Category Archives: Lunch Ideas

Baked Stuffed Tomatoes

September 19, 2019 by pamflo

The cocktail tomatoes are a smaller version, but a tad bigger than your typical cherry or grape tomato. 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. The tomatoes are plentiful at the markets now, but we are heading toward the end of tomato season in New England. Pick tomatoes that are firm to the touch and free […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Rice/Grains, Side Dish, Vegetarian • Tags: Bake

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Lobster and Asparagus Omelet

August 29, 2019 by pamflo

“Lobsta” as the Bostonians fondly call this tasty crustacean, is at its peak between June and late December. Maine lobsters have sweet, meaty claws and delicious tail meat, and are a perfect addition to an omelet. Lobster meat is low in calories and high in protein. It provides a great source of essential vitamins and minerals, and is low in mercury. I added steamed asparagus, and gave both the asparagus and lobster meat a quick sauté in a combination of […]

Categories: Appetizer, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seafood, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

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Tuna Poke Bowl

August 15, 2019 by pamflo

This “do it yourself” poke bowl is fresh, customizable and there’s no cooking involved! Tuna is a good source of high quality protein containing many of our essential amino acids. Ahi tuna, also know as yellow-fin is the best tuna to use for this raw dish, although fresh salmon is a good alternative. Buy the freshest fish possible, sometimes referred to as “sushi-grade”. When shopping for fish, it should smell fresh and briny like the sea, the eyes should be […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking

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Sheet Pan Seafood Bake

August 8, 2019 by pamflo

This flavorful and fun seafood bake is like squeezing summer all onto one pan, with flavorful shrimp, sausage, clams, and veggies all made 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. This is a perfect dish for a […]

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

Baked Tomato Gratin

August 1, 2019 by pamflo

Although it seems almost sinful to cook beautifully ripe tomatoes at the height of the summer, this dish intensifies the flavor of the tomatoes. A classic gratin is usually a dish of layered vegetables topped with cheese and buttery breadcrumbs. My version is a simple dish with large juicy tomato slices, a sprinkling of parmesan cheese, fresh herbs and a splash of balsamic vinegar. This dish is a perfect side for a hearty meal or a nice topping for a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

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Grilled Zucchini Salad

July 25, 2019 by pamflo

The most delightful part of this salad is the pomegranate molasses, a thick tart syrup that’s drizzled on the grilled zucchini. Pomegranate molasses is a syrup traditionally used in Middle Eastern cooking, and can be used in a variety of dishes. It is easy to make your own with sugar, lemon and pomegranate juice or is readily available at most specialty markets. Zucchini is actually a fruit, with its beautiful yellow blossoms that are edible. Usually eaten as a vegetable […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Grill

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Grilled Swordfish and Vegetable Kabobs

July 18, 2019 by pamflo

Swordfish is a firm-fleshed fish with a mildly sweet flavor, perfect for cutting into cubes and grilling for an easy weeknight meal. Although it’s on the list of fish that can be high in mercury, it’s a great protein source, and abundant in minerals and vitamins. If time permits, you can marinate the pieces of fish for up to 30 minutes. Being short on time, I generously coated the cubes with olive oil, salt and pepper before grilling. Serve hot with […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seafood, Vegetables • Tags: Grill

Watermelon and Tomato Gazpacho

July 11, 2019 by pamflo

The delightful flavors of watermelon, ripe tomatoes and cucumbers come together to create this sweet and savory chilled soup. With the added tang of a lime and the heat of a jalapeño, this is the perfect dish for a hot and steamy summer night! This soup can be served smooth or chunky. If you want a combination of both, puree the soup completely in a blender or food processor, and then add the extra finely diced watermelon and cucumbers. If […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

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Summer Panzanella Salad

July 3, 2019 by pamflo

Panzanella is a popular Tuscan chopped salad traditionally made with really ripe tomatoes, toasted bread cubes and red onion. It sometimes includes cucumbers and is simply dressed with olive oil and vinegar. In my summer salad, cornbread croutons add a modern twist to a combination of avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers and freshly chopped basil. Slivered raw red onion adds some bite, but is optional. Dress this salad with extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, and season it with salt and […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Toast, Toss

Creamy Cauliflower and Toasted Walnut Dip

June 27, 2019 by pamflo

Cauliflower is still all the rage. This humble head of white florets can be transformed into a tender, creamy and comforting addition to a great entree, or center stage with other great sides. The bonus is that cauliflower is a great source of vitamin C. Earthy and rich without being heavy, this creamy cauliflower dip is great for a crowd. It is perfect served with raw veggies, crackers or as a spread for sandwiches.

