Category Archives: Gifts

Chocolate Dipped Figs

September 27, 2018 by pamflo

Let’s talk a little about figs — Black Mission, Brown Turkey, Green Kadota and Calimyrna figs are the varieties that are commonly available. Although not local to New England, the season for figs starts in the spring and goes through October. I used Black Mission figs for this simple but delicious treat. Figs are a unique seeded fruit with a sweet jammy flavor and soft chewy texture. A great source of fiber and nutrients, they’re delicate with a short shelf […]

Categories: Chocolate, Dessert, Fruit, Gifts, Gluten Free, Low Sugar • Tags: Melt

Leave a comment

Strawberry Pavlovas

May 4, 2018 by pamflo

These pillowy, puffed meringues topped with slivered strawberries are a perfect celebration of spring. Although meringues have only a few ingredients, they require specific steps in order to achieve the crispy texture that makes them a perfect vehicle for whipped cream or lemon curd, and of course fresh berries. Here is a quick summary of the steps with more details below. The egg whites are furiously whipped until they form stiff peaks. Separate your eggs while they’re cold, and beat […]

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

Almond Tea Cookies

March 29, 2018 by pamflo

“I’m officially in the weeds!” A phrase familiar in the culinary world for falling behind. I’m hosting family this weekend for the holiday and should be farther along in my planning and prep. Rather than racing to catching up, I decided to play with some cookie dough as I experimented with a simple cookie recipe yesterday. These cookies are crunchy, pack an awesome almond punch, and are both gluten and dairy free. The delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies still lingers […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gifts, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Passover Recipes • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Holiday Chocolate Bark

December 21, 2017 by pamflo

Chocolate bark is an easy and delicious dessert for a party, a perfect hostess gift or a treat just for you. A timely snow storm provided a free day for some fun projects. In additional to making some decadent dark chocolate bark, I also learned how to make a boomerang Instagram video 🙂 Most professional chocolate is “tempered”, which requires it to be brought to a certain temperature. This ensures a shiny finish, a firm bite and a longer shelf […]

Categories: Chocolate/Candy, Gifts, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar • Tags: Holiday Ideas, Melt

Sweet and Savory Glazed Nuts

November 16, 2017 by pamflo

If this isn’t the year you’re hosting Thanksgiving and lucky enough to be a guest, maybe you’re in need of a hostess gift idea. These are an easy and healthier version of glazed nuts. I’ve provided recipes for both lightly sweetened glazed walnuts and spicy savory cashews, but you can use a variety of nuts if you choose. Both recipes use honey or maple syrup as sweetener instead of sugar. Turmeric, a plant that’s part of the ginger family, has curcumin […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gifts, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Nuts • Tags: Roast

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

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment

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 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

Leave a comment

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

French Chocolate Bark

December 19, 2011 by pamflo

I thought I would give you another idea for holiday gifts. A fun and festive recipe is Ina Garten’s French Chocolate Bark. It is delish, easy to make and a beautiful gift. Most professional chocolate is “tempered” which requires it to be brought to a certain temperature. This ensures a shiny finish, and a longer shelf life. It takes time and a little skill. This bark recipe does not require you to temper the chocolate. Un-tempered chocolate can “bloom” or turn […]

Categories: Chocolate, Cooking Tips, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gifts, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar, Nuts • Tags: Melt

Leave a comment

Cranberry Pistachio Ice Box Cookies

December 3, 2011 by pamflo

The holiday season is upon us and creating homemade gifts can be fun and festive. This recipe makes beautiful cookies that make a delicious gift! These are “ice box” or “refrigerator” cookies. They are made by shaping dough into logs and then refrigerating the dough before slicing and baking. The advantage to this type of cookie is the dough can be prepared ahead of time and either refrigerated or frozen. Here are some techniques for cookie baking: 1) read the entire […]

Categories: Cookies, Cooking Tips, Dessert, Gifts, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Vodka Pie Crust

November 22, 2011 by pamflo

Vodka in pie crust, yes vodka….can you believe it! Americas’s Test Kitchen published a recipe in their 2007 Cook’s Illustrated magazine for a pie crust with vodka. I tried it that year and then repeated it for a few Thanksgiving holidays following that. The vodka provides the dough with moisture and imparts no flavor. It’s worth a try! You can use the rest of the vodka for a holiday cocktail 🙂 FOOLPROOF VODKA PIE DOUGH Makes one 9-inch double pie […]

Categories: Cooking Tips, Dessert, Gifts, Holiday Ideas, Pie • Tags: Bake, Prep

Leave a comment

Reverse Chocolate Chip Cookies

October 13, 2011 by pamflo

I wish I could take credit for these delicious cookies but they belong to Ina Garten in her Parties! cookbook. That being said, I just love to bake these because they’re a twist on chocolate chip cookies, a chocolate cookie with white chocolate chunks. They’re delicious, easy to bake and make your kitchen smell awesome. This recipe makes about 40 cookies. I’m baking two batches of these cookies for two different events. The cookies come out flat and are great […]

Categories: Chocolate, Cookies, Dessert, Gifts • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment