Category Archives: Holiday Ideas

Brandy and Butter Glazed Carrots

November 20, 2023 by pamflo

The Thanksgiving buzz is in full swing! 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. Although I’m not hosting this year, this carrot recipe from the zesty archives is simple, festive and has just the right amount of sweetness. This elegant dish elevates the humble carrot to new heights, infusing it with the warmth of brandy and the […]

Categories: Boozy, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Blanch, Roast

Leave a comment

Red Wine Poached Pears

November 16, 2023 by pamflo

Red-wine poached pears are beautiful, sweet, tart and juicy. Poaching is a simple way to prepare and serve pears. Succulent pears are gently simmered in a fragrant bath of rich red wine, infused with a medley of fall spices. The result is a symphony of flavors that marries the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the deep, robust notes of red wine and the warmth of seasonal spices. Both Bosc and Anjou pears are good choices for cooking and baking, […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Poach

Honeynut Squash with Buckwheat Salad

November 9, 2023 by pamflo

This recipe combines the natural sweetness of roasted honeynut squash with the earthy richness of a buckwheat salad, generously dotted with toasted pecans and plump cranberries. Honeynut squash is a relatively new squash variety. It looks like a mini butternut squash, has sweet, creamy orange flesh and edible skin. Honeynut squash is easy to prepare as you can simply slice it in half, scoop out the seeds and roast it. It’s a perfect choice for a hearty side or a […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Grains, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Simmer

Pan Con Tomate

November 2, 2023 by pamflo

Pan con tomate, or tomato bread, is a classic Spanish dish that exemplifies the simplicity of fresh ingredients in Mediterranean cuisine. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish bursts with flavor, showcasing the quality of its components. Ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, crusty bread and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil come together to create a delectable blend of textures and tastes. Whether served as an appetizer, tapas or a quick and satisfying snack, pan con tomate is a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Snack • Tags: Toast

Leave a comment

Baba Ganoush

October 26, 2023 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 nutrient dense and high in fiber. The beautiful purple globe eggplants make delicious baba ganoush! It’s an easy dip to prepare with just a few ingredients and is simple to dress up with pomegranate seeds and a drizzle of olive oil. As with hummus, sesame paste or tahini, binds the dip together. […]

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

Wild Rice Stuffed Tomatoes

October 19, 2023 by pamflo

This elegant yet easy-to-make dish combines the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes with the earthy richness of wild rice, resulting in a stunning appetizer or side dish that’s sure to impress. The cocktail tomatoes are a bit bigger than your typical cherry or grape tomatoes. They have a sweet flavor from a slightly higher sugar content compared to other tomato varieties. They’re a perfect size for stuffing and in a pinch make a fun, easy appetizer. Pick tomatoes that are […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Side Dish • Tags: Roast

Pumpkin Apple Muffins

October 12, 2023 by pamflo

Fall is in the air, and what better way to embrace the season than with these delightful pumpkin apple muffins! Bursting with the rich essence of pumpkin and the natural sweetness of chopped apples, these muffins are perfect for breakfast, snack or dessert. The addition of molasses adds a deep, caramel-like note, while the use of maple syrup ensures just the right amount of sweetness without the need for excessive sugar. Bursting with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar, Muffins, Snack • Tags: Bake

Borlotti Bean with Garlic and Rosemary

October 5, 2023 by pamflo

Borlotti beans, also known as cranberry beans, are beautiful beige beans with flecks of red. The shell is inedible, but the beans inside have a creamy texture and a perfect nutty flavor, although they don’t maintain their bright color after cooking. Dried borlotti beans are readily available and can be soaked overnight before using. Borlotti beans are a great source of fiber, essential minerals and a good source of plant protein. The creamy borlotti beans, infused with the earthy aroma […]

Categories: Beans, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas • Tags: Simmer

