Category Archives: Gluten Free

Brandy and Butter Glazed Carrots

November 5, 2020 by pamflo

The Thanksgiving buzz has begun! It starts when cooking magazines arrive at my house with photos of gleaming turkeys and perfectly plated sides. For the years that I hosted the Thanksgiving feast, my preparations typically started in October. I would start with making and freezing turkey stock, baking breads and making ice cream. I would usually assign the side dishes to willing family members. Although this year will be a very small gathering, this brandy and butter glaze adds a […]

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

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Maple Pecan Ice Cream

October 29, 2020 by pamflo

This is a creamy, luscious custard-style ice cream sweetened with maple syrup in place of white sugar. An easy stove-top custard is first made with heavy cream, milk, maple syrup and egg yolks, and then chilled before churning in your ice cream maker. The toasted maple pecans add an abundance of flavor so that you don’t even miss the sugar. With no stabilizers or preservatives to mask the flavors, there is really no substitute for homemade ice cream. Plan ahead […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Gluten Free, Ice Cream, Low Sugar • Tags: Simmer, Toast, Whiz

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Maple Cinnamon Applesauce

October 22, 2020 by pamflo

It is a beautiful fall season in New England. We went apple picking by appointment and it yielded both tart and sweet apple varieties. The wafting smell of simmering apples made the process of peeling and coring the apples worthwhile. Serve your applesauce with yogurt or oatmeal for breakfast, as a snack with some toasted nuts or as a side dish with your main course. I kept it simple with just cinnamon sticks, a pinch of nutmeg and maple syrup […]

Categories: Appetizer, Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Snack • Tags: Simmer

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Roasted Fennel and Tomatoes with Beans

October 8, 2020 by pamflo

Beans, beans they’re good for your heart, the more you eat…..and you know the rest of the tune! Not everyone is a bean lover, but they’re a good source of protein and fiber. Research suggests that if beans are soaked and/or cooked, they are easier to digest, and this is a great way to add them to your diet. Fennel is a member of the carrot family and has a fresh anise flavor when it is eaten raw. It gets […]

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

Chocolate Dipped Figs with Pistachios

September 24, 2020 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 and 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, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dessert, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar, Nuts, Snack • Tags: Melt

Creamy Corn Chowder

September 10, 2020 by pamflo

As the summer comes to a close, this soup is a perfect way to celebrate corn on the cob which is at its peak. At many of the farmers markets, you’ll find both white and yellow corn on the cob piled in nice big stacks. When shopping for corn, the husks should be bright green and wrapped tightly against the kernels. I sometimes take a tiny peek by peeling back the husk an inch or so, to make sure the […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Soup, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer

Seafood Bake

September 3, 2020 by pamflo

This flavorful and fun seafood bake is perfect for the holiday weekend! It is like squeezing summer all onto one pan, with shrimp, sausage, clams, and veggies all cooked together on one sheet tray. I tossed the ingredients with a combination of butter, olive oil and Old Bay seasoning. I blanched the potatoes and corn ahead of time in lightly salted boiling water, and pre-cooked spicy Italian sausages instead of the classic andouille sausage, before adding to the sheet tray. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Seafood • Tags: Bake

Oven Roasted Rainbow Carrots

August 20, 2020 by pamflo

The carrots with their beautiful green tops looked so appealing this week that I bought them with no real recipe in mind. Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, vitamin A and antioxidants. Their natural sweetness makes them a perfect vegetable for roasting. This is a simple recipe because all you need is a bit of olive oil, salt, pepper and a handful of your favorite fresh herbs. I finished the carrots with a splash of citrus. Save the slightly […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

Summer Plum Crumble

August 6, 2020 by pamflo

This is a perfect summer dessert using fresh, ripe plums. The farmers’ markets are brimming with succulent fresh fruit, and this recipe takes advantage of the stone variety. Try plums, peaches, nectarines or a combination of the stone fruits. This is a simple recipe with just sliced fruit and a flavorful, crunchy topping with oats, nuts, flour, brown sugar, spices and coconut oil to bind it together. Serve the crumble warm out the oven with your favorite ice cream!

