Cheeses | Zest For Cooking

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

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

Grilled Corn on the Cob

July 30, 2020 by pamflo

I really miss dining out. It gave me a much needed respite from cooking, as well as inspiration for dishes. I’m hopeful that the restaurant industry will survive this pandemic. One of my favorite Boston restaurants is Toro, a spot where Jamie Bissonnette and Ken Oringer serve delicious Spanish-style tapas. One of the highlights on their menu is the grilled corn on the cob. It’s messy, delicious and worth a try at home. Grilled corn is a common Mexican street food […]

Categories: Appetizer, Cheeses, Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Healthish, Side Dish • Tags: Grill

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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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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

Fig Jam and Pear Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

January 5, 2017 by pamflo

In the heart of central London is the historic Borough Market. An indoor/ outdoor food market filled with more than 100 stalls. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit this landmark, and my favorite stall by far was Neal’s Yard Dairy for cheese. Although US immigration prohibits bringing cheeses and agriculture into the US, it made for the perfect in-flight picnic on our journey home. We had a fine feast with crusty bread, a hunk of hard cheese and a tart, freshly made quince paste! On […]

Categories: Appetizer, Cheeses, Sandwiches • Tags: Grill

Heirloom Tomatoes

August 18, 2016 by pamflo

These heirloom beauties are at their peak right now! A fabulous farmers market find. The heirloom varieties ripen faster than other types of tomatoes, so only buy enough to last for a few days. Please don’t store them in the refrigerator, but at room temperature instead. Pick tomatoes that are firm to the touch and free of open cracks. Fresh, ripe tomatoes really just need a sprinkle of sea salt to enjoy. That being said, here is a simple […]

Categories: Appetizer, Breakfast Ideas, Cheeses, Lunch Ideas, Sandwiches • Tags: No Cooking

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Portobello Mushroom Panini

November 20, 2014 by pamflo

Crave It, Make It, Enjoy it! This cookbook tagline demonstrates my opinion of the panini shown above. There’s not even any bread! My panini only had vegetables, but you could add a protein or vary the vegetables too. When it comes to cleaning mushrooms, don’t run them under water. Take a damp paper towel and carefully brush the dirt off. Mushrooms release liquid as they cook, so make sure your ingredients are not too moist when you add them. Enjoy! 4 portobello mushroooms (2 ounces each) […]

Categories: Appetizer, Cheeses, Gluten Free, Sandwiches, Vegetables • Tags: Gluten Free, Grill

Grilled Corn on the Cob

August 14, 2014 by pamflo

One of my favorite Boston restaurants is Toro, Jamie Bissonnette and Ken Oringer’s delicious Spanish-style tapas. One of the highlights on their menu is the grilled corn on the cob. It’s messy, delicious and worth a try at home. This dish is considered popular street food in Mexico. If you cannot find the cotija cheese, you can substitute feta cheese. 4 ears of corn in the husk 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/8 teaspoon cayenne (if you like it spicy, add more) 3/4 […]

Categories: Appetizer, Cheeses, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Gluten Free, Grill

Antipasto Platter

December 20, 2013 by pamflo

As the holidays approach, you might be looking for an idea for an easy appetizer. I often put out an antipasto platter for guests to help themselves. It gives the host(ess) one less dish to prepare. You could use a serving platter, a cheese board or a butcher block cutting board. Here are some ideas for your antipasto platter: Variety of cheeses Prosciutto or salami, sliced diagonally Roasted red peppers/Peppadew peppers Cucumbers, unpeeled and sliced diagonally Marinated artichoke hearts, stems […]

Categories: Appetizer, Cheeses, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Bruschetta, Gluten Free, No Cooking

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Cheeses

Figs Baked with Brie and Walnuts

Halloumi Caprese Salad

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Frico Salad Cups

Loaded Baked Potato Rounds

Fig Jam and Pear Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Heirloom Tomatoes

Portobello Mushroom Panini

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Antipasto Platter