Category Archives: Meat/Poultry

Kale and Sausage Orecchiette Pasta

June 7, 2018 by pamflo

This hearty and healthy dish is a family favorite with greens such as kale, spinach or broccoli rabe. For protein, I use a combination of spicy and sweet sausages, made with either pork or chicken. Instead of using the full sausages, I strip the ground meat out of their casings and sauté it in olive oil. With quick heat to wilt the greens, a giant scoop of mascarpone cheese and some reserved pasta water, the dish comes together very easily. Season […]

Categories: Appetizer, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals • Tags: Sauté

Honey Ginger Chicken Wings

March 15, 2018 by pamflo

Who doesn’t love an easy dinner idea?! These wings are simple to prepare and bake quickly. The bite from the ginger combined with the sweetness of the honey makes for a tasty sauce. Ginger root is readily available in most markets and is known for its ability to ease nausea and improve digestion. The best way to prepare the root it is to cut off the smaller roots from the main piece and peel the skin off with a vegetable […]

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

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Beer Braised Brisket

March 8, 2018 by pamflo

Brisket can be a tough cut of meat, but with low and slow heat it becomes a tender, succulent dish. Cooking with beer adds a rich, almost earthy flavor. Excitedly, I went in search of good local craft beer to use. I came across Fuzzy Logic whose Belgian Ale added a surprisingly sweet note to the sauce. When purchasing brisket you usually have two choices for the cut of meat and both cuts work well. The flat cut generally has […]

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

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Spicy Skirt Steak Fajitas

February 22, 2018 by pamflo

Firing up your outdoor grill in Boston this week is not completely out of the question, as the temperature has been in the mid 60’s! These super tasty steak fajitas were grilled in my trusty stove-top grill pan. Both skirt and flank steak benefit from a few hours of marinating as they’re typically tougher cuts of meat. The secrets to juicy tender steak is letting the meat come to room temperature for about 30 minutes or so before cooking, and […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, Vegetables • Tags: Grill, Marinate

Pulled Pork Nachos

December 7, 2017 by pamflo

Many years ago, my culinary school “market basket style” final exam was to prepare a pork tenderloin dish with assorted, random ingredients. I passed the exam but having never cooked a pork dish before this, I was petrified of ruining it. Thank goodness I didn’t overcook it, but after that experience I never made pork again until recently. Slow roasting is one of my favorite winter activities. This delicious pulled pork dish takes a good 3 plus hours to cook. Use […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals • Tags: Low and Slow Cooking

Baked Chicken with Olives and Artichokes

March 16, 2017 by pamflo

With spring approaching slower than I would like, I was feeling the urge for a hearty one-pot meal. The extra step of browning the chicken before roasting, is worth the little bit of extra effort. The chicken is then braised in a deeply flavored broth with a Mediterranean flair of olives, garlic, artichokes and lemon. The combination of the crisp chicken skin, plump, juicy meat and rich broth is outstanding. I used marinated artichokes hearts that were grilled and tossed in olive oil and vacuum […]

Categories: Gluten Free, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals • Tags: Roast, Sear

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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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

Wine-Braised Short Ribs

November 3, 2016 by pamflo

The season for low and slow cooking is under way, with a quick drop in temperature in the Northeast. I haven’t braised a piece of meat in quite some time so I made a trip to one of my favorite places, The Boston Public Market, for some good quality beef. Both Chestnut and Stillman Farms have a permanent booth at this market. Braising is a perfect cooking method for tough pieces of meat that will break down over the cooking time. Beef […]

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

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Grilled Chicken Skewers

July 14, 2016 by pamflo

Great for a crowd, these spicy chicken skewers are a great addition to a BBQ menu. You’ll need to soak the wooden skewers for at least 20 minutes before you put the chicken on, so they don’t burn on the grill. A perfect dish for a party, as you can prepare ahead of time and marinate the chicken already skewered. Plan ahead and soak a large bunch of skewers to thread on veggies and fruit to grill as well. Grilled limes wedges would be great […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, Side Dish • Tags: Grill

Chicken Parmesan

June 21, 2016 by pamflo

For the final project as my intern, my son made chicken parmesan for dinner. I’m a fan of taking a classic dish and creating a lighter, healthier version. The chicken is baked instead of pan-fried, in this recipe. Panko, a Japanese style breadcrumb that is light and crunchy, makes a great coating for the chicken. If you’re short on time and can’t make your own tomato sauce, a canned or jarred version is perfect. I often make extra chicken because the leftovers taste even […]

Categories: Appetizer, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, Side Dish • Tags: Bake

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Asian Flank Steak

April 28, 2016 by pamflo

Spring has arrived, and with it the start of grilling season! Flank steak is an inexpensive and versatile cut of meat and is perfect for tacos, lettuce wraps, over a salad or as a main dish. This beefy flavored, lean and fibrous cut of meat benefits from a marinade. Marinating the meat at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking, both tenderizes the meat and helps with even cooking. If you want to marinate your meat for longer, it can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Using […]

Categories: Cooking Tips, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Broil, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Grill, Marinate

