Category Archives: Dairy Free

Tomato Citrus Salad

July 2, 2020 by pamflo

I’m struck by how delightful this tomato citrus salad is, with its distinct flavors. With the farmers markets re-opening and stocked with big, juicy tomatoes and fresh basil, this is a simple salad to assemble. The addition of avocado and crushed pistachios is optional, but adds crunch. Customize your own salad with a variation on the type of nuts or by adding fresh burrata or mozzarella cheese. Add a drizzle of good olive oil, a squeeze of orange juice and […]

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

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Grilled Watermelon Slices

June 25, 2020 by pamflo

Celebrate and savor watermelon season by grilling thick, sweet slices! Whether you fire-up your grill or use a grill-pan, grilled watermelon is healthy and delicious. Simply cut your watermelon into thick slices leaving the rind on. Grilling watermelon changes the texture of the fruit, brings out its natural sweetness and adds a subtle smoky flavor. I grilled lime halves alongside the watermelon. With a pinch of sea salt, fresh mint leaves and a squeeze of the smoky lime juice, you […]

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

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Red Sangria

June 18, 2020 by pamflo

The best part of making sangria whether it’s red or white is showcasing the beautiful seasonal fruit. This time of year, the fruit options are unlimited with peaches, plums, cherries, and melons ripe for the picking. For my wine choice, I selected a Spanish Rioja which is a blend of grapes varieties. You could use a Grenache, Tempranillo or Pinot Noir, pick something that is big, fruity and you would enjoy drinking on its own. I added thinly sliced citrus, […]

Categories: Alcohol, Beverage, Boozy, Cocktail, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free • Tags: No Cooking

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Strawberry Gazpacho

June 11, 2020 by pamflo

Red, sweet and juicy, strawberries are ripe for the picking! There are many ways to enjoy these beautiful fresh berries, but I like the idea of a simple, fresh soup that involves no cooking. Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C, folate, and potassium. Although the strawberries provide a light sweetness, this is a wonderful savory dish. I added lightly toasted slivered almonds for a little crunch.

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Soup, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

Chocolate Chip Meringues

April 9, 2020 by pamflo

Light, airy, melt-in-your mouth and gluten free, meringues are surprisingly simple to make! The secret to crispy meringues are whipping the egg whites to a creamy, white firm peak. You can either use a standing mixer with the whip attachment, or a hand mixer. Although, when I was in cooking school we had to whip the egg whites by hand — it builds muscle! The key steps are to whip room temperature egg whites until they’re a little creamy, slowly adding […]

Categories: Chocolate, Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dessert, Eggs, Holiday Ideas, Passover Recipes • Tags: Bake, Whip

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Easy Beef and Beer Chili

April 2, 2020 by pamflo

What is the secret to making a dish that is restaurant quality? Spices! 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, 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 […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Boozy, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals, Pantry Staples, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté, Simmer

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Ribolitta Soup

March 19, 2020 by pamflo

I’ve been digging into my archives for easy recipes using pantry staples. Ribolitta is a Tuscan soup made with lots of vegetables and hunks of toasted or stale bread. Traditionally this soup is made with inexpensive vegetables like carrots, celery and onions as well as white beans, kale and cabbage. This hearty soup is easy to make and you can use whatever variety of veggies you have on hand. I often finish soups with a splash of acid, using either […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Pantry Staples, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer

Spicy Pork and Bok Choy Stir Fry

March 5, 2020 by pamflo

This is a delicious one-pot stir fry dish! Bok choy is a cruciferous vegetable that is part of the cabbage family. Cruciferous vegetables have sulforaphanes that help reduce inflammation in the body. Bok choy is a nutrient dense food that has a lengthy list of health benefits, including anti-cancer properties. Both the white and green part of the bok choy stalks are used in this recipe. The spiciness in this delicious dish comes from sambal oelek, an Indonesian chile paste made […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals, Vegetables • Tags: Stir-Fry

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Spicy Tomato Soup

February 27, 2020 by pamflo

A food stylist is a culinary professional who prepares food for photography, video or film. It’s actually a hard job making food photogenic! The top food stylists come to a photoshoot with a variety of techniques, even if it requires using non-edible materials to achieve the best results. This tomato soup photo is from an intensive food styling class I took in NYC. It was really fun to learn the techniques involved in producing a beautiful food photo. That being said, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Soups/Stews, Vegetarian • Tags: Simmer, Whiz

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Braised Chicken with Artichokes, Olives and Lemon

February 20, 2020 by pamflo

These brisk winter days have me craving a hearty one-pot meal. The combination of the crisp chicken skin, plump juicy meat and rich broth is outstanding in this braised dish. The extra step of browning the chicken before cooking is worth the little bit of extra effort. The chicken is then braised in a deeply flavored broth with a Mediterranean flair of olives, garlic, artichokes, and lemon. Artichokes are high in vitamin C, high in fiber, and considered a heart […]

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

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Shakshuka

February 6, 2020 by pamflo

This one-pot dish of soft poached eggs in a steaming, flavorful tomato broth with peppers, onions and spices is called shakshuka in Israel, and is traditionally served for breakfast. This delicious dish is a staple not only in Israeli, but in Tunisian, Moroccan and Egyptian cuisine. Many other cuisines have their own version of this dish. Shakshuka is usually served in a cast iron pan with bread to soak up the zesty sauce. There are many ways to make this […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer

Roasted Citrus Slices

January 23, 2020 by pamflo

Fresh produce is limited in New England in the winter months with the exception of citrus. The variety of citrus options are outstanding! These caramelized citrus slices can brighten any winter dish, and roasting intensifies the citrus flavors. The fruit can be served alongside roast meat, atop a grain or green salad, with granola and yogurt, or simply sprinkled with cinnamon for dessert. Experiment with different fruit, like tangerines, grapefruit and an assortment of oranges. I drizzled the citrus slices […]

