few years, I’ve posted a cocktail recipe in preparation for the holidays. My friend and cocktail expert, Katherine Steiger, wrote a guest post. Happy New Year! Cranberry daiquiris are a holiday tradition at our house. They look beautiful served in a martini glass filled with crushed ice and are absolutely delicious, but my favorite part might be the cranberries. They’re cooked with orange zest and cinnamon sticks to flavor the simple syrup for the cocktail. Then you steep […]

Categories: Alcohol, Boozy, Cocktail, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Drinks, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Simmer

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Red Wine Poached Pears

September 5, 2019 by pamflo

Red-wine poached pears are beautiful, sweet, tart and juicy. You couldn’t ask for a more perfect dessert for the end of summer and the start of fall! Poaching is a simple way to prepare and serve pears. Both Bosc and Comice pears are good choices for cooking and baking, because they hold their shape well. Slice a 1/2 inch off of the bottom to create a flat surface for the pear to stand for serving. Make sure to rotate the […]

Categories: Boozy, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dessert, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish • Tags: Poach

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Watermelon, Blueberry and Tequila Slushy

August 22, 2019 by pamflo

Categories: Alcohol, Beverage, Boozy, Cocktail, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free • Tags: Whiz

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

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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Holiday Spritz

December 20, 2018 by pamflo

For the last few years, I’ve posted a cocktail recipe in preparation for the holidays. This year my friend and cocktail-mixing expert, Katherine Steiger, wrote a guest post for my blog. Enjoy the holiday season! Every year for Thanksgiving I make a very elaborate cocktail with multiple steps and a long list of ingredients. That’s a great tradition for November, where everything is a sprint to the one day main event. The December holidays are more of a marathon, with […]

Categories: Alcohol, Beverage, Boozy, Cocktail, Holiday Ideas

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Spiked Watermelon Mint Popsicles

August 16, 2018 by pamflo

What fun I had making boozy watermelon popsicles! I made two delicious batches of the pops, one spiked with citrus vodka and a non-alcoholic version with fresh squeezed orange juice. Both popsicles were a scrumptious and refreshing summer treat! With only 8 popsicle molds, I used the extra juice to make ice cubes. I recommend using wooden popsicle sticks for the ice cubes. Although the watermelon juice separates and settles at the bottom of the pop, it doesn’t affect the […]

Categories: Boozy, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Popsicles • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Boozy

Brandy and Butter Glazed Carrots

Honey Deuce Cocktail

Pom Pom Punch

Lime Fizz Cocktail

Watermelon Tequila Slushy

Singapore Sling Cocktail

Prosecco Pomegranate Cocktail

Grilled Pineapple Margarita

Red Sangria

Easy Beef and Beer Chili

Cranberry Daiquiris

Red Wine Poached Pears

Watermelon, Blueberry and Tequila Slushy

Beer Can Roast Chicken

Decadent Chocolate Truffles

Holiday Spritz

Spiked Watermelon Mint Popsicles