Gifts | Zest For Cooking

Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Brownies

February 9, 2017 by pamflo

The smell in my kitchen is absolutely intoxicating! I often forget how much I enjoy baking, and the beautiful, delicious results. February 14th is approaching and I used it as an excuse to experiment. This is an easy recipe for a sweet and chocolatey homemade gift. These heavenly squares are gluten-free, and the cornstarch-cocoa powder combination replaces the flour. The toasted chopped walnuts elevate these brownies to outstanding, but nuts are optional. I’ve added both cocoa nibs for extra crunch and a […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Dessert, Gifts, Gluten Free • Tags: Bake

Parmesan and Thyme Crackers

January 12, 2017 by pamflo

Winter in New England is very unpredictable. As the saying goes, “the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry”. Planning to attend a post-holiday gathering and bring a savory appetizer, I made the dough for these cheesy, crunchy, speckled crackers. And then there was a snow storm. The party was cancelled so instead, I baked these flaky crackers while the beautiful snow was falling heavily outside. I photographed the crackers just as I would have served them, with grapes and nuts. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crackers, Gifts, Vegetarian • Tags: Bake

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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Mint Chocolate Sable Cookies

December 8, 2016 by pamflo

I had the privilege of meeting Dorie Greenspan, baker extraordinaire and cookbook author. She has published a beautiful new cookbook, Dorie’s Cookies, which is a wonderful gift for any baker. At a recent book signing event, the discussion about her food journey was heartfelt, warm and funny. Listening to her speak about making cookies, reminded me how much I enjoy baking during the holidays. Sables are French butter cookies and they’re a perfect holiday gift or treat. The smooth, deep minty flavor […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Gifts • Tags: Bake

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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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Pecan Shortbread Cookies

November 17, 2016 by pamflo

Even before I learned to bake, shortbread cookies were always a favorite sweet treat. Shortbread is a biscuit made with three parts flour, two parts butter and one part white sugar. The fat from the butter creates “short” gluten strands and produces a cookie that’s crisp and crumbly in texture. Chopped pecans mixed into the dough adds a nice nutty flavor. You can add even more nuts on the warm chocolate coated ends. I usually get a chuckle when I pull out […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Dessert, Gifts • Tags: Bake

Chocolate Toffee Matzo

April 21, 2016 by pamflo

The start of the Jewish holiday, Passover, begins on Friday at sundown. Although Chocolate Toffee Matzo isn’t a traditional Passover dish, it is a delectable and addictive treat. You don’t have to celebrate Passover to enjoy this sweet and salty dessert. Matzo, an unleavened flatbread, is a key part of the Passover seder and the week long holiday. This flat cracker originated when the Israelites were exiled from Egypt and didn’t have the time to let their bread rise. You can substitute gluten-free crackers […]

Categories: Bars, Chocolate/Candy, Dessert, Gifts, Snack • Tags: Bake, Boil

Chocolate Espresso Meringues

March 31, 2016 by pamflo

Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, sweet and flavorful, these meringues hit the spot. Filled with shards of bittersweet chocolate and expresso powder – with enough for a good jolt, these cookies make the perfect snack. Espresso powder is intensely dark, concentrated coffee granules, and perfect for baking. Coffee accentuates the richness of the chocolate, and enhances the overall flavor of baked goods. Instant espresso is usually found at specialty stores or on-line. If it’s not available, use instant […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Dairy Free, Dessert, Eggs, Gifts, Gluten Free, Snack • Tags: Bake, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Whip

Molten Chocolate Cake

February 11, 2016 by pamflo

Welcome to my new blog design. I really hope this format helps you enjoy reading my posts even more. Zest For Cooking will now be mobile-friendly, as well as easier to navigate and search recipes. Thanks so much for your continue support, comments and feedback. I can’t wait to hear more from my followers. Please note my new blog address is now http://www.zestforcooking.com As the snow falls lightly but steadily, I’m in my cozy kitchen baking away. There’s nothing as wonderful […]

Categories: Cakes, Chocolate/Candy, Cooking Tips, Dessert, Gifts • Tags: Bake, Melt, Whip

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Chocolate Truffles

December 17, 2015 by pamflo

Friends asked for a baking lesson, and I thought it might be fun to have a truffle making class. After rolling 40 truffles, they were experts! Certainly, a fun way to spend an afternoon and a delicious gift idea as well. There is no limit to the variety of truffles you can create. The basic ingredients are heavy cream and good quality chocolate. These two ingredients combined, make ganache, the truffle filling. We added a bit of butter and expresso […]

Categories: Chocolate/Candy, Dessert, Gifts, Gluten Free, Snack • Tags: Gluten Free, Melt, Roll, Stir

Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Gifts

Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Brownies

Parmesan and Thyme Crackers

Peanut Caramel Crunch Bars

Mint Chocolate Sable Cookies

Oat and Seed Crackers

Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate Toffee Matzo

Chocolate Espresso Meringues

Molten Chocolate Cake

Chocolate Truffles