Category Archives: Holiday Ideas

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

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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

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Oven Roasted Salmon with Chimichurri

May 4, 2023 by pamflo

Chimichurri, a bright herby sauce originating in Argentina, is the perfect complement to rich, buttery salmon. Although there are many variations of chimichurri, garlic and parsley are the two main ingredients. My variation of chimichurri is made with fresh mint, parsley, cilantro, tangy vinegar and fresh garlic, which adds brightness and depth to the salmon. This healthy dish is vibrant, flavorful and delicious. Serve the salmon alongside roasted vegetables and your favorite rice or grain for a satisfying meal. Whether […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Seafood • Tags: Roast

Asparagus and Shallot Frittata

April 27, 2023 by pamflo

A warm, custardy vegetable frittata is easier to make than you think and a great brunch idea for Mother’s Day. To perfect your frittata, use either a non-stick oven safe skillet or a well seasoned cast iron pan. After sautéing your vegetables until almost fully cooked on the stove top, add your whisked eggs to the pan and place it in the oven to finish cooking. Don’t over bake the frittata, remove it from the oven when it’s barely set […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

Coconut Macaroons with a Chocolate Drizzle

April 6, 2023 by pamflo

Calling all coconut lovers! Coconut is a great source of immediate energy, helps reduce inflammation in the body and is a heart healthy fat. These macaroons are a very satisfying flourless treat. Macaroons are traditionally made with evaporated milk but these macaroons inspired by cookbook author Alice Medrich, are made with flaked coconut and warmed egg whites. This recipe is a two step process but will guarantee a delicious cookie. The exterior of the cookies will be golden and crisp […]

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

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Tinned Fish Board

March 30, 2023 by pamflo

Tinned fish boards have been all the rage recently. They’re like a charcuterie board but with a mix of flavor-packed, delicious tins of fish and seafood, chips, condiments and other small bites. Conservas, or food preserved in cans or jars, are popular in Spain and Portugal. Seafood conservas can include tuna, trout, salmon, anchovies, mussels, octopus, mackerel, and many more types of fish. In the last few years, more tinned fish brands are available in specialty markets and on restaurant menus in […]

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

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Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

March 9, 2023 by pamflo

Ooey-goey, soft in the middle and crispy on the outside, the ultimate sweet treat! This is by far the best chocolate chip cookie recipe, it’s simple, delicious and makes about 3 dozen cookies. The dough freezes beautifully, so you can have fresh, warm chocolate chip cookies whenever you have a craving. Sometimes it’s a simple step that creates an outstanding cookie like using both white and brown sugar or using top quality chocolate chips. These cookies make superb ice cream […]

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

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Italian Wedding Soup

February 23, 2023 by pamflo

Wedding soup actually means the “marriage” of meat and greens. There are many wonderful versions of this soup so feel free to vary it as you wish. I purchased a batch of my favorite turkey meatballs, rather than making them from scratch. Instead of the traditional step of simmering the meatballs in the broth, I baked them in the oven. I made the soup a day ahead in preparation for a birthday lunch. Once the soup was done cooking, I stored […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals, Soup, Vegetables • Tags: Bake, Simmer

Homemade Peppermint Patties

February 2, 2023 by pamflo

Any interest in making your Valentine a healthy treat? Me too, that’s why I love this recipe and it involves no cooking! Food that doesn’t involve cooking relies on really fresh, high quality ingredients. These divine patties are super minty and pack an intense coconut punch. Instead of corn syrup or white sugar, I use pure maple syrup. You’ll make the coconut filling, shape the filling into patties and give them a quick trip to the freezer. Once chilled, you […]

Categories: Chocolate, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gifts, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Paleo • Tags: No Cooking

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

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Holiday Ideas

Zesty Lemonade

Cashew Butter and Honey Cookies

Oven Roasted Salmon with Chimichurri

Asparagus and Shallot Frittata

Coconut Macaroons with a Chocolate Drizzle

Tinned Fish Board

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Italian Wedding Soup

Homemade Peppermint Patties

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