Double Chocolate Buckwheat Cookies

September 28, 2023 by pamflo

I’m working with a unique brand of roasted buckwheat called Koktem. They’re a family-owned small business based in San Diego, California and very passionate about promoting healthy eating habits and sharing their love of buckwheat. Buckwheat is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent option for individuals with a gluten allergy or sensitivity. It’s a rich source of high-quality protein, essential amino acids and dietary fiber. Perfectly moist and loaded with rich chocolate flavor, these cookies are a delectable treat for […]

Categories: Chocolate, Cookies, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake, Grind

Leave a comment

Rustic Apple Crostata

September 21, 2023 by pamflo

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a delicious dessert that captures the essence of autumn. This rustic apple crostata is a simple yet elegant creation that brings together the natural sweetness of ripe apples, the earthy aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves and a flaky, buttery free form crust. With so many apple varieties it’s almost hard to choose a baking apple. Braeburn, Gala, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Holiday Ideas, Pies/Tarts • Tags: Bake

Late Summer Ratatouille

September 14, 2023 by pamflo

As the sun’s rays start to mellow and the days grow shorter, late summer is the perfect time to savor the bounty of the season with a roasted vegetable ratatouille. This dish captures the essence of late summer’s harvest by combining the flavors of sun-ripened tomatoes, tender eggplant, zucchini and squash, vibrant bell peppers and fragrant herbs. Roasting the vegetables infuses them with a deep flavor and a delightful way to showcase the produce. Let the vegetables roast until the […]

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

Simple Fish Stew

September 7, 2023 by pamflo

This delightful recipe combines tender fish fillets with aromatic fennel, fragrant garlic and the subtle elegance of white wine. Fennel, known for its distinct licorice undertones, brings a unique twist to this dish. Beyond its remarkable flavor, fennel boasts an impressive array of nutritional benefits including a source of vitamin C, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The anise-like notes of fennel meld perfectly with the rich undertones of garlic, while the white wine lends a delicate acidity that elevates the dish. […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Seafood, Soups/Stews • Tags: Simmer

Watermelon Gazpacho

August 17, 2023 by pamflo

The delightful flavors of watermelon, ripe tomatoes and cucumbers come together to create this sweet and savory chilled soup. Enhanced with a hint of smoky paprika and a touch of sherry vinegar, this gazpacho boasts a depth of flavor that perfectly balances the sweet and savory elements. The paprika infuses a subtle, earthy undertone, while the sherry vinegar lends a gentle acidity that brightens up every spoonful. The velvety consistency of blended watermelon and tomatoes is enlivened by the refreshing […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

Plum and Slivered Almond Galette

August 10, 2023 by pamflo

Indulge in the delightful flavors of summer with this delicious plum galette. Bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe, juicy plums and adorned with a golden-brown, flaky crust, this rustic dessert is a true celebration of the season. This traditional French pie crust called pâte brisée, which means “shortcrust pastry” forms a buttery, flaky and slightly crumbly crust, and the perfect foundation for a variety of sweet and savory delicacies. The addition of slivered almonds adds a delightful nutty crunch […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Holiday Ideas, Pies/Tarts • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Spicy Watermelon and Feta Salad

July 20, 2023 by pamflo

Beat the summer heat with this refreshing and vibrant salad! This delightful dish is a true fusion of flavors, where the coolness of the watermelon beautifully contrasts with the tangy saltiness of the feta, all enhanced by a subtle kick of spiciness. The addition of fresh mint adds a burst of herbal freshness. Perfect for a light lunch, a side dish or even as a unique party appetizer, this salad is a sublime balance of sweet, savory and spicy flavors. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Salads, Side Dish • Tags: No Cooking

Strawberry Nut Crumble

June 29, 2023 by pamflo

Strawberries are an iconic summer treat – sweet, juicy and a little tart. Fresh strawberries can be easily transformed into a bubbly, fragrant and beautiful dessert. This crumble is gluten free, diary free and a perfect way to enjoy strawberry season. As the strawberries bake and release their natural juices, they form a luscious, fruity filling that pairs harmoniously with the nutty crumble topping. Serve your crumble warm with an ice cream of your choice. Don’t be surprised if it […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Game Day, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar, Nuts, Pies/Tarts • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Roasted Asparagus Wrapped In Prosciutto

