Category Archives: Dairy Free

Charred Sugar Snap Peas

June 6, 2019 by pamflo

Sugar snap peas are a cross between snow peas and garden peas. The peas are naturally sweet and crunchy, and you can eat the whole pod. Snap peas may be eaten raw or cooked, although you may have to remove the “string” at the seam of the pod if eating the peas raw. Snap peas are low in calories, high in fiber, iron and Vitamin C. This is a terrific light dish that’s quick to prepare. The success of this dish is […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans/Legumes, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Char

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Spicy Rice Noodle Stir Fry

May 30, 2019 by pamflo

Joyce Chen is the chef credited with bringing northern-style Chinese cuisine to the United States. She invented the flat-bottom wok with a long handle, making it easier for the home cook to create authentic stir-fry dishes. Her daughter Helen Chen was one of my favorite chef instructors in culinary school. If you don’t own a wok, a heavy-bottomed skillet is a great substitute. Any type of fresh or dried noodle can be used in a stir-fry. I used the thick dried […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Peanuts, Rice/Grains, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Stir-Fry

Nutty Strawberry Crisp

May 23, 2019 by pamflo

Strawberries are an iconic summer treat – sweet, juicy and a little tart. Fresh strawberries can be easily transformed into a bubbly, fragrant and beautiful dessert. This crisp is a perfect way to enjoy strawberry season. A lightly sweetened crumbly topping made with a variety of chopped nuts adds a nice crispy texture to each bite. I find the best way to enjoy this crisp is by serving it warm, maybe with some frozen yogurt or ice cream of your […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Dessert, Dressing, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar, Nuts • Tags: Bake

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Carrot and Apple Muffins

May 16, 2019 by pamflo

Looking for a breakfast treat that’s healthy, not too sweet and easy to make? Gluten and dairy free, these carrot muffins are just the right combination of sweet and savory. The muffins take a combination of some favorite pantry ingredients like applesauce, oats and nuts, and unites them with freshly grated carrots to create a delicious treat. The carrots provide a dose of both Vitamin A and Vitamin C. I’m not sure these delightful muffins will last very long, but […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar, Muffins, Nuts, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

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Homemade Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips

April 18, 2019 by pamflo

My family loves salt and vinegar potato chips! I happened to read the label on a package of chips and realized that they’re seasoned with a vinegar powder, not something I had heard of before. I ordered the powdered vinegar on-line with the idea of making my own salt and vinegar chips. I experimented with sprinkling the vinegar powder over the warm chips and soaking the raw potato slices in apple cider vinegar, to see if there was a difference […]

Categories: Appetizer, Chips, Dairy Free, Gluten Free • Tags: Fry

Creamy Cashew Latte

April 4, 2019 by pamflo

I was completely on-board when Bulletproof coffee was all the rage as a replacement for breakfast, and to boost energy and endurance by adding grass-fed unsalted butter and coconut (or MCT) oil. I also added cinnamon and vanilla extract before whizzing my energizing beverage in a high speed blender. This creamy cashew latte is lower in calories, dairy free, and a very satisfying alternative. I roasted unsalted cashews and used a couple of dates as a natural sweetener. I brewed […]

Categories: Beverage, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Nuts • Tags: Toast, Whiz

Flourless Double Chocolate Pecan Cookies

March 28, 2019 by pamflo

I was so nervous the first year I traveled to New York City to attend cooking classes at the International Culinary Center, although back in 2008 the ICC was known as the French Culinary Institute. The two intense days of cooking school was a very generous birthday gift. I was the only attendee from Boston with almost all of the students coming from New York and all the participating chefs were highly regarded. My first class was taught by the […]

Categories: Cookies, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gifts, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Nuts • Tags: Bake

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Classic Beef Stew

March 14, 2019 by pamflo

Arrowroot flour is a form of starch that is derived from the root of a tropical plant. It is used in baking and cooking as an effective gluten-free alternative to white flour or cornstarch. I used arrowroot as a substitute for all-purpose flour, to coat the stew meat and help thicken the sauce. Making a stew does take the better part of the day to make on the stove top. I don’t own a slow-cooker and really enjoy using my […]

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

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Almond Chocolate Chip (No Cook) Oat Bars

March 7, 2019 by pamflo

There is a vast array of snack bars, protein bars and crunchy snack items on the market. I love making my own snack bars since I can choose my ingredients and know there are no stabilizers or added sugar. These bars couldn’t be easier to make as they don’t even require cooking, just a trip to the freezer. Almond butter is the base of the bar, and the oats keep the bars together along with maple syrup. I added lightly […]

Categories: Bars, Breakfast Ideas, Chocolate, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar • Tags: No Cooking

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Beer Can Roast Chicken

February 28, 2019 by pamflo

This chicken dish is absolutely delicious and moist! The benefits of roasting a chicken atop a can of beer ensures a succulent and flavorful bird. Although this is a fun summer dish, the chicken can be cooked in the oven in a cast iron pan or roasting tray and is a satisfying dish any time of the year. The beer provides both steam and flavor so pick a brand that you enjoy drinking. Here are some useful tips for cooking […]

Categories: Boozy, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Roast

Spicy Steamed Shrimp

February 21, 2019 by pamflo

En papillote or cooking “in paper” is when food is enclosed in packets of parchment paper or foil, and cooked in the oven. 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 parchment or foil needs to be sealed completely in order to keep the steam from escaping while the food cooks. As the packets bakes, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seeds, Vegetables • Tags: Steam

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Raspberry Swirl Meringues

February 14, 2019 by pamflo

I was recently at Flour Bakery for one of Joanne Chang’s yummy salads. With such an amazing display of baked goods, there was no way I was leaving empty- handed. I purchased a beautiful pillowy meringue with a raspberry coulis. The fresh raspberry sauce is swirled in before baking using a wooden skewer or chopstick. In honor of Valentine’s day, I created these light crispy cookies at home. Meringues are low in calories, and a naturally gluten and dairy free […]

