Category Archives: Cookies/Brownies

Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Brownies

February 9, 2017 by pamflo

The smell in my kitchen is absolutely intoxicating! I often forget how much I enjoy baking, and the beautiful, delicious results. February 14th is approaching and I used it as an excuse to experiment. This is an easy recipe for a sweet and chocolatey homemade gift. These heavenly squares are gluten-free, and the cornstarch-cocoa powder combination replaces the flour. The toasted chopped walnuts elevate these brownies to outstanding, but nuts are optional. I’ve added both cocoa nibs for extra crunch and a […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Dessert, Gifts, Gluten Free • Tags: Bake

Mint Chocolate Sable Cookies

December 8, 2016 by pamflo

I had the privilege of meeting Dorie Greenspan, baker extraordinaire and cookbook author. She has published a beautiful new cookbook, Dorie’s Cookies, which is a wonderful gift for any baker. At a recent book signing event, the discussion about her food journey was heartfelt, warm and funny. Listening to her speak about making cookies, reminded me how much I enjoy baking during the holidays. Sables are French butter cookies and they’re a perfect holiday gift or treat. The smooth, deep minty flavor […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Gifts • Tags: Bake

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Pecan Shortbread Cookies

November 17, 2016 by pamflo

Even before I learned to bake, shortbread cookies were always a favorite sweet treat. Shortbread is a biscuit made with three parts flour, two parts butter and one part white sugar. The fat from the butter creates “short” gluten strands and produces a cookie that’s crisp and crumbly in texture. Chopped pecans mixed into the dough adds a nice nutty flavor. You can add even more nuts on the warm chocolate coated ends. I usually get a chuckle when I pull out […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Dessert, Gifts • Tags: Bake

Chocolate Espresso Meringues

March 31, 2016 by pamflo

Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, sweet and flavorful, these meringues hit the spot. Filled with shards of bittersweet chocolate and expresso powder – with enough for a good jolt, these cookies make the perfect snack. Espresso powder is intensely dark, concentrated coffee granules, and perfect for baking. Coffee accentuates the richness of the chocolate, and enhances the overall flavor of baked goods. Instant espresso is usually found at specialty stores or on-line. If it’s not available, use instant […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Dairy Free, Dessert, Eggs, Gifts, Gluten Free, Snack • Tags: Bake, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Whip

Pistachio Lemon Zest Cookies

December 3, 2015 by pamflo

This weekend, the Boston Globe magazine featured an article about pastry chef, Joanne Chang and her Flour Bakery empire. She’s a force to be reckoned with, in the pastry world. I had the opportunity to meet her years ago when she was a chef instructor at my culinary program, and I’ve been a huge fan ever since. She recently published her third cookbook, a low sugar baking book. I made the absolutely delectable Lemon-Polenta Pistachio cookies. The recipe calls for only […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Dessert, Low Sugar, Nuts, Snack • Tags: Bake

Double Oatmeal Cookies with Raisins

October 1, 2015 by pamflo

What’s a double oatmeal cookie you ask? These cookies are made with oat flour and old-fashioned rolled oats and no white flour. Pastry chef Alice Medrich has mastered baking with non-wheat flours. Her recipes are my go-to for a wheat-free treat. The oat flour provides texture and flavor, without it tasting like just another gluten-free cookie. Xanthan gum is a stabilizer and a necessary addition to your pantry if you’re regularly baking gluten-free goodies. It adds volume, acts as a binder […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Cooking Tips, Dessert, Gluten Free, Snack • Tags: Bake, Gluten Free

Almond Tuiles

July 23, 2015 by pamflo

There’s a popular ice cream shop in Cape Cod called the Polar Cave. The ice cream is delicious, but the “made to order” warm waffle cones are outstanding. The freshly baked waffle cones perfume the air, as you’re waiting in line to enter the store. I wanted to create a lighter version of this experience at home. I thought a thin, toasty almond cookie would do the trick, and it did. You can serve the cookies with ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet or sorbet. That is if you don’t […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Dessert, Gluten Free, Nuts, Snack • Tags: Bake, Gluten Free, Shape