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

Honey Glazed Chicken Wings

January 16, 2020 by pamflo

I use local raw honey everyday to sweeten my tea and thought it might be fun to post a savory recipe using honey. These chicken wings are spicy and delicious. Here are some interesting facts about honey; it’s a sweet liquid from the nectar of flowers produced by bees, and not only a sweetener but it can soothe a cough, heal a wound, promote digestion, and populate your gut with good bacteria. There is some research that suggests that eating […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Broil

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Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup

January 9, 2020 by pamflo

Butternut squash is a great source of dietary fiber and potassium. Turmeric, known as a medicinal spice, has powerful anti-inflammatory qualities. Coconut adds the healthy fat and provides a good source of energy. Fresh ginger aids in digestion and can alleviate gastrointestinal distress. Sweet, hearty and nutritious, this soup is a bowl of complete nourishment! There are many ways to make butternut squash soup, but the combination of vegetables, herbs and spices makes this soup special.

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Soups/Stews, Spices, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer, Whiz

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Scrambled Egg Stuffed Peppers

January 2, 2020 by pamflo

I’m starting off the new year with a healthy breakfast option. Naturally sweet bell peppers are a perfect vehicle for baking eggs, and an easy dish to prepare. I chopped and sautéed the flesh from the pepper tops on the stovetop with olive oil to soften them, and use in the filling along with kale and cooked bacon. After filling each pepper, bake until the eggs are set. A pinch of cheese could work here and a garnish of fresh […]

Categories: Bacon, Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

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Cranberry Daiquiris

December 26, 2019 by pamflo

For the last few years, I’ve posted a cocktail recipe in preparation for the holidays. My friend and cocktail expert, Katherine Steiger, wrote a guest post. Happy New Year! Cranberry daiquiris are a holiday tradition at our house. They look beautiful served in a martini glass filled with crushed ice and are absolutely delicious, but my favorite part might be the cranberries. They’re cooked with orange zest and cinnamon sticks to flavor the simple syrup for the cocktail. Then you steep […]

Categories: Alcohol, Boozy, Cocktail, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Drinks, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Simmer

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Double Chocolate Expresso Cookies

December 19, 2019 by pamflo

A couple of years ago I entered a holiday cookie recipe contest on-line through the LA Times. I submitted this cookie recipe and although I didn’t win, it was fun to participate and see all the other cookie recipe submissions. These double chocolatey, ooey-gooey, decadent cookies are a family favorite and don’t contain any flour! I added instant expresso for added punch, as well as dark chocolate chunks. Although these cookies are gluten free, they are super flavorful and provide […]

Categories: Chocolate, Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake

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Spicy Glazed Cashew Nuts

November 26, 2019 by pamflo

If this isn’t your year to host the holidays and are lucky enough to be a guest, maybe you’re in need of a hostess/host gift idea. This is an easy and healthier version of glazed nuts, using maple syrup or honey as a substitute for granulated sugar. Turmeric, a plant that’s part of the ginger family, has curcumin as the main active ingredient. Turmeric has significant health benefits ranging from anti-inflammatory properties to providing antioxidants. Research shows that the curcumin […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar, Nuts, Snack • Tags: Roast

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Roasted Root Vegetables

November 21, 2019 by pamflo

Odd shaped and knobby, the root of the celery stalk is called celeriac. Although it’s not the most beautiful of the root vegetables, its subtle celery flavor is perfect for roasting. To prepare the celeriac, cut off both top and bottom ends so you have a flat base. With a sharp knife or vegetable peeler, cut vertical strips from top to bottom until you’ve removed all the skin. When exposed to the air, the creamy flesh will turn brown, but […]

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

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Baba Ganoush

November 14, 2019 by pamflo

Baba ganoush is a Mediterranean dip similar to hummus, but its base is roasted or grilled eggplant instead of chickpeas. Eggplant, a vegetable in the nightshade family, is high in fiber and nutrient dense. The beautiful purple globe eggplants make really good baba ganoush! It’s an easy dip to prepare with just a few ingredients, and is simple to dress up with smoked paprika, pomegranate seeds and a drizzle of olive oil, as garnish. As with hummus, sesame paste or […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Seeds, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Whiz

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Sweet Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

November 7, 2019 by pamflo

Please don’t throw away those pumpkin seeds! Roasted pumpkin seeds are an easy, healthy snack and a great source of protein, fiber and magnesium. They’re crunchy and have a mild, nutty flavor. Soaking and rinsing the seeds in cold water will help remove the stringy flesh. Simply combine the seasonings and drizzle over the seeds, baking at a low temperature. The seeds are ready when browned and crispy.

Categories: Appetizer, Chocolate, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar, Seeds, Snack • Tags: Roast

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Dairy Free

Tomato Citrus Salad

Grilled Watermelon Slices

Red Sangria

Strawberry Gazpacho

Chocolate Chip Meringues

Easy Beef and Beer Chili

Ribolitta Soup

Spicy Pork and Bok Choy Stir Fry

Spicy Tomato Soup

Braised Chicken with Artichokes, Olives and Lemon

Shakshuka

Roasted Citrus Slices

Honey Glazed Chicken Wings

Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup

Scrambled Egg Stuffed Peppers

Cranberry Daiquiris

Double Chocolate Expresso Cookies

Spicy Glazed Cashew Nuts

Roasted Root Vegetables

Baba Ganoush

Sweet Roasted Pumpkin Seeds