Category Archives: Dairy Free

Bluefish with Garlic Aioli

June 22, 2017 by pamflo

It was a cool, dark early June morning when my kids took off to go on a deep sea fishing charter off of Cape Cod. Often sea sick on boats I passed on the adventure, but promised to cook whatever they were lucky enough to catch. Lo and behold, they came home with beautiful pieces of bluefish, the filleting courtesy of the boat captain. We had never eaten bluefish, so I quickly researched on-line and found a mayo based glaze. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Seafood • Tags: Bake

Huevos Rancheros

June 8, 2017 by pamflo

Huevos Rancheros is a fiery and flavorful Mexican breakfast dish often made with fried eggs, a spicy chili salsa and served over corn tortillas. The tomato based salsa can be as mild or spicy as you can tolerate. For the peppery kick, I used canned chipotle chilies and pureed the sauce for a smooth salsa, but keeping the sauce chunky is an option as well. This dish is a great choice for a quick, casual breakfast. You can also consider […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Eggs, Snack • Tags: Fry, Sauté

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Lime and Cilantro Scallops

May 18, 2017 by pamflo

Many years ago, I was a guest on a friend’s local television show and was asked a few personal questions to wrap up the segment. The host asked if my mother was a positive cooking influence in my life. Without filtering my thoughts, I said 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 and we still laugh about that moment. Scallops are a lean protein source and easy to cook. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Seafood • Tags: Sauté

Savory Socca (Chickpea Pancake)

May 11, 2017 by pamflo

The advantages to the tremendous amount of rain that Boston has received recently are beautiful, green grass and bright, colorful flowers. I was surprised to find some fragrant mint and sage in my little backyard garden, as well. I used the mint for tea and the sage for topping my socca. Socca, a regional French dish, is a savory pancake created with chickpea flour (also called garbanzo flour), water and olive oil. The batter makes a beautiful, gluten-free pancake that can be […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish • Tags: Bake, Broil

Sea Bass en Papillote

April 13, 2017 by pamflo

En papillote is a classic method of cooking food wrapped in parchment paper. It’s an easy and healthy way to steam food and infuse flavor. The traditional method of using parchment paper requires origami-style folding and results in a beautiful, elegant presentation; aluminum foil works too. The paper rises while cooking, and is filled with the fragrances of the fresh ingredients. When you open the parchment you get the gift of this wonderful aroma. The rule of thumb for cooking fish is […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Seafood • Tags: Bake

Sesame Roasted Asparagus

April 6, 2017 by pamflo

Spring is finally (almost) here and the asparagus is in season, with its beautiful green stalks and familiar earthy fragrance. With the April 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 is […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

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Coconut Banana Pancakes

March 30, 2017 by pamflo

I had the good fortune to spend time in Puerto Rico, enjoying the beautiful sites, the warm weather and delicious food. On foot, we roamed a local neighborhood in search of a casual cafe with their own homegrown produce. The Las Vistas Cafe is an open-aired patio which is part of the proprietor’s home, with breathtaking views of the ocean. Gladys, the owner, greeted us with the warmth of a grandmother, as she did with all her guests. The first […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Snack • Tags: Griddle

Bourbon Glazed Salmon

March 9, 2017 by pamflo

My past career in clinical trial management took me many places far and wide, but I had never been to Kentucky. I just arrived home from an excellent professional culinary conference that was held in Louisville, Kentucky. Respected cookbook authors, talented recipe developers, award-winning food writers, food photographers and more, came from all over to attend this dynamic annual conference. My head is still spinning from all the tips and tidbits I learned. Many of the local restaurants and bourbon makers exhibited their […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Seafood • Tags: Bake

Sweet and Tangy Baked Chicken Wings

February 2, 2017 by pamflo

Even if you’re not a football fan, the Super Bowl is a big day for entertaining and eating. Chicken wings are a popular food with or without sports involved. Rice vinegar and Sriracha are not what comes to mind when you think of party wings, but this sweet and tangy chicken dish is a real treat. Topped with a squeeze of lime juice, sesame seeds and chopped cilantro, this dish is a great spin on a game time treat. Alongside these zesty wings, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Bake

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Cauliflower “Fried” Rice

January 26, 2017 by pamflo

Cauliflower seems like a boring white food, but don’t overlook it because it’s loaded with anti-inflammatory properties. Cauliflower is popular now masquerading in other dishes, such as a base for pizza dough. It was time to try cauliflower as a substitute for carbohydrates. It’s really good as faux “fried” rice! This vegetarian cauliflower dish is a warm and comforting bowl of goodness as is, but I could see adding a protein for a complete meal. Both pre-cut cauliflower and the pre-cut mixed vegetables can be […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Smoothies/Shakes, Vegetarian • Tags: Sauté

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Caramelized Citrus Slices

January 19, 2017 by pamflo

Fresh produce is limited in the New England winter months, with the exception of citrus. The variety of citrus options are outstanding. Craving a satisfying healthy dessert, I made these caramelized citrus slices. Experiment with different fruit, like tangerines, grapefruit and an assortment of oranges. After refrigerating, serve the lightly caramelized slices and the accumulated juices over greek yogurt with a sprig of mint for an easy, light dessert or snack. 4 oranges, a variety of types (I used cara cara, navel and blood oranges) […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Snack • Tags: Broil

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Beef Brisket with Prunes and Apricots