Peanut Butter Protein Cookies

June 11, 2015 by pamflo

The cookie jar has something really interesting in it today! I’ve been on the hunt for a protein snack that’s portable, not perishable, grain-free and I think I’ve found it. These gluten-free peanut butter cookies are made with protein powder. You can use a different kind of nut butter, if you’re not a peanut butter fan. Just 6 ingredients, a bowl and a wooden spoon…..that’s all you need to prepare these cookies. The cookies are sweetened with coconut palm sugar, […]

Categories: Chocolate/Candy, Cookies/Brownies, Dessert, Gluten Free, Snack • Tags: Bake, Gluten Free

Almond Coconut Meringues

March 26, 2015 by pamflo

Light, airy, melts-in-your mouth and gluten free! Meringues are surprisingly simple to make. The secret to crispy meringues are whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks. You can either use a standing mixer with the whip attachment, or a hand mixer. When I was in cooking school, we had to whip the whites by hand — it builds muscle! The key steps are to whip room temperature egg whites until they’re a little creamy, slowly add the sugar, and then stabilize the whites […]

Categories: Chocolate/Candy, Cookies/Brownies, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Nuts, Snack • Tags: Bake, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Whiz

Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies

December 22, 2014 by pamflo

As you wait for them to bake, you can imagine sinking your teeth into the sugary goodness. Festive and beautiful, these whoopie pies make a great gift or holiday dessert. Not gluten free, not dairy free and certainly not sugar free but they are finger licking good,! A combination of a soft chocolate cake, a creamy vanilla filling and finished with a roll in candy cane crumbles. Yum. HAPPY HOLIDAYS ! CAKES: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup […]

Categories: Chocolate/Candy, Cookies/Brownies, Dessert • Tags: Bake, Frost

Toasted Coconut Crisps

December 11, 2014 by pamflo

Flavorful, crispy and only 5 ingredients. Although gluten-free, you might not even notice. These cookies make a beautiful gift, as long as you don’t eat them all before giving them away! By the way, coconut is a great source of quick energy and good for heart health. 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing the foil (or use a silicone baking liner like Silpat) 3 large egg whites 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened dried shredded coconut 1/2 cup […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Gluten Free, Snack • Tags: Bake, Gluten Free

Homemade Oreos

June 3, 2014 by pamflo

“The kid’ll eat the middle of an Oreo first and save the chocolate cookie outsides for last!” Remember that jingle from the 1970’s. This is simply the most decadent treat and perfect for a celebratory occasion. It is totally worth the time and effort to make your own Oreo cookies. If you cannot bring yourself to bake them than you should make your way to one of Joanne Chang’s Flour Bakery shops in the Boston area, because this is her recipe. […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies • Tags: Bake

Coconut Macaroons

April 17, 2014 by pamflo

Calling all coconut lovers! Coconut is a great source of immediate energy, helps reduce inflammation in the body and is a heart healthy fat. These macaroons are a satisfying, gluten free, healthy snack. There are a few ways to make macaroons. This recipe is a two step process, but it guarantees a delicious cookie. Let’s Do….Organic is the brand of unsweetened coconut flakes I like. 4 large egg whites 3 1/2 cups unsweetened dried flaked coconut – also known as coconut […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Dairy Free, Gluten Free • Tags: Bake, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Simmer

Chocolate Brownie Cookies

February 27, 2014 by pamflo

Triple chocolatey, ooey-gooey, decadent and gluten free! This is my first trip into the world of gluten free baking. I gravitated toward this recipe because I was intrigued that there’s actually no flour products of any kind. This recipe can be mixed by hand or with a standing mixer. Give it a try! 3 cups powdered sugar** 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon kosher salt 2 large egg whites 1 large egg 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped 3 tablespoons […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Dairy Free, Gluten Free • Tags: Bake, Dairy Free, Gluten Free

Paleo Brownie Bites

February 13, 2014 by pamflo

Need a healthy option for Valentine’s Day? Try these Paleo Brownie Bites. Don’t be scared off by the term “Paleo”, these brownie bites are fudgy and satisfying. The Paleo diet is based upon eating wholesome food from the food groups that our hunter-gatherer ancestors thrived on during the Paleolithic Era. The Paleolithic diet consists mainly of fish, grass-fed pasture raised meats, eggs, vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds and excludes grains, legumes, dairy products, potatoes, refined salt, refined sugar, and processed […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, No Cooking, Paleo, Whiz