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables

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Charred Sugar Snap Peas

June 6, 2019 by pamflo

Sugar snap peas are a cross between snow peas and garden peas. The peas are naturally sweet and crunchy, and you can eat the whole pod. Snap peas may be eaten raw or cooked, although you may have to remove the “string” at the seam of the pod if eating the peas raw. Snap peas are low in calories, high in fiber, iron and Vitamin C. This is a terrific light dish that’s quick to prepare. The success of this dish is […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans/Legumes, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Char

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Spicy Rice Noodle Stir Fry

May 30, 2019 by pamflo

Joyce Chen is the chef credited with bringing northern-style Chinese cuisine to the United States. She invented the flat-bottom wok with a long handle, making it easier for the home cook to create authentic stir-fry dishes. Her daughter Helen Chen was one of my favorite chef instructors in culinary school. If you don’t own a wok, a heavy-bottomed skillet is a great substitute. Any type of fresh or dried noodle can be used in a stir-fry. I used the thick dried […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Peanuts, Rice/Grains, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Stir-Fry

Roasted Asparagus with Cherry Tomatoes

May 9, 2019 by pamflo

Spring is finally here and the asparagus is in season, with its beautiful green stalks and familiar earthy fragrance. Roasting asparagus is a quick and easy dish for a weeknight meal or for a crowd. When purchasing these beauties 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 stalks for a sleek plated presentation, but it […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Toast

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Easy Breakfast Tacos

May 2, 2019 by pamflo

This dish is a great choice for a quick, casual breakfast. Don’t underestimate the wakeup call that hot sauce can provide in the morning. Honestly, I never considered hot sauce for breakfast, but it turns out that the tangy sauce pairs perfectly with eggs. I’m often asked if I have any go-to ingredients in my pantry. Indeed I do, and Sriracha is one of them. The combination of the blistered tortilla, runny eggs and creamy avocado really hits the spot. I […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas • Tags: Blister, Fry

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Brown Butter Sea Scallops with Lemon and Capers

April 25, 2019 by pamflo

Many years ago, I was a guest on a local television show and was asked a few personal questions to wrap up my cooking segment. The host asked if my mother was a positive cooking influence in my life. Without filtering my thoughts, I said that my mom was an awful cook and had ruined my joy of eating scallops…oops! Although this was true, I profusely apologized to my mom. We still laugh about it! Scallops are a lean protein source and quite easy to cook. However, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seafood • Tags: Sauté

Zucchini and Scallion Fritters

April 11, 2019 by pamflo

These zucchini fritters are crispy, simple to make and perfect for the upcoming holidays. The fritter batter requires flour for texture and I used almond flour. Feel free to use another flour like chickpea or all-purpose flour. If you’re making these fritters for the Passover holiday you can use potato starch. The trick to achieving crispy fritters, is to remove as much moisture as possible from the grated zucchini. This is a two step process by first salting the grated zucchini […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Passover Recipes, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

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Fruity Cobb Salad

March 21, 2019 by pamflo

As spring arrives this variation on the Cobb salad could offer some diversity to your meal rotation, and take advantage of some of the beautiful winter produce that’s still available. It’s often hard motivating to make a homemade salad on a cold day, but you’re rewarded with an interesting dish that might have been just an average salad. As the bacon is cooking, blanch the green beans in salted boiling water and then transfer to an ice bath to stop […]

Categories: Appetizer, Bacon, Beans, Fruit, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Vegetables • Tags: Bake, Steam

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Classic Beef Stew

March 14, 2019 by pamflo

Arrowroot flour is a form of starch that is derived from the root of a tropical plant. It is used in baking and cooking as an effective gluten-free alternative to white flour or cornstarch. I used arrowroot as a substitute for all-purpose flour, to coat the stew meat and help thicken the sauce. Making a stew does take the better part of the day to make on the stove top. I don’t own a slow-cooker and really enjoy using my […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals • Tags: Sear, Simmer

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Beer Can Roast Chicken

February 28, 2019 by pamflo

This chicken dish is absolutely delicious and moist! The benefits of roasting a chicken atop a can of beer ensures a succulent and flavorful bird. Although this is a fun summer dish, the chicken can be cooked in the oven in a cast iron pan or roasting tray and is a satisfying dish any time of the year. The beer provides both steam and flavor so pick a brand that you enjoy drinking. Here are some useful tips for cooking […]

Categories: Boozy, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Roast

Spicy Steamed Shrimp

February 21, 2019 by pamflo

En papillote or cooking “in paper” is when food is enclosed in packets of parchment paper or foil, and cooked in the oven. It’s an easy and healthy way to steam food, and infuse flavor. The traditional method of using parchment paper requires origami-style folding and results in a beautiful, elegant presentation; aluminum foil works too. The parchment or foil needs to be sealed completely in order to keep the steam from escaping while the food cooks. As the packets bakes, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seeds, Vegetables • Tags: Steam

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Spaghetti Squash with Shrimp and Lemon

January 24, 2019 by pamflo

It started with a phone call from my brother on the west coast, why isn’t your shrimp and lemon pasta dish on the blog, I want to make it now?! Many years ago, before culinary school, he and I had taken a series of cooking classes together and a lemon pasta dish was by far the most memorable recipe we made. After tweaking the recipe and adding shrimp, it became one of my signature dishes and part of a weekly […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seafood, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Sauté

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Lunch Ideas

Baked Stuffed Tomatoes

Lobster and Asparagus Omelet

Tuna Poke Bowl

Sheet Pan Seafood Bake

Baked Tomato Gratin

Grilled Zucchini Salad

Grilled Swordfish and Vegetable Kabobs

Watermelon and Tomato Gazpacho

Summer Panzanella Salad

Creamy Cauliflower and Toasted Walnut Dip

Charred Sugar Snap Peas

Spicy Rice Noodle Stir Fry

Roasted Asparagus with Cherry Tomatoes

Easy Breakfast Tacos

Brown Butter Sea Scallops with Lemon and Capers

Zucchini and Scallion Fritters

Fruity Cobb Salad

Classic Beef Stew

Beer Can Roast Chicken

Spicy Steamed Shrimp

Spaghetti Squash with Shrimp and Lemon