Category Archives: Holiday Ideas

Pom Pom Punch

December 29, 2022 by pamflo

The New Year is within reach and I love ending the year with a celebratory cocktail recipe. Thanks so much to my guest post writers, Tyori, Audrey and Lucas, you’re the best! Generally gin-based cocktails are not our favorite, but with the fruit forward sweetness, citrus acidity and nutty gin flavor, this Pom Pom Punch is a winner! It’s a perfectly balanced holiday punch to share with friends and family. For those who want a less sweet drink with a […]

Categories: Alcohol, Boozy, Cocktail, Drinks, Easy Recipes, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Stir

Potato Pancakes with Smoked Salmon

December 19, 2022 by pamflo

A latke is a type of potato pancake or fritter which is traditionally served during the Hanukkah holiday. These potato pancakes are crispy and lip-smacking good! Potato pancakes can be made with grated, shredded or mashed potatoes. I add grated onion, an egg, matzo meal (or all-purpose flour), a little baking powder and butter. The potato pancakes are fried in vegetable oil, peanut oil or another high heat neutral oil. These pancakes can be made earlier in the day and […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Holiday Ideas, Side Dish • Tags: Fry

Nutty Chocolate Bark

December 15, 2022 by pamflo

In preparation for the holidays I’m making one of my favorite desserts, nutty chocolate bark. It’s a fun and festive recipe, delicious and easy to make. Most professional chocolate is “tempered”, which requires it to be brought to a certain temperature. This process takes time and a bit of skill, but ensures a shiny finish and a longer shelf life. Candies, like truffles, dipped chocolates and bars of chocolate require tempering to create their signature taste and texture. Some simple candy recipes […]

Categories: Chocolate, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar, Nuts, Snack • Tags: Melt

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Braised Brisket with Apricots and Prunes

December 8, 2022 by pamflo

One of the my favorite winter activities is braising tough cuts of meat slowly, using a low temperature. The dried fruit in this recipe creates a delicious sweet sauce for the brisket. When purchasing brisket, you are more likely to find the “first cut”, a leaner piece of meat, but if possible ask the butcher for the “second cut”. Although both cuts of meat work, the second cut of meat is marbled with fat and perfect for braising. The aromatics, […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Braise, Sear

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Peanut Caramel Crunch Bars

December 1, 2022 by pamflo

Making candy at home takes a bit of effort, however, it’s rewarding and satisfying. All you need is a candy thermometer, a sturdy aluminum or copper saucepan, and some focus. It is important to have your tools and ingredients ready to go, because the candy comes together rather 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 […]

Categories: Bars, Candy, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Gifts, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Nuts • Tags: Candy

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Cocoa Dusted Almonds

November 22, 2022 by pamflo

These outrageous cocoa dusted almonds are oven roasted, lightly sweetened and covered in cocoa powder. If this isn’t your year to host the holidays, maybe you’re in need of a hostess/host gift idea. These almonds make a fun gift and it’s easy to double the recipe. The secret to this delicious treat is in the quality of the cocoa powder and good quality cocoa powder elevates your desserts. When baking, you should always use unsweetened cocoa powder as it allows you […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gifts, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Nuts, Snack • Tags: Roast

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Maple Roasted Carrots with Pistachios

November 17, 2022 by pamflo

The Thanksgiving buzz is in full swing! 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 make and freeze turkey stock, bake breads and make ice cream. Although I’m not hosting this year, I miss the menu planning and holiday hustle. This is a beautiful carrot dish that takes no advanced planning and is […]

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

Flourless Almond Butter Pecan Cookies

November 10, 2022 by pamflo

Almond butter is the delicious paste that comes from grinding almonds into a nut butter. It is the glue, along with an egg, that binds these flourless cookies together. Almonds are high in antioxidants, low in carbohydrates, and a source of healthy fat and protein. You can use natural almond butter, commercial almond butter or you can make your own almond butter. There will be a difference in the texture so you’ll want to put some muscle into making a […]

Categories: Cookies, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Nuts • Tags: Bake

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Cioppino (Seafood Stew)

November 3, 2022 by pamflo

Cioppino or Brodetto di Pesce, is a delicious rustic Italian stew brimming with fresh seafood cooked in a tomato broth with wine, garlic and herbs. This hearty stew is traditionally served with grilled bread rubbed with garlic. Although there are many ingredients in this seafood stew, the dish comes together quite quickly. This dish can be a simple soup with just the fresh seafood cooked in broth and tomatoes, or you can use the ingredients to build a rich flavorful stew. […]

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

Roasted Delicata Squash with Lemon Tahini Sauce

October 27, 2022 by pamflo

There are many winter squash options available at the markets now. Squash is harvested in the fall and if stored in a cool dry spot, they’ll last for awhile. When purchasing squash make sure they’re firm and free of bruises. Delicata squash is oblong in shape, has pale yellow skin with a green stripe and delicate yellow flesh. There’s no need to peel the squash before you chop it, because once the squash is cooked you can eat the skin. Tahini […]

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

Farro Risotto with Winter Squash

October 13, 2022 by pamflo

Many of the outdoor farmers markets stay open into early November with beautiful fall fruit and vegetables. The winter squash elevates this dish and you can choose any type you like, although butternut squash is my favorite. You’ll roast the squash in the oven and then add the puréed flesh to finish your dish. Farro is a hearty wheat-based grain that has a rich, nutty flavor. It is a good source of fiber and protein. Look for the pearled farro or […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Grains, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté, Simmer

