Dips/Sauces | Zest For Cooking

Fresh Strawberry Salsa over Grilled Swordfish

June 2, 2016 by pamflo

We are on the cusp of strawberry season, with those juicy, beautiful farm stand berries just around the corner. It’s tempting to want to bake with strawberries, but my intern and I decided to make a savory dish this week instead. This fruity salsa can top many different proteins, like chicken pork or fish. We used our salsa to garnish grilled swordfish steaks. High in Vitamin C, plump, red and delicious, strawberries make a great addition to any meal. Fresh strawberries have a distinct […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Dressing, Fruit, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Seafood, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking

Roasted Beet Tahini

March 3, 2016 by pamflo

I recently attend a thought-provoking and informative conference in California. It was a nutrition and culinary conference, jointly organized by the Harvard School of Public Health and The Culinary Institute of America (CIA). A highlight was that the event was held at the scenic and beautiful CIA campus in Napa Valley. The conference brought together healthcare and culinary professionals to share information about food and health. As part of a hands-on healthy baking workshop, we made a similar beet dip to go with our freshly baked focaccia bread. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Snack, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Roast, Whiz

Oven-Roasted Tahini Broccoli

February 4, 2016 by pamflo

One of my most popular blog posts is about roasting a whole head of cauliflower. Planning another cauliflower post, I was surprised to learn in a recent article, that we’re in the midst of a cauliflower shortage. High in demand and low in availability, the prices have skyrocketed. I thought, why not try this recipe with broccoli instead of cauliflower. Broccoli is part of the cabbage family and a good source of both vitamin A and C. Tahini, a paste made […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Gluten Free, Seeds, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Roast

Pan-Seared Sea Scallops with Gremolata

May 28, 2015 by pamflo

As a kid, scallops were one of my least favorite meals (sorry mom)! I remember them dry and overcooked. The secret to a delicious scallop is a perfect sear and it only takes 4-5 minutes. The goal is a caramelized outside crust and a creamy, sweet center. I embellished my gremolata sauce, which is traditionally made with parsley, garlic and lemon zest. Feel free to add fresh herbs or other citrus fruit. It’s a great addition to many dishes, soups and makes a bright, flavorful […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Gluten Free, Greens, Seafood • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Grill, Whiz

Maple Mustard Salmon Skewers

November 6, 2014 by pamflo

Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, many vitamins and minerals, and an outstanding source of protein. Fish night is not the most popular night in my house, but it takes place every week! I’m always trying new seafood recipes and this salmon recipe is a winner. You could use either farm-raised or wild salmon for this recipe. 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard 1 tablespoons grapeseed or olive […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Gluten Free, Seafood • Tags: Bake, Dairy Free, Gluten Free

Roasted Squash with Lemon Tahini Sauce

October 2, 2014 by pamflo

Meatless Monday, a day off from eating meat based dishes, is popular among some of my friends. This recipe would make a perfect meatless main dish or a tasty side dish. I was surprised how delicious this recipe turned out, since I’m not a huge fan of cumin. After cooking and photographing this dish, I ate the whole plate of it for lunch! Once delicata squash is cooked, you can eat the skin. You can […]

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

Walnut Basil Pesto

September 4, 2014 by pamflo

Basil is in abundance this time of year. It’s so fragrant, you can smell it from far away! The beautiful, green leaves are great for making fresh pesto. Consider making a big batch of pesto and storing it in ice cube trays so you can use it in single servings or to enhance sauces. Pesto isn’t just for pasta, it’s great as a spread for sandwiches, as a dip or salad dressing, added to soups, and as a marinade for […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dips/Sauces, Gluten Free, Greens, Side Dish • Tags: Gluten Free, Toast, Whiz

Homemade Chickpea Hummus

June 26, 2014 by pamflo

Smooth, creamy, lemony with a hint of garlic…that’s the kind of hummus I like. Most people have a very specific opinion about the type of hummus they prefer. The favorite store bought brand in my house is Tribe Zesty Lemon. However, that being said, nothing beats the taste of homemade hummus. There are many hummus varieties. This is a great base recipe, but feel free to alter it in any way that suits your taste. Some ideas to add a zip of […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Gluten Free • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, No Cooking, Whiz

Avocado Hummus

January 23, 2014 by pamflo

Wow….another snow storm in Boston! I made this delicious hummus with creamy avocado and fresh crudités for my book club gathering, but unfortunately we had to cancel due the impending weather. Luckily, my family got to enjoy this hummus with dinner instead! It’s simple to make, healthy and a great appetizer. 2 medium Hass avocados, peeled and chopped One 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1 1/2 tablespoons tahini (sesame paste) 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Gluten Free • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, No Cooking, Paleo