Category Archives: Lunch Ideas

Bluefish with Garlic Aioli

June 22, 2017 by pamflo

It was a cool, dark early June morning when my kids took off to go on a deep sea fishing charter off of Cape Cod. Often sea sick on boats I passed on the adventure, but promised to cook whatever they were lucky enough to catch. Lo and behold, they came home with beautiful pieces of bluefish, the filleting courtesy of the boat captain. We had never eaten bluefish, so I quickly researched on-line and found a mayo based glaze. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Seafood • Tags: Bake

Grilled Pizza

June 15, 2017 by pamflo

Despite the cool wet spring in New England, I was ready to fire up the outdoor grill. Although this charred and crispy bread is more like a garnished flatbread than a pizza, it can be topped with all sorts of fresh and seasonal fruits, vegetables and meats. The stunning red and bizarre shaped heirloom tomatoes are just starting to show up at the market. With the addition of some arugula leaves, sliced prosciutto and shredded mozzarella cheese, I had a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Lunch Ideas, Pasta/Pizza, Sandwiches, Snack • Tags: Grill

Lobster Roll

June 1, 2017 by pamflo

In anticipation of summer’s arrival, lobster was on my mind. Nothing beats a hunk of fresh lobster meat mixed with mayonnaise, a squeeze of lemon juice and diced celery on a buttery grilled bun. Lobster rolls are a true New England favorite. I learned from the lobster master, chef Jasper White, while in culinary school. He’s famous for his pan-roasted lobster in the shell. There are numerous ways to make lobster salad, with the addition of herbs, dried spices or various […]

Categories: Lunch Ideas, Sandwiches, Seafood • Tags: Boil

Lime and Cilantro Scallops

May 18, 2017 by pamflo

Many years ago, I was a guest on a friend’s local television show and was asked a few personal questions to wrap up the 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 and we still laugh about that moment. Scallops are a lean protein source and easy to cook. […]

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

Savory Socca (Chickpea Pancake)

May 11, 2017 by pamflo

The advantages to the tremendous amount of rain that Boston has received recently are beautiful, green grass and bright, colorful flowers. I was surprised to find some fragrant mint and sage in my little backyard garden, as well. I used the mint for tea and the sage for topping my socca. Socca, a regional French dish, is a savory pancake created with chickpea flour (also called garbanzo flour), water and olive oil. The batter makes a beautiful, gluten-free pancake that can be […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish • Tags: Bake, Broil

Black Rice Salad

May 4, 2017 by pamflo

I used to own a finicky rice cooker made by a company called Fuzzy Logic. I came to rely heavily on this favorite kitchen appliance for all dishes involving rice. After years of dependable, consistent batches of perfectly steamed fluffy rice it just stopped working, bringing tears to my eyes. I realized that I couldn’t remember when I had last cooked rice on the stove-top. I never replaced my rice cooker and embraced cooking rice on the stove, which takes precision. Remember to […]

Categories: Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Rice/Grains, Salads • Tags: Boil

Spaghetti Squash Pizza

April 20, 2017 by pamflo

I thought it might be fun to put together a quick and easy crowd pleasing dish. All that is needed is a few pantry staples and any veggies you have on hand. The fact that this actually tastes like pizza came as a complete surprise. Spaghetti squash is a healthy, versatile vegetable. The flesh becomes beautiful noodle-like strands, that will take on whatever flavor you add to it. High in fiber and rich in nutrients, spaghetti squash is a tasty substitute for […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetarian • Tags: Roast

Sea Bass en Papillote

April 13, 2017 by pamflo

En papillote is a classic method of cooking food wrapped in parchment paper. 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 paper rises while cooking, and is filled with the fragrances of the fresh ingredients. When you open the parchment you get the gift of this wonderful aroma. The rule of thumb for cooking fish is […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Seafood • Tags: Bake

Bourbon Glazed Salmon

March 9, 2017 by pamflo

My past career in clinical trial management took me many places far and wide, but I had never been to Kentucky. I just arrived home from an excellent professional culinary conference that was held in Louisville, Kentucky. Respected cookbook authors, talented recipe developers, award-winning food writers, food photographers and more, came from all over to attend this dynamic annual conference. My head is still spinning from all the tips and tidbits I learned. Many of the local restaurants and bourbon makers exhibited their […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Seafood • Tags: Bake

Nutty Brussels Bowl

February 23, 2017 by pamflo

The lightly fried egg provides the protein, the beautiful roasted Brussels provides the veggies, and the sticky white rice provides the carbs. A complete meal in one bowl! All the ingredients are interchangeable or optional. This dish can be created with leftovers and pantry staples that you have on hand. I had some toasted almond slivers and garnished the bowl with that as well. Topped with a light, tangy dressing it’s absolutely one of the best lunches I’ve had in a while! I used umami-packed Asian […]

Categories: Appetizer, Lunch Ideas, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

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Italian Vegetable and Bean Soup

February 16, 2017 by pamflo

As I approach my 200th blog post, I want to thank all of my readers for your support! I really love hearing your thoughts, and if commenting on WordPress doesn’t work for you find me on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. I look forward to your continued feedback, photos and ideas. Now let’s talk about umami, a savory flavor sometimes referred to as the fifth taste alongside sweet, salty, sour and bitter. Naturally occurring in foods such as mushrooms, cheese, fish, meat, tomatoes and soy […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Soups/Stews • Tags: Simmer

Sweet and Tangy Baked Chicken Wings

February 2, 2017 by pamflo

Even if you’re not a football fan, the Super Bowl is a big day for entertaining and eating. Chicken wings are a popular food with or without sports involved. Rice vinegar and Sriracha are not what comes to mind when you think of party wings, but this sweet and tangy chicken dish is a real treat. Topped with a squeeze of lime juice, sesame seeds and chopped cilantro, this dish is a great spin on a game time treat. Alongside these zesty wings, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Bake

