Category Archives: Dairy Free

Spicy Chicken Chili

January 13, 2022 by pamflo

Spices are the secret to making a super flavorful chili! 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 and 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 spices to […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Game Day, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Simmer

Candied Walnuts

December 23, 2021 by pamflo

If you’re in need of a festive gift idea, these candied walnuts are a simple and healthier version of glazed nuts. The nuts are roasted in a combination of maple syrup and honey as a substitute for granulated sugar. In addition to giving these caramelized nuts as a gift, you can toss them into a salad, mix with your favorite popcorn, add to your oatmeal or just snack on them. These candied walnuts are also a perfect compliment to a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gifts, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Nuts, Snack • Tags: Roast

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Beer Braised Brisket

December 2, 2021 by pamflo

Brisket can be a tough cut of meat, but cooking at a low temperature and for a longer time allows it to become tender and succulent. Braising meat in beer adds a rich almost earthy flavor. Excitedly, I went in search of good local craft beer to use. Allagash, an independent craft brewery in Portland, Maine, has a delicious signature Belgian-style wheat beer called Alllagash White. This is the beer I used for my braise. When purchasing brisket you usually […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Holiday Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Braise

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Pumpkin Maple Oatmeal

November 11, 2021 by pamflo

On cold mornings, I’m craving a creamy, steamy bowl of warmth and this bowl of porridge is totally satisfying, especially with the addition of pumpkin puree. Canned pumpkin is cooked and pureed pumpkin flesh, nothing more. It’s flavorful, nutrient dense and packed with vitamins and minerals. There are many options for topping your oatmeal. My porridge is topped with toasted pecans, plump blueberries and oat milk. Consider other types of nuts, dried or fresh fruit and your favorite milk. It’s […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Simmer

Whole Roasted Cauliflower

November 4, 2021 by pamflo

These humble heads of white florets can be transformed into a tender, creamy and delicious addition to an entree or center stage with other fun side dishes. Cauliflower is a great source of antioxidants and fiber, as well as an excellent replacement for grains. This recipe is easy to make and will convert even a non-cauliflower eater. The cauliflower heads will bake for about an hour or so and once they have cooled you can slice into steaks, coat with […]

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

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Pears Poached in White Wine

October 21, 2021 by pamflo

Poached pears are an easy, delicious and elegant dessert. The pears can also be added to a salad or served alongside a cheese platter. Always use wine that you’re willing to drink. A sweeter white wine works for this recipe such as Chardonnay or a Riesling. Firm pears like Anjou or Bosc are the best type to poach, as they hold their shape. You’ll peel the pears leaving the stem intact, but also slice a 1/2 inch off of the […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Poach

Salmon and Mango Ceviche

October 14, 2021 by pamflo

Although this post comes at the tail end of mango season in the United States, hopefully you can find imported mangoes in your market as it’s the highlight of this ceviche recipe. The mango is an aromatic fruit that is part of the cashew family and a solid source of antioxidants, fiber and vitamin C. Mangoes have immune boosting properties and are beneficial for digestive health. You can use any type of fresh salmon that you like, but make sure […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seafood • Tags: No Cooking

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Quinoa Stuffed Delicata Squash

October 7, 2021 by pamflo

There are many winter squash options at the markets now. They’re harvested in the fall and if stored in a cool dry spot, they’ll last for a while. Delicata squash, with its pale yellow, cylindrical shape is a perfect vessel for stuffing. The skin is delicate and eatable. When purchasing squashes make sure they’re firm and free of bruises. Squash brimming with a scrumptious filling, is a beautiful dish to serve. The squash can be roasted ahead of time and then […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Rice/Grains, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Simmer

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Mustard Maple Glazed Salmon Skewers

September 30, 2021 by pamflo

The combination of two kinds of mustard, maple syrup and fresh lemon juice makes a delectable sauce for the salmon. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, many vitamins and minerals and an outstanding source of protein. Both farm-raised and wild salmon work well for this recipe. I used metal skewers for threading the salmon cubes but if you use wooden skewers they’ll need to be soaked for 30 minutes in water, so they don’t burn in the […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Seafood • Tags: Roast

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Potato and Egg Salad

August 5, 2021 by pamflo

Summer outings, BBQ’s, and elegant picnics aren’t complete without potato salad. This recipe is an easy and lighter alternative to the goopy, mayo-laden version. This dish is so delicious with creamy steamed Yukon gold potatoes and soft boiled eggs mixed with a tangy mustard vinaigrette. Yum! Topped with some fresh chopped chives and a smattering of chopped dill pickles, this is a great summer dish.

