Category Archives: Lunch Ideas

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

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

Heirloom Tomato Galette

August 25, 2022 by pamflo

The farmers markets are in full swing and bursting with amazing fresh produce. The highlight for me are the ripe, colorful and juicy heirloom tomatoes. This tasty, savory tart is made with a simple crust combining butter and crème fraîche. The crust can be made a day ahead and refrigerated overnight. The filling is a delicious combination of heirloom tomatoes and manchego cheese, a popular Spanish sheep’s milk cheese with a tangy, nutty flavor. A slice of this galette served […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Lunch Ideas, Pies/Tarts, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

Steamed Clams in White Wine and Butter

August 11, 2022 by pamflo

Making steamers at home is easy, and just requires cleaning and prepping the clams. First, rinse and scrub the clams under cold running water, discarding any cracked or damaged clam shells. If your clams are gritty, dissolve 1/4 cup of kosher salt in 4 cups of cold water in a large bowl and soak the clams for about 20 minutes. Soaking in salt water helps to draw out the sand and grit. You’ll then steam the clams in white wine, garlic […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Seafood, Side Dish • Tags: Steam

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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Skillet Eggplant Parmesan

June 2, 2022 by pamflo

Looking for a healthier version of eggplant parmesan, check out my skillet recipe! Deep purple and glossy with a unique texture and flavor, who doesn’t love eggplant. Nutrient dense and antioxidant rich, eggplant is part of the nightshade family, along with peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes. There is no replacement for battered and fried eggplant, smothered with sauce and cheese, however, this lighter version is a close second. I skip the step of battering the eggplant and just sauté the slices in […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

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Sweet Potato Toast

May 26, 2022 by pamflo

Sweet potato toast is a delicious breakfast, fun snack or just a great substitute for a slice of bread! You’re going to carefully cut the sweet potatoes into even slices, roughly 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick, using a sharp knife or a mandoline. Then coat the slices in olive oil, add a pinch of salt and bake the slices in the oven until lightly browned and slightly softened. Choose the orange skinned potatoes as they are sweeter and less starchy and […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

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Chilled Avocado Soup

May 12, 2022 by pamflo

This is a beautiful, simple avocado soup that is gluten and dairy free. The avocados are blended with sparkling water, lime juice and extra-virgin olive oil. The soup is then chilled. Although avocados are calorically dense they are a great source of healthy fats, fiber and potassium. Hass avocados have a higher percentage of oil than other varieties, making the texture more creamy. If you want to jazz up your soup, you can add toasted pumpkin seeds, additional red pepper […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Soup, Vegetarian • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

Spicy Shrimp and Farro Bowl

March 17, 2022 by pamflo

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 semi-pearled farro as the cooking time is less than cooking the whole grain. You can make a large batch of farro as it’s a great addition to soups, salads and hot cereal. Sambal oelek is a spicy Indonesian paste made with hot red chili peppers, vinegar and salt and it adds a fantastic spicy kick […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Grains, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seafood • Tags: Sauté, Simmer

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Roasted Lamb Chops with Blood Oranges

March 3, 2022 by pamflo

Blood oranges and other delicious citrus are at their peak in the winter months. Blood oranges are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants. They may also be linked to improved gut health and better immune function. Blood oranges are less acidic than navel oranges, have a hint of sweetness and contain less seeds. I eat a piece of citrus everyday and thought it might be fun to make a savory recipe with oranges. The blood orange slices roast […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Roast

Pan Seared Scallops

February 3, 2022 by pamflo

Many years ago, I was a guest on a 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 stated 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! The secret to a delicious scallop […]

Categories: Appetizer, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Pan Sauce, Seafood • Tags: Sear, Whiz

Spicy Chicken Chili

January 13, 2022 by pamflo

Spices are the secret to making a super flavorful chili! Using dried spices can add so much flavor, texture and heat to a dish. Dried ground spices usually have a shelf life of 6 months and whole spices will last up to a year, so ensure that your spices are fresh. If they don’t smell strong, it’s time for a new bottle. Store your dried spices in a cool dry place. This chili recipe has a variety of dried spices to […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Game Day, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Simmer

Fennel and Carrot Soup

October 28, 2021 by pamflo

Raw fennel has a similar taste to anise, but don’t let that intimidate you. Fennel is a flavorful addition to salads, soups and savory dishes, and just happens to be a good source of vitamin C. Cooking fennel slowly in olive oil or butter, mellows and sweetens the flavor. Smooth and silky, you’ll find this soup quite tasty. The process of sweating the vegetables or cooking until softened and the moisture is released, brings out the subtle flavors. Consider serving the […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Soup, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Sauté, Simmer, Whiz