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Braised Lamb Shanks

April 14, 2016 by pamflo

Braising is a perfect activity for a rainy day. It’s a combination of dry and wet heat cooking. The meat is typically seared over high heat until browned, and then cooked slowly in a flavorful liquid over low heat. This low and slow cooking breaks down the tough connective tissue. The meat takes on the flavors of the braising liquid it’s bathing in. The key ingredients are a good drinking wine, chicken or vegetable broth, fresh herbs and a variety of vegetables. This […]

Categories: Cooking Tips, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals, Vegetables • Tags: Braise, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low and Slow Cooking, Sear

Chicken Provençal

January 7, 2016 by pamflo

As a new year approaches, I love listening to a summary of what was popular the past year. As a teen, I liked to listen to Casey Kasem count down America’s top songs. I recently listened to NPR’s Terry Gross list the top books, movies and streamed television shows for 2015. But even more exciting, The New York Times printed the top saved recipes for 2015! The top recipe, a roasted chicken dish, caught my eye and was the first meal I made after taking a […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals, Pan Sauce • Tags: Baste, Dairy Free, Roast

Italian Wedding Soup

October 29, 2015 by pamflo

There is a slight chill in the air, evoking memories of the snowiest winter that even the heartiest Bostonians can’t forget. However, it has been a beautiful fall with mild weather and colorful foliage. I felt the urge to unearth my soup pot and put it to work. Wedding soup actually means the “marriage” of meat and greens. There are so many wonderful versions of this soup, and feel free to vary it as you wish. I made a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, Side Dish, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Bake, Simmer

Pan-Roasted Chicken with Chickpeas

March 5, 2015 by pamflo

The word schmaltz is derived from the yiddish language and it is the key ingredient in making matzo balls. What is schmaltz you ask? It is rendered chicken fat. It’s what gives this savory dish its delicious depth of flavor. Schmaltz along with the harrisa, garlic and onion, make this dish a scrumptious weeknight treat. Harrisa is a spicy blend of chili peppers. The recipe calls for harrisa paste, which if you can’t find, you can easily make your own paste with equal […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Pan-roast, Simmer

Coffee-Rubbed Brisket

January 22, 2015 by pamflo

The hostess offered to take our coats, but after the long, cold walk from the car to the restaurant, there wasn’t a chance I could give up the warmth of my hooded coat. However, just walking into Ribelle in Brookline (MA) warms your soul, with its rustic wooden tables and shimmery chandeliers. This place is worth a try if you haven’t been yet. Many of the dishes have a thoughtful, unique combination of flavors. I’m not sure I could re-create a […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Roast

Roast Tenderloin of Beef

November 25, 2014 by pamflo

Butter roasted beef tenderloin. This, without a doubt, is an incredibly decadent dish. A dish for a celebratory occasion! I make beef tenderloin at Thanksgiving, as I like making an alternative to roast turkey. This was one of the dishes at my NYC culinary program a couple of years ago. Naomi Pomeroy of Beast in Portland, OR, made this dish with grass-fed beef, and it was outstanding. If the butter is too much for you, just rub olive, salt and […]

Categories: Gluten Free, Meat/Poultry, Paleo • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo, Roast

Roasted Asparagus with Poached Egg and Lemon Chive Oil

July 10, 2014 by pamflo

ad hoc…a brilliant idea by Thomas Keller. A community restaurant serving a 4 course family style dinner, in the small town of Yountville in Napa Valley. The food was fantastic! Fresh and perfectly prepared, but you have to eat what they’re serving that evening. Our first course was a beautiful asparagus and mushroom salad with homemade croutons, topped with a poached egg and drizzled with a light vinaigrette. This is my re-creation of the dish. This dish is very simple to make and […]

Categories: Appetizer, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Meat/Poultry, Vegetables • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Poach, Roast, Whiz

Bean-less Chicken Chili

March 27, 2014 by pamflo

What is the secret to making a dish that is restaurant quality? Spices! And butter, but mostly spices! 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, 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 […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Meat/Poultry, Paleo, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo, Roast, Simmer

Honeyed Moroccan Lamb

March 13, 2014 by pamflo

When my kids were in elementary school, I volunteered to create a school community cookbook. It was one of my favorite projects. It began as a simple email to the community asking for favorite family recipes. It turned into a diverse and wonderfully creative collection of delicious food. This recipe is one of my favorites from the book. If you’re not a fan of lamb you can substitute the meat. It’s an easy weeknight dish and you might already have […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo, Sauté

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Meat/Poultry

Kale and Sausage Orecchiette Pasta

Honey Ginger Chicken Wings

Beer Braised Brisket

Spicy Skirt Steak Fajitas

Pulled Pork Nachos

Baked Chicken with Olives and Artichokes

Sweet and Tangy Baked Chicken Wings

Beef Brisket with Prunes and Apricots

Wine-Braised Short Ribs

Grilled Chicken Skewers

Chicken Parmesan

Asian Flank Steak

Braised Lamb Shanks

Chicken Provençal

Italian Wedding Soup

Pan-Roasted Chicken with Chickpeas

Coffee-Rubbed Brisket

Roast Tenderloin of Beef

Roasted Asparagus with Poached Egg and Lemon Chive Oil

Bean-less Chicken Chili

Honeyed Moroccan Lamb