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Salads, Side Dish • Tags: Boil, Steam

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Yakitori-Style Chicken Thighs

July 22, 2021 by pamflo

Classic Japanese yakitori chicken is skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled over a fire. Hesitating to fire up the grill because it’s been so hot and humid this summer, I baked these easy and delicious chicken skewers in the oven at a high temperature instead. I used boneless skinless chicken thighs, but boneless breasts work too. There is an added step of boiling down the sauce to the point that it coats the back of a spoon, this intensifies the […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Bake, Simmer

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Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

July 15, 2021 by pamflo

Grilling season is in full swing! Flank steak is an inexpensive and versatile cut of meat, and is perfect for tacos, lettuce wraps, over a salad, or as a main dish. This beefy flavored, lean and fibrous cut of meat benefits from a marinade. Marinating the meat at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking, both tenderizes the meat and helps with even cooking. If you want to marinate your meat for longer, it can be refrigerated for up to […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Grill

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Summer Fish Stew

June 24, 2021 by pamflo

Wow, the combination of the fennel, white wine and dill make this a fantastic, flavorful stew. The fish is simmered slowly in a combination of white wine and water, on a low heat which helps retain its tenderness. Sliced raw fennel adds a sweet licorice flavor, but if you sauté, roast or grill it, it softens the licorice flavor. Served with hearty greens, this is an easy weeknight meal. Pick a firm white fish with a delicate flavor. I tried […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Seafood, Soups/Stews • Tags: Simmer

Salad Niçoise

June 10, 2021 by pamflo

This beautiful salad originated in the French city of Nice and is traditionally made with hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, Niçoise olives, and tuna or anchovies. You can be as creative with the ingredients as you like! I added sliced cucumbers and grilled artichokes. It takes a little time in the preparation of each item, but you can cook the green beans, potatoes and eggs ahead of time. It’s a great dish for a potluck dinner or feeding a crowd. I recommend […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dressing, Eggs, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Seafood, Vegetables • Tags: Boil, Steam

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Olive Oil Orange Cake

June 3, 2021 by pamflo

This lightly sweetened, fruity cake is made with extra-virgin olive oil instead of butter. Olive oil is a healthy substitute for butter. Although it is a source of fat, it contains healthy monounsaturated fats and is a good source of antioxidants. Baking with olive oil produces a lighter textured cake, provides moisture and helps enhance the flavor of the other ingredients. The juice and zest of the oranges help balance the intensity of the olive oil flavor. Serve this delicious […]

Categories: Cakes, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Fruit • Tags: Bake, Whip

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Ginger Peanut Chicken Wings

May 27, 2021 by pamflo

These wings are simple to prepare and bake quickly. The bite from the ginger combined with the sweetness of the honey makes a very tasty sauce. Ginger root is readily available in most markets and is known for its ability to ease nausea and improve digestion. The best way to prepare the root it is to cut off the smaller roots from the main piece and peel the skin off with a vegetable peeler or the side of a spoon. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Meat/Poultry, Peanuts • Tags: Bake

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Easy Poached Fish Fillets

May 13, 2021 by pamflo

If you’re looking for an easy and delicious meal, this spicy tomato poached fish is perfect for you! We try to eat fish often and poaching is a healthy way to cook fish with firm white flesh. I used haddock fillets but cod, flounder, and halibut are good choices too. Poaching is a method of cooking using moist heat by submerging food in liquid and heating it at a low temperature. My poaching liquid is a combination of water and […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Pan Sauce, Seafood • Tags: Poach

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Jerusalem-Style Everything Bagels

May 6, 2021 by pamflo

These crusty, slightly sweet bagels are found all over the city of Jerusalem on street carts, sold by many of the cultures that make up this beautiful city. American style bagels require a brief boil in water before baking to retain their shape, but these bagels do not. The bagels will rise twice before baking and are generously coated with everything spice or just sesame seeds, if you wish. This recipe is from the Sababa cookbook, written by the talented […]

Categories: Breads, Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake

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Almond Tea Cookies

April 29, 2021 by pamflo

The delightful aroma of these freshly baked cookies still lingers in my kitchen. These cookies are crunchy, pack an awesome almond punch, and are both gluten and dairy free! These cookies are made with almonds and coconut flour, which is naturally gluten-free, high in fiber and mild in taste. Almond tea cookies are perfect when dunked into a hot cup of tea or coffee, and make a beautiful gift as well. Before baking, place the cookie dough in the refrigerator […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Gifts, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake

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Wine-Braised Chicken Thighs

April 15, 2021 by pamflo

These brisk spring evenings have me craving a hearty chicken dish. Here is a recipe for perfectly browned, juicy chicken thighs in a delicious sauce prepared on the stove top. These pan seared chicken thighs are an easy meal for a weeknight. Braising is one of my favorite methods of cooking. A cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottom enameled pan are good choices. I used a large non-stick sauté pan and it worked well. Once the chicken is nicely browned, it’s time to […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Meat/Poultry, Pan Sauce • Tags: Braise

Asparagus with Poached Eggs and Chive Oil

March 25, 2021 by pamflo

Spring is finally here and the asparagus is in season, with its beautiful green stalks and familiar earthy fragrance. When purchasing these beauties, look 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 not necessary. You’ll need to just snap one stalk at its breaking point and then […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Vegetables • Tags: Broil, Poach

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Dairy Free

Spicy Chicken Chili

Candied Walnuts

Beer Braised Brisket

Pumpkin Maple Oatmeal

Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Pears Poached in White Wine

Salmon and Mango Ceviche

Quinoa Stuffed Delicata Squash

Mustard Maple Glazed Salmon Skewers

Potato and Egg Salad

Yakitori-Style Chicken Thighs

Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Summer Fish Stew

Salad Niçoise

Olive Oil Orange Cake

Ginger Peanut Chicken Wings

Easy Poached Fish Fillets

Jerusalem-Style Everything Bagels

Almond Tea Cookies

Wine-Braised Chicken Thighs

Asparagus with Poached Eggs and Chive Oil