Crowd Pleaser | Zest For Cooking

Simple Herb Roasted Carrots

October 24, 2019 by pamflo

The local Farmers Markets in Massachusetts are rapidly coming to a close. The carrots with their beautiful green tops looked so appealing this week, that I bought them with no real recipe in mind. Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, vitamin A and antioxidants. Their natural sweetness makes them a perfect vegetable for roasting. This is a simple recipe for roasting carrots because all you need is a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper, and a handful of […]

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

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Cabbage and Apple Slaw

October 17, 2019 by pamflo

This simple, classic fall slaw is filled with crisp cabbage, shredded carrots and perfectly tart apples. Skipping the mayonnaise, I dressed the slaw with olive oil, apple cider vinegar and mustard vinaigrette. I added a splash of lime juice for extra zip and it also keeps the apples from turning brown. Cabbage, a cruciferous vegetable, and a great source of fiber and antioxidants, is most nutrient dense when served in its raw form. This slaw pairs with many dishes like a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dressing, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking

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Baked Stuffed Apples with Coconut

October 10, 2019 by pamflo

Apple season is here in full force and there is no shortage of apple varieties. The best baking apples balance both tartness and sweetness, and hold their shape during cooking. Granny Smith apples are a favorite among bakers, but Honeycrisp, Pink Lady and Cortland apples are great choices too. There are many ingredients you can use to stuff your baked apples. I decided to forgo the sugar, butter and oats, and use chopped nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, maple syrup, fresh […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dessert, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar, Nuts • Tags: Bake

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Borlotti Beans with Garlic and Rosemary

October 3, 2019 by pamflo

Borlotti beans, also known as cranberry beans, are beautiful beige beans with flecks of red. The shell is inedible, but the beans inside have a creamy texture and a perfect nutty flavor, although they don’t maintain their bright color after cooking. Dried borlotti beans are readily available and can be soaked overnight before using. Borlotti beans are a great source of fiber, essential minerals, and a good source of plant protein. Beans served over lightly toasted bread is fun, but […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish • Tags: Simmer

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Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

September 26, 2019 by pamflo

This is a decadent recipe, with the combination of savory and sweet, and a great dish for a holiday or special occasion. Good quality thick-cut crispy bacon and pure maple syrup paired with fresh Brussels makes this recipe fantastic, even if you’re not a fan of the sprouts. Brussels sprouts have a bad reputation, because if you overcook them, your kitchen can smell like sulfur. Cook the sprouts until slightly underdone, they will still be green, a bit crunchy and slightly […]

Categories: Appetizer, Bacon, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

Savory Herb Popcorn

September 12, 2019 by pamflo

There are many ways to make popcorn; using an air popper, in a paper bag in the microwave and on the stove top. Personally, I think the best popcorn is made on the stovetop and believe it or not, in a wok with coconut oil! It’s fun to watch the little kernels turn into a white, fluffy snack and is a solid dose of fiber as well. This savory popcorn makes a great snack. Blend the herbs as you wish, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Snack, Spices, Vegetarian • Tags: Pop

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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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Sheet Pan Seafood Bake

August 8, 2019 by pamflo

This flavorful and fun seafood bake is like squeezing summer all onto one pan, with flavorful shrimp, sausage, clams, and veggies all made on one sheet tray. I tossed the ingredients with a combination of butter, olive oil and Old Bay seasoning. I blanched the potatoes and corn ahead of time in lightly salted boiling water, and pre-cooked spicy Italian sausages instead of the classic andouille sausage, before adding to the sheet tray. This is a perfect dish for a […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Seafood • Tags: Bake

Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Crowd Pleaser

Simple Herb Roasted Carrots

Cabbage and Apple Slaw

Baked Stuffed Apples with Coconut

Borlotti Beans with Garlic and Rosemary

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Savory Herb Popcorn

Red Wine Poached Pears

Sheet Pan Seafood Bake