Categories: Cookies, Dairy Free, Dessert, Fruit, Gifts, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake, Whip

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Lentil and Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

January 3, 2019 by pamflo

Happy 2019! The weather feels more seasonal in Boston with the temperature dropping this week. Start the year with this warm and comforting salad that’s easy to make. Lentils are a legume filled with fiber and protein. When combined with butternut squash, a nutrient-dense vegetable, this healthy dish will brighten the cold winter months. Green lentils tend to hold their shape better than red lentils when cooked, and are ideal for salads or mixed with other grains. This recipe is […]

Categories: Beans/Legumes, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Simmer

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Grilled Mushroom Eggs “Benedict”

December 27, 2018 by pamflo

Preparing for a holiday brunch? Here is an easy and delicious dish to add to your menu. Although this recipe doesn’t have a classic hollandaise sauce, it has an avocado sauce that is a healthier version for sure! Instead of toast or an english muffin, I filled a big portobello mushroom with bacon, a poached egg and topped it with an easy avocado puree. Over a bed of lettuce or topped with fresh chopped herbs this is a perfect breakfast.

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Vegetables • Tags: Grill, Whiz

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Fudgy Olive Oil Brownies

December 13, 2018 by pamflo

What is olive oil doing in a brownie recipe, you ask? Other than creating a dairy free dessert, it adds a bright fruity flavor to your brownies. I used freshly brewed Columbian coffee as the liquid, added in a speckling of extra-dark chocolate chips and topped with large flaky sea salt. Powdered sugar and dark chocolate drizzle are optional. These brownies make a beautiful dessert or a great holiday gift. Coffee enhances the flavor of the chocolate, but no stuffing […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gifts, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake

Roasted Pecan Crusted Salmon

November 8, 2018 by pamflo

Looking for a quick and easy dinner idea? Salmon is a great source of lean protein and filled with omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to reduce inflammation and lower your blood pressure. Salmon is also a good source of potassium and vitamin B12, plus research shows it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. In this recipe, I topped my salmon filet with a maple mustard glaze and then coated the fish with chopped pecans. The combination of the […]

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

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Pumpkin and Apple Smoothie

November 1, 2018 by pamflo

Pumpkin purée is low in calories, high in nutrients and readily available. It is a great source of potassium, fiber and Vitamin A. Don’t mistakenly purchase pumpkin pie filling which is spiced and already sweetened. Canned pumpkin is cooked and pureed pumpkin flesh, nothing more. I usually grab a few extra cans this time of year for soups/chilis, pancakes/waffles, as an addition to oatmeal, and of course baked goods. I thought it might be fun to make a fall inspired pumpkin […]

Categories: Beverage, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar, Smoothies/Shakes, Vegetables • Tags: Whiz

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Kale, Red Pepper and Sausage Sauté

October 25, 2018 by pamflo

As we head into November, many of the outdoor Farmers Markets in the Boston area are coming to a close. With one last run, I purchased all the ingredients for this dish. This one-pot meal is a quick and easy dinner idea. I also roasted beautiful, creamy fingerling potatoes to serve alongside the sauté. One nice thing about using crumbled sausage meat after removing the casings, is the meat is already seasoned and flavorful. Once you cook the sausage, leave some […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

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Chocolate Dipped Flourless Oatmeal Cookies

October 18, 2018 by pamflo

It’s a chilly 46 degrees right now as I write this post. Perfect weather for baking 🙂 These oatmeal cookies have almond flour as a substitute for white flour and are sweetened with coconut palm sugar. Coconut palm sugar (not to be confused with palm sugar) is made from the sap of the coconut palm tree. This is a solid alternative sweetener for refined sugars and is most similar to brown sugar. Although this type of sugar provides the same […]

Categories: Chocolate, Cookies, Cooking Tips, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar • Tags: Bake

Delicious Chicken Soup

October 11, 2018 by pamflo

The leaves on the trees are changing into beautiful colors, although it still feels like summer in Boston. The start of flu season is coming and though not a cure for the common cold, chicken soup is certainly a way to ease the symptoms and make you feel better quicker. There are many recipes for chicken soup, but this one is foolproof and makes a beautiful and flavorful chicken broth. This broth is so delicious that you can drink it […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer

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Sautéed Yellow Zucchini with Pistachios and Mint

October 4, 2018 by pamflo

What does sauté mean? It’s a method of cooking food over high heat in a little bit of hot fat. This is a great way to cook vegetables while still maintaining their flavor and texture. Choose a wide bottom pan so the vegetables aren’t overcrowded. A quick sauté in olive oil is my choice for this recipe, but a combo of olive oil and butter add a nice depth of flavor. Coconut oil is a good option. This is an easy […]

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

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Dairy Free

Charred Sugar Snap Peas

Spicy Rice Noodle Stir Fry

Nutty Strawberry Crisp

Carrot and Apple Muffins

Homemade Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips

Creamy Cashew Latte

Flourless Double Chocolate Pecan Cookies

Classic Beef Stew

Almond Chocolate Chip (No Cook) Oat Bars

Beer Can Roast Chicken

Spicy Steamed Shrimp

Raspberry Swirl Meringues

Lentil and Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

Grilled Mushroom Eggs “Benedict”

Fudgy Olive Oil Brownies

Roasted Pecan Crusted Salmon

Pumpkin and Apple Smoothie

Kale, Red Pepper and Sausage Sauté

Chocolate Dipped Flourless Oatmeal Cookies

Delicious Chicken Soup

Sautéed Yellow Zucchini with Pistachios and Mint