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Salmon and Mango Ceviche

October 14, 2021 by pamflo

Although this post comes at the tail end of mango season in the United States, hopefully you can find imported mangoes in your market as it’s the highlight of this ceviche recipe. The mango is an aromatic fruit that is part of the cashew family and a solid source of antioxidants, fiber and vitamin C. Mangoes have immune boosting properties and are beneficial for digestive health. You can use any type of fresh salmon that you like, but make sure […]

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

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Quinoa Stuffed Delicata Squash

October 7, 2021 by pamflo

There are many winter squash options at the markets now. They’re harvested in the fall and if stored in a cool dry spot, they’ll last for a while. Delicata squash, with its pale yellow, cylindrical shape is a perfect vessel for stuffing. The skin is delicate and eatable. When purchasing squashes make sure they’re firm and free of bruises. Squash brimming with a scrumptious filling, is a beautiful dish to serve. The squash can be roasted ahead of time and then […]

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

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Crispy Panko Crusted Chicken

September 23, 2021 by pamflo

This is a guest post from one of my “zesty” sons, Jacob. I developed this crispy chicken recipe over the past couple of months and I just had to share it so you can make it too. It’s super easy and is inspired by German schnitzel and Japanese katsu. My tip is to make extra chicken and have it for leftovers or to share with friends.The crispy chicken is served over a salad in this blog post, but with the […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, Sandwiches • Tags: Fry

Simple Chilled Tomato Soup

September 9, 2021 by pamflo

Although fall is in view, this chilled soup is a throwback to summer and you can use the remainder of the beautiful ripe tomatoes. This is a refreshing tomato soup that is light and simple to make. It’s actually a twist on a Greek salad, but re-invented as a soup. The fresh oregano adds an earthy, peppery flavor. If you’re unable to find it you can substitute fresh thyme or basil leaves. A good blender, Cuisinart, or immersion blender is […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Soup, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté, Whiz

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Grilled Romaine Salad

August 12, 2021 by pamflo

Romaine lettuce is the hero of a Caesar salad, mild tasting with sturdy leaves and a thick rib down the center. Perfect for grilling! Many variations of Caesar salad are still popular on restaurant menus today. The lettuce can be grilled in a grill pan or on your outdoor grill. I grilled the romaine hearts on the stove-top and dressed the leaves with a tangy citrus Caesar dressing. Anchovy paste adds that “umami” flavor to the dressing, but Worcestershire sauce or […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dressing, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads • Tags: Grill

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Halloumi Caprese Salad

July 29, 2021 by pamflo

I’m participating in a fun virtual global cooking class that provides a box of diary ingredients for each class. The last class was a tour of Greece along with a nutrition presentation and cooking demonstration. My box of Greek inspired dairy products came with a block of halloumi cheese. Having never had halloumi cheese, I did a bit of research to find out that grilling the cheese, which I did on the stove top in a grill pan, is the […]

Categories: Appetizer, Cheeses, Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads • Tags: Grill

Yakitori-Style Chicken Thighs

July 22, 2021 by pamflo

Classic Japanese yakitori chicken is skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled over a fire. Hesitating to fire up the grill because it’s been so hot and humid this summer, I baked these easy and delicious chicken skewers in the oven at a high temperature instead. I used boneless skinless chicken thighs, but boneless breasts work too. There is an added step of boiling down the sauce to the point that it coats the back of a spoon, this intensifies the […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Bake, Simmer

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Lunch Ideas

Cioppino (Seafood Stew)

Farro Risotto with Winter Squash

Heirloom Tomato Galette

Steamed Clams in White Wine and Butter

Fresh Strawberry and Radish Salsa

White Gazpacho

Skillet Eggplant Parmesan

Sweet Potato Toast

Chilled Avocado Soup

Spicy Shrimp and Farro Bowl

Roasted Lamb Chops with Blood Oranges

Pan Seared Scallops

Spicy Chicken Chili

Fennel and Carrot Soup

Salmon and Mango Ceviche

Quinoa Stuffed Delicata Squash

Crispy Panko Crusted Chicken

Simple Chilled Tomato Soup

Grilled Romaine Salad

Halloumi Caprese Salad

Yakitori-Style Chicken Thighs