June 22, 2023 by pamflo

Indulge in mouthwatering flavors with a delightful recipe for asparagus. This elegant dish combines the earthy taste of asparagus with the salty richness of prosciutto, enhanced by parmesan cheese and vibrant lemon zest. The contrasting textures and harmonious flavors create a delicious combination. When purchasing fresh asparagus look for firm stalks and closed tips. Asparagus should be used within 2 days of purchase and can be stored with the ends wrapped in a damp paper towel. You can peel the […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Game Day, Holiday Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

Double Chocolate Brownies with Beer Malt Vinegar

June 15, 2023 by pamflo

These fudgy squares of chocolatey bliss are infused with the unexpected tang and depth of flavor from beer malt vinegar. Yes, you read it right—beer malt vinegar! I used American Vinegar Works Beer Malt Vinegar which provides a more intense chocolate zing and balance to the sweetness of the brownies. The addition of vinegar adds a unique flavor that perfectly complements the intense chocolatey goodness. American Vinegar Works, is a small group of craft vinegar makers in New England. Their […]

Categories: Brownies, Chocolate, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gifts, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake

Homemade Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips

June 8, 2023 by pamflo

This delectable recipe offers a twist on the classic potato chip by infusing it with the unmistakable tang of vinegar. By utilizing vinegar powder, you can achieve a mouthwatering balance of salty and acidic flavors, creating a snack that is both addictive and easy to make. The delicate balance of salt and tangy vinegar creates a mouthwatering explosion of flavors that will make your homemade chips rival any store-bought variety. The secret to a crispy potato chip is maintaining the […]

Categories: Chips, Cooking Tips, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Game Day, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Snack • Tags: Fry

Zesty Lemonade

June 1, 2023 by pamflo

Introducing a delightful twist on the classic lemonade: an irresistibly tangy and refreshingly lemony concoction that will invigorate your taste buds! This vibrant lemonade recipe features two different types of homemade simple syrup. One infused with the aromatic essence of lemon zest and the other with the natural sweetness of golden honey. With its zesty kick and subtle floral undertones, every sip of this lemonade is a burst of sunshine. Serve the chilled lemonade over ice, it’s a harmonious blend […]

Categories: Beverage, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Drinks, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar • Tags: Simmer

Leave a comment

Cashew Butter and Honey Cookies

May 11, 2023 by pamflo

My all time favorite cookie is the sesame tahini cookies, which you can find in the zestforcooking archives. I have to say that these delicious cashew butter cookies come in at a very close second! The combination of the cashew butter and honey is just irresistible. For mostly decorative purposes, these cookies similar to peanut butter cookies, usually have fork tine marks or criss-cross marks imprinted on the top of the raw cookie dough. Nut butter doughs are usually thick […]

Categories: Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gifts, Holiday Ideas, Nuts • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

← Older posts

Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Holiday Ideas

Brandy and Butter Glazed Carrots

Red Wine Poached Pears

Honeynut Squash with Buckwheat Salad

Pan Con Tomate

Baba Ganoush

Wild Rice Stuffed Tomatoes

Pumpkin Apple Muffins

Borlotti Bean with Garlic and Rosemary

Double Chocolate Buckwheat Cookies

Rustic Apple Crostata

Late Summer Ratatouille

Simple Fish Stew

Watermelon Gazpacho

Plum and Slivered Almond Galette

Spicy Watermelon and Feta Salad

Strawberry Nut Crumble

Roasted Asparagus Wrapped In Prosciutto

Double Chocolate Brownies with Beer Malt Vinegar

Homemade Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips

Zesty Lemonade

Cashew Butter and Honey Cookies