Chocolate Chip Cookies

January 16, 2014 by pamflo

Ooey-goey, soft in the middle, crisp on the outside…the ultimate sweet treat! Although, you’ll have to refrain from eating all the raw dough. This is by far the best chocolate chip cookie recipe, it’s simple, delicious, and makes about 3 dozen cookies. The dough freezes beautifully, so you can have fresh, warm chocolate chip cookies whenever you have a craving. 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup granulated sugar […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies • Tags: Bake

Triple Chocolate Biscotti

December 5, 2013 by pamflo

Shiny, rich, smooth and decadent – these are just a few descriptive words for chocolate. Many recipes call for good quality chocolate, but what does this mean? The chocolate you buy should contain at least 60% cacao solids. The higher the percentage, the deeper the chocolate flavor. The chocolate should not contain any fat substitutes. It should taste good enough to eat on it’s own. My favorite brands are Scharffen Berger, Callebaut, Ghirhadelli and Guittard. This recipe has three variations […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies • Tags: Bake, Biscotti, Flour

Roasted Pears with Nut-Oat Granola

September 30, 2013 by pamflo

This is an easy and healthy dessert. Plan ahead and let the pears ripen a little before you roast them. I made two batches of the granola, one with nuts and one without for my son who has a nut allergy. I substituted dried currants (they do not need toasting) for the nuts. Don’t skip the sesame seeds, they add color and extra crunch. Enjoy! Roasted Pear Crumble 2 ripe but firm Anjou or Bartlett pears, halved, cored 2 teaspoons […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Gluten Free • Tags: Anjou, Bake, Gluten Free, Mascarpone, Pepita, Sesame

Chocolate Almond Oat Bars

July 16, 2012 by pamflo

<a I just made a batch of these bars. The are absolutely delicious and require no cooking. These bars are packed with nutrients. This recipe came from a magazine that suggested this as a breakfast option….what a great idea! I toasted the nuts but it’s not necessary. Feel free to vary the choices of nuts and seeds. Combine and heat 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of coconut oil and 1/4 cup almond butter with 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt, […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Dairy Free, Gluten Free • Tags: Almond butter, Chocolate chip, Coconut oil, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, No Cooking, Rolled oats

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Cranberry Pistachio Ice Box Cookies

December 3, 2011 by pamflo

The holiday season is upon us and making homemade gifts can be fun and festive. This recipe makes beautiful cookies that make a delicious gift! These are “ice box” or “refrigerator” cookies. They are made by shaping dough into logs and then refrigerating the dough before slicing and baking. The advantage to this type of cookie is the dough can be prepared ahead of time and either refrigerated or frozen. Here are some techniques for cookie baking: 1) read the entire […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies • Tags: Bake, Butter, Cookie, Flour, Pistachio

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Vodka Pie Crust

November 22, 2011 by pamflo

Vodka in pie crust, yes vodka….can you believe it! Americas’s Test Kitchen published a recipe in their 2007 Cook’s Illustrated magazine for a pie crust with vodka. I tried it that year and then repeated it for a few Thanksgiving holidays following that. The vodka provides the dough with moisture and imparts no flavor. It’s worth a try! You can use the rest of the vodka for a holiday cocktail 🙂 FOOLPROOF VODKA PIE DOUGH Makes one 9-inch double pie […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies • Tags: Bake, Butter, Dough, Flour, Pie, Vodka

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Cookies/Brownies

Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Brownies

Mint Chocolate Sable Cookies

Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate Espresso Meringues

Pistachio Lemon Zest Cookies

Double Oatmeal Cookies with Raisins

Almond Tuiles

Peanut Butter Protein Cookies

Almond Coconut Meringues

Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies

Toasted Coconut Crisps

Homemade Oreos

Coconut Macaroons

Chocolate Brownie Cookies

Paleo Brownie Bites

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Triple Chocolate Biscotti

Roasted Pears with Nut-Oat Granola

Chocolate Almond Oat Bars

Vodka Pie Crust