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Cauliflower “Fried” Rice

January 26, 2017 by pamflo

Cauliflower seems like a boring white food, but don’t overlook it because it’s loaded with anti-inflammatory properties. Cauliflower is popular now masquerading in other dishes, such as a base for pizza dough. It was time to try cauliflower as a substitute for carbohydrates. It’s really good as faux “fried” rice! This vegetarian cauliflower dish is a warm and comforting bowl of goodness as is, but I could see adding a protein for a complete meal. Both pre-cut cauliflower and the pre-cut mixed vegetables can be […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Smoothies/Shakes, Vegetarian • Tags: Sauté

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Beef Brisket with Prunes and Apricots

December 29, 2016 by pamflo

Recently, we welcomed winter with some very varied weather in Boston. 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 beautiful and mildly sweet sauce for the brisket. This dish is perfect for a crowd or made in advance, leaving great leftovers. When purchasing brisket, you are more likely to find the “first cut”, a leaner piece of meat, but if possible, ask the butcher for […]

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

Quinoa Stuffed Delicata Squash

December 15, 2016 by pamflo

Looking back fondly at the plethora of photos from my fall Farmers’ Market visits, I realize that it might not be too late to post a squash recipe. Although winter squashes are harvested in the fall, stored in a cool dry spot they’ll keep for a while. There are a few options for squashes at the markets now. Delicata squash, with its pale yellow, cylindrical shape, is a perfect vessel for stuffing. The skin is eatable, and when purchasing buy […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Vegetarian • Tags: Roast

Baked Salmon with Orange Marmalade

December 1, 2016 by pamflo

After the frenzied eating associated with the start of the holiday season, I thought that a healthy fish dinner would be a welcome recipe. This salmon recipe is delicious with the sweetness from the marmalade and the tartness of the fresh orange juice. When buying salmon, make sure it’s smells fresh like the sea and not “fishy”. I usually buy salmon with the skin on, which prevents the moisture from escaping while cooking. I have the fishmonger remove the needle-like pin bones. If you purchase […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Seafood • Tags: Bake

Farro and Arugula Salad

October 27, 2016 by pamflo

A few of the outdoor Boston Farmer’s Markets are coming to a close for the season. I wanted to make a dish that incorporated some of the remaining beautiful fresh produce. The credit for this tasty salad goes to New York chef Charlie Bird. Farro can be bland on it’s own, but in this recipe it’s slowly simmered in fresh apple cider with a bay leaf. My version of this dish has just a few embellishments, feel free to alter it as […]

Categories: Appetizer, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Rice/Grains, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer

Balsamic Grilled Figs

September 22, 2016 by pamflo

With smooth skin, and sweet, juicy flesh fresh figs are the perfect healthy snack. Figs are high in calcium, magnesium and fiber. Every week I buy fresh figs and eat them right out of the little green basket, before I have a chance to try a new recipe. Finally this week, I saved a few fresh figs to grill. If you already have your grill fired up, just place them on the grill for 2-3 minutes. A grill-pan on the stove-top works […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas • Tags: Grill

Grilled Watermelon

August 25, 2016 by pamflo

Celebrate and savor watermelon season by grilling thick, sweet slices! Although it’s not the most beautiful dish, grilled watermelon is healthy, light and delicious. Whether you fire-up your grill or use a grill-pan indoors, make sure to lightly coat the watermelon with olive oil before grilling. The sweetness of the watermelon, combined with the salty feta and fresh mint, makes a great summer dish. I put my slices over an arugula salad for a light lunch! 3-4 large slices of watermelon, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Fruit, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish • Tags: Grill

Heirloom Tomatoes

August 18, 2016 by pamflo

These heirloom beauties are at their peak right now! A fabulous farmers market find. The heirloom varieties ripen faster than other types of tomatoes, so only buy enough to last for a few days. Please don’t store them in the refrigerator, but at room temperature instead. Pick tomatoes that are firm to the touch and free of open cracks. Fresh, ripe tomatoes really just need a sprinkle of sea salt to enjoy. That being said, here is a simple […]

Categories: Appetizer, Breakfast Ideas, Cheeses, Lunch Ideas, Sandwiches • Tags: No Cooking

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Israeli Chopped Salad

August 11, 2016 by pamflo

Raw. Simple. Fresh. A perfect salad for a hot summer night, as a side dish or a quick lunch. An Israeli salad is defined as a finely chopped salad of raw vegetables, tossed with a simple dressing. Middle Eastern restaurants serve variations of this salad in pita pockets, on it’s own or to accompany falafel, a deep-fried chickpea fritter. Traditionally, the salad contains tomatoes, Kirby or Persian cucumbers, onion and peppers. I added carrot and radishes and skipped the onion and pepper. […]

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

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Lunch Ideas

Bluefish with Garlic Aioli

Grilled Pizza

Lobster Roll

Lime and Cilantro Scallops

Savory Socca (Chickpea Pancake)

Black Rice Salad

Spaghetti Squash Pizza

Sea Bass en Papillote

Bourbon Glazed Salmon

Nutty Brussels Bowl

Italian Vegetable and Bean Soup

Sweet and Tangy Baked Chicken Wings

Cauliflower “Fried” Rice

Beef Brisket with Prunes and Apricots

Quinoa Stuffed Delicata Squash

Baked Salmon with Orange Marmalade

Farro and Arugula Salad

Balsamic Grilled Figs

Grilled Watermelon

Heirloom Tomatoes

Israeli Chopped Salad