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dessert, Fruit, Gluten Free, Nuts • Tags: Bake

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Grilled Corn on the Cob

July 30, 2020 by pamflo

I really miss dining out. It gave me a much needed respite from cooking, as well as inspiration for dishes. I’m hopeful that the restaurant industry will survive this pandemic. One of my favorite Boston restaurants is Toro, a spot where Jamie Bissonnette and Ken Oringer serve delicious Spanish-style tapas. One of the highlights on their menu is the grilled corn on the cob. It’s messy, delicious and worth a try at home. Grilled corn is a common Mexican street food […]

Categories: Appetizer, Cheeses, Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Healthish, Side Dish • Tags: Grill

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Honeydew and Cucumber Gazpacho

July 23, 2020 by pamflo

This soup is a throwback to a fantastic gazpacho I had while traveling a few years ago in Missouri. This fun, hip restaurant in St. Louis had a fruit based gazpacho on their menu. The light, flavorful cantaloup gazpacho was garnished with toasted, chopped pistachio nuts and an optional dollop of tangy greek yogurt. I re-created the soup with honeydew melon and cucumber, and a garnish of lightly salted, crunchy chickpeas. This dish involves no cooking and makes a scrumptious […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Soup, Vegetarian • Tags: No Cooking

Sweet and Sour Vegetables over Noodles

July 16, 2020 by pamflo

I bought myself a beautiful vegetarian cookbook called Family, by Hetty McKinnon. I had seen the author cook this recipe live on social media, during a virtual culinary conference. With a family of dedicated carnivores, I wanted to see if they would even notice a meatless dish. It turns out that they devoured this delicious vegetarian dish, not even realizing there was no meat involved. I used both broccoli and cauliflower florets, but you can stick to one vegetable if […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Stir-Fry

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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

Oven Roasted Tomatoes

June 4, 2020 by pamflo

Lately, I’ve been thinking about tomatoes as I water my newly planted little garden with it’s beautiful green leaves, so full of life and hope. I made this bright roasted tomato salad with small tomatoes, and topped it with balsamic vinegar and freshly grated parmesan cheese. It’s as easy as tossing whole cherry or grape tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh thyme sprigs, and roasting in a hot oven until the little gems burst open. With so few […]

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

Shaved Asparagus Salad

May 21, 2020 by pamflo

Spring is here, and the fresh, beautiful stalks of asparagus are in season. Asparagus is a great source of vitamin C and folate. This shaved asparagus salad is fresh and super easy to prepare. I briefly steamed the asparagus prior to shaving it into thin slices with a vegetable peeler. You are welcome to shave it raw, but a little heat increases the nutrient benefits. Trim the spears by snapping one and cutting the rest to match the broken spear. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Blanch

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Zucchini Pesto Pappardelle

May 14, 2020 by pamflo

Pappardelle shaped “noodles” made with zucchini are a great pasta substitute, and combined with a fresh, tangy pesto you would hardly realize that you’re not eating grains. I gave my spiralizer a short vacation and made zucchini ribbon “noodles” for this light dish. A wide vegetable peeler or a mandolin both work to create these pappardelle style noodles. To prevent the zucchini from become watery, place the ribbons in a colander and lightly salt. Let the ribbons sit for about […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthish, Pasta/Pizza, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Bake, Whiz

Hearty Minestrone Soup

April 30, 2020 by pamflo

There are many ways to make a delicious soup. The success of a soup is in the depth of flavors. The first layer of flavor is the pancetta, cured and salted pork belly. Olive oil is a good substitute if you don’t have or want to use pancetta. Another layer of flavor are the aromatics, vegetables used as a base flavor including, but not limited to, celery, carrots, onions and fresh herbs. Adding a piece of the rind from a […]

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

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Toasted Sesame Tahini Cookies

April 23, 2020 by pamflo

Seeds of Collaboration (SoCo) is a company that produces delicious tahini and has a social mission as well. Their mission is seeding a healthy change in kitchens and communities. They believe economic collaboration is a way to build bridges. SoCo supports MEET – Middle East Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow – a non-profit in full partnership with MIT since 2004, that connects young Israeli and Palestinian students using the common language of technology and entrepreneurship. Every SoCo jar sold helps fund an Israeli-Palestinian student […]

Categories: Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Dessert, Gluten Free, Seeds, Snack • Tags: Bake

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Gluten Free

Brandy and Butter Glazed Carrots

Maple Pecan Ice Cream

Maple Cinnamon Applesauce

Roasted Fennel and Tomatoes with Beans

Chocolate Dipped Figs with Pistachios

Creamy Corn Chowder

Seafood Bake

Oven Roasted Rainbow Carrots

Summer Plum Crumble

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Honeydew and Cucumber Gazpacho

Sweet and Sour Vegetables over Noodles

Tomato Citrus Salad

Grilled Watermelon Slices

Red Sangria

Strawberry Gazpacho

Oven Roasted Tomatoes

Shaved Asparagus Salad

Zucchini Pesto Pappardelle

Hearty Minestrone Soup

Toasted Sesame Tahini Cookies