Sheet Pan Chicken

October 6, 2022 by pamflo

Sheet pan meals are simple to prepare, easy to cleanup and delicious. This sheet pan bake is very flavorful and includes a full meal with proteins, vegetables and a starch. I love fingerling potatoes for their shape and creamy texture, yet russet potatoes are a good choice too. You can really use any protein that you want, nevertheless I prefer bone-in chicken thighs for their distinctive taste. Any type of sausage would work if you’re not a chorizo fan, although make […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals • Tags: Bake

Blistered Green Beans

September 29, 2022 by pamflo

Although green beans are available almost all year round, they’re at their peak in the northeast. When purchasing green beans look for beans that are tender, long and firm. They should “snap” when broken. I prefer a two step process when cooking green beans. The first step is blanching, which is a quick dip of about 3-4 minutes in rapidly boiling salted water. Step two is placing the green beans into an icy water bath to halt the cooking process. Blanching […]

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

Honey Roasted Figs

September 15, 2022 by pamflo

Late summer into early fall is fig season in New England. Figs don’t ripen after they’re picked, so buy them at their peak when they’re soft, round and about to burst. Minor bruises or tears are usually harmless, but avoid buying dry, cracked figs. Figs are deliciously sweet with a slight hint of honey and are a good source of calcium and potassium. These roasted figs can be served with a savory dish like chicken or pork. They can also be […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Snack • Tags: Roast

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Loaded Hummus Platter

September 8, 2022 by pamflo

Smooth, creamy and lemony with a hint of garlic and a few splashes of hot sauce, that’s my favorite kind of hummus. I topped my hummus with olives, capers, cucumbers, tomatoes, chickpeas, feta cheese and a drizzle of good olive oil. I’ve included my favorite homemade hummus recipe but please feel free to use your favorite store-bought brand instead. I served my loaded hummus platter with crackers and a crisp Chardonnay. Seeds of Collaboration (SoCo) is a company that produces delicious […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans/Legumes, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Seeds, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

Watermelon Tequila Slushy

July 7, 2022 by pamflo

This slushy blender cocktail is perfect for a steamy summer evening. Instead of using ice, freeze the watermelon cubes ahead of serving. Place the cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. There is an abundance of peak produce at the farmers’ markets now, and in addition I purchased local raw honey to use as a sweetener. A simply syrup works as well. To make a simply syrup, simmer equal parts water and sugar […]

Categories: Alcohol, Boozy, Cocktail, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Whiz

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Almond Tuile Cookies

June 30, 2022 by pamflo

There’s a popular ice cream shop in Cape Cod called the Polar Cave. The ice cream is delicious, but the “made to order” warm waffle cones are outstanding. The freshly baked waffle cones perfume the air as you’re waiting in line to enter the store. I wanted to create a lighter version of this experience at home and a thin, toasty almond cookie did the trick. These cookies are light, airy, gluten free and make a delightful dessert. The warm […]

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

Fresh Strawberry and Radish Salsa

June 23, 2022 by pamflo

We’re in the peak of strawberry season with juicy, beautiful farm stand berries available almost everywhere! High in vitamin C, plump, red and delicious, strawberries make a great snack or addition to any meal. Make sure to pick berries that are bright red with a stem firmly attached, washing just before using. This fresh fruity salsa with radish and avocado is simple to prepare and requires no cooking. I served my zesty salsa with grilled swordfish but it can top […]

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

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White Gazpacho

June 16, 2022 by pamflo

Cool, refreshing and healthy, this cold soup requires no cooking! Even if you’re not a gazpacho fan, this soup is zesty and really delicious. This gazpacho is a twist on a Spanish classic and provides a nice break from a traditional tomato-based gazpacho. This beautiful creamy soup is usually made with a combination of grapes, cucumbers, garlic, blanched almonds and bread. I leave out the bread and include cilantro, a splash of sherry vinegar and plenty of lime juice. It […]

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

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Strawberry Rhubarb Polenta Crisp

May 5, 2022 by pamflo

Fresh strawberries can easily be transformed into a bubbly, fragrant and beautiful dessert. Strawberries paired with thinly sliced rhubarb stalks provide some extra tartness to this delicious crisp. Rhubarb is high in antioxidants, vitamin K and a natural laxative. A lightly sweetened crumbly topping made with quick cooking polenta, adds a nice crispy texture to each bite. I find the best way to enjoy this crisp is serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh chilled […]

Categories: Crisp, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake

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Date and Almond Butter Fudge Bars

April 21, 2022 by pamflo

Always in search of a healthy treat, I was inspired by this fudge recipe that uses dates as a base and provides its sweetness. Large and plump, Medjool dates are a perfect natural sweetener for bars, smoothies and baked goods. Dates are a stone fruit that are high in fiber and a rich source of antioxidants. Choose dates that are shiny, unbroken, and not too firm. Both the coconut oil and almond butter have a dual purpose of providing great […]

Categories: Bars, Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas • Tags: No Cooking

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Holiday Ideas

Pom Pom Punch

Potato Pancakes with Smoked Salmon

Nutty Chocolate Bark

Braised Brisket with Apricots and Prunes

Peanut Caramel Crunch Bars

Cocoa Dusted Almonds

Maple Roasted Carrots with Pistachios

Flourless Almond Butter Pecan Cookies

Cioppino (Seafood Stew)

Roasted Delicata Squash with Lemon Tahini Sauce

Farro Risotto with Winter Squash

Sheet Pan Chicken

Blistered Green Beans

Honey Roasted Figs

Loaded Hummus Platter

Watermelon Tequila Slushy

Almond Tuile Cookies

Fresh Strawberry and Radish Salsa

White Gazpacho

Strawberry Rhubarb Polenta Crisp

Date and Almond Butter Fudge Bars