December 29, 2016 by pamflo

Recently, we welcomed winter with some very varied weather in Boston. One of the my favorite winter activities is braising tough cuts of meat slowly, using a low temperature. The dried fruit in this recipe creates a beautiful and mildly sweet sauce for the brisket. This dish is perfect for a crowd or made in advance, leaving great leftovers. When purchasing brisket, you are more likely to find the “first cut”, a leaner piece of meat, but if possible, ask the butcher for […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals • Tags: Braise, Sear

Peanut Caramel Crunch Bars

December 22, 2016 by pamflo

Making candy at home can be a challenge, but a rewarding and satisfying one. All you need is a candy thermometer, a sturdy aluminum or copper saucepan and some concentration. It is important to have your tools and ingredients- your mise en place- ready to go, because the candy comes together fast. The addition of light corn syrup prevents the sugar from crystalizing. The candy lasts for a couple of weeks, makes a great gift, and is truly delicious. These flaky, mildly sweet and […]

Categories: Candy, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gifts, Gluten Free, Peanuts • Tags: Boil

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Quinoa Stuffed Delicata Squash

December 15, 2016 by pamflo

Looking back fondly at the plethora of photos from my fall Farmers’ Market visits, I realize that it might not be too late to post a squash recipe. Although winter squashes are harvested in the fall, stored in a cool dry spot they’ll keep for a while. There are a few options for squashes at the markets now. Delicata squash, with its pale yellow, cylindrical shape, is a perfect vessel for stuffing. The skin is eatable, and when purchasing buy […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Vegetarian • Tags: Roast

Baked Salmon with Orange Marmalade

December 1, 2016 by pamflo

After the frenzied eating associated with the start of the holiday season, I thought that a healthy fish dinner would be a welcome recipe. This salmon recipe is delicious with the sweetness from the marmalade and the tartness of the fresh orange juice. When buying salmon, make sure it’s smells fresh like the sea and not “fishy”. I usually buy salmon with the skin on, which prevents the moisture from escaping while cooking. I have the fishmonger remove the needle-like pin bones. If you purchase […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Seafood • Tags: Bake

Oat and Seed Crackers

November 22, 2016 by pamflo

A charcuterie platter is often my contribution to an event or gathering, and I take the assembly quite seriously! Often composed on a slate board, it has to be a robust combination of cheeses, meats, dried and fresh fruit, nuts and of course crackers. This year I decided to make my own crackers for a holiday platter. The variety of seeds provide quite an impressive amount of nutrients and minerals. It’s hard to believe that these crackers are so easy to make, nutritious and gluten-free. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crackers, Dairy Free, Gifts, Gluten Free • Tags: Bake

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Wine-Braised Short Ribs

November 3, 2016 by pamflo

The season for low and slow cooking is under way, with a quick drop in temperature in the Northeast. I haven’t braised a piece of meat in quite some time so I made a trip to one of my favorite places, The Boston Public Market, for some good quality beef. Both Chestnut and Stillman Farms have a permanent booth at this market. Braising is a perfect cooking method for tough pieces of meat that will break down over the cooking time. Beef […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals • Tags: Braise, Sear

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Chia Seed Pudding

October 13, 2016 by pamflo

Chia seeds have been in the spotlight as a popular superfood. These small seeds pack a big nutrient punch. They’re gluten free, a great source of protein, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Dry chia seeds can be added to smoothies, oatmeal or yogurt for an easy breakfast. With a little unsweetened cocoa powder, these little seeds could be a quick and healthy dessert. I like the way they swell and thicken when immersed in liquid. This chia pudding requires no cooking and is […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Pudding, Seeds • Tags: No Cooking

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Beet Chips

September 29, 2016 by pamflo

The beets were calling my name at the Farmer’s Market this week. I’m the only one in my house that will eat beets, or so I thought. These beet chips were gone before I could photograph them! They were so scrumptious that I made more of the beet chips, and then I moved onto making sweet potato chips. Now I’ll have to make a lot more chips, if I want some to eat some and not share! Many of the root […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

Balsamic Grilled Figs

September 22, 2016 by pamflo

With smooth skin, and sweet, juicy flesh fresh figs are the perfect healthy snack. Figs are high in calcium, magnesium and fiber. Every week I buy fresh figs and eat them right out of the little green basket, before I have a chance to try a new recipe. Finally this week, I saved a few fresh figs to grill. If you already have your grill fired up, just place them on the grill for 2-3 minutes. A grill-pan on the stove-top works […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas • Tags: Grill

Israeli Chopped Salad

August 11, 2016 by pamflo

Raw. Simple. Fresh. A perfect salad for a hot summer night, as a side dish or a quick lunch. An Israeli salad is defined as a finely chopped salad of raw vegetables, tossed with a simple dressing. Middle Eastern restaurants serve variations of this salad in pita pockets, on it’s own or to accompany falafel, a deep-fried chickpea fritter. Traditionally, the salad contains tomatoes, Kirby or Persian cucumbers, onion and peppers. I added carrot and radishes and skipped the onion and pepper. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Snack, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: No Cooking

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Dairy Free

Bluefish with Garlic Aioli

Huevos Rancheros

Lime and Cilantro Scallops

Savory Socca (Chickpea Pancake)

Sea Bass en Papillote

Sesame Roasted Asparagus

Coconut Banana Pancakes

Bourbon Glazed Salmon

Sweet and Tangy Baked Chicken Wings

Cauliflower “Fried” Rice

Caramelized Citrus Slices

Beef Brisket with Prunes and Apricots

Peanut Caramel Crunch Bars

Quinoa Stuffed Delicata Squash

Baked Salmon with Orange Marmalade

Oat and Seed Crackers

Wine-Braised Short Ribs

Chia Seed Pudding

Beet Chips

Balsamic Grilled Figs

Israeli Chopped Salad