Rice/Grains | Zest For Cooking

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

Oatmeal Soufflé

November 10, 2016 by pamflo

In the coming months, many people will host out-of-town visitors. This is an easy, healthy breakfast idea and a crowd pleaser that can be started ahead of time. The whipped egg whites folded into the oatmeal adds protein, as well as a light and airy texture to what would be an average breakfast. Almond or coconut milk works well as a non-dairy milk substitute. I sweetened the oatmeal with coconut sugar, an unrefined brown sugar but maple syrup or honey are […]

Categories: Appetizer, Breakfast Ideas, Eggs, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Rice/Grains • Tags: Bake, Whip

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

Roasted Salmon with Harissa Glaze

April 7, 2016 by pamflo

Salmon is a regular item on my weekly dinner rotation. However, it was time to break out of my Asian marinade routine, and this harissa glaze was the perfect change. Although fish night is not a favorite meal in my house, salmon is an important part of a nutritious diet and has many health benefits. Salmon is a heart healthy protein and provides a significant source of omega-3 fatty acids. The key to moist and juicy salmon, is to cook it until it’s […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Rice/Grains, Seafood • Tags: Bake, Boil, Dairy Free, Glaze, Gluten Free

Nutty Oat Bars

May 7, 2015 by pamflo

Crunchy on the outside but soft in the middle, sweet and nutty, and honestly a terrific snack or breakfast! I’ve been working on finding a healthy and satisfying snack bar. Some bars are either too sweet or not sweet enough, crumble when cut or too mushy. Nutritious and flavorful, this is the perfect bar. High in protein and calcium, amaranth is a gluten-free grain and an important food source in South America and Mexico. If amaranth is hard to find, sesame seeds or […]

Categories: Bars, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Desserts, Gluten Free, Nuts/Seeds, Rice/Grains, Snack • Tags: Bake, Boil, Dairy Free, Gluten Free

Salad in a Jar

April 23, 2015 by pamflo

Jarred salads are hardly a new idea, but certainly a smart one! Only your imagination will limit you. I like the combination of greens, seeds, fruit and grains. Consider a mixture of greens/herbs, grains, nuts, salsa, a variety of veggies and/or fruit, and a protein or two. Salad preparation is easy and can be made ahead. This makes a great “on the go” meal, just shake vigorously and dig in. The dressing works best as the bottom layer, the next […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans/Legumes, Nuts/Seeds, Rice/Grains, Salads, Seeds, Snack, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Shake

Farro and Oatmeal Porridge

February 19, 2015 by pamflo

Most mornings I make myself a smoothie for breakfast. On very cold mornings, I’m not always craving an icy drink, but instead I’m craving a creamy, steamy bowl of warmth. On these (too many!) snowy days, this bowl of porridge is the ultimate comfort food. The topping options are many. My porridge is topped with toasted coconut flakes, slivered almonds, cinnamon and unsweetened almond milk. Consider other types of nuts or nut butters, dried or fresh fruit, chia seeds or pepitas. […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Nuts, Rice/Grains, Snack • Tags: Dairy Free, Simmer

Coconut Quinoa Granola

January 8, 2015 by pamflo

As the snow falls gently outside, I’m inside making some warm and nutty granola. A wonderful ginger and coconut aroma has wafted upstairs and I hear “mom, it smells so good”! Serve this crunchy granola over yogurt with a smattering of fresh berries, over ricotta cheese with a drizzle of maple syrup or fill a bowl and enjoy with milk. This granola is easy to make and would be a lovely gift too. 3/4 cup rolled oats 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed and […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Rice/Grains, Snack • Tags: Bake, Dairy Free, Gluten Free

Asian Salmon Bowl

October 18, 2013 by pamflo

I ate at a fantastic seafood restaurant in San Francisco this past spring. I ordered the Asian Salmon Bowl and the combination of flavors was delicious. I tried to re-create this dish at home and this is the closest I’ve come. The secret to cooking salmon, is don’t overcook it! The rule of thumb for fish is to cook it for 10 minutes per inch. Use a fork to test the salmon. It should be moist and flaky. Jacques Pépin taught […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Greens, Rice/Grains, Seafood • Tags: Boil, Dairy Free, Garlic, Gluten Free, Roast, Salmon, Sesame

Birthday Dinner

August 8, 2011 by pamflo

We recently had an early birthday dinner for my husband at a phenomenal restaurant on the Cape. I ordered the seared scallops which came with black quinoa. It was such a unique flavor that I had to do a little research on it. I am familiar with the red and cream colored grains. Although not really a grain and more of a seed, it has a high percentage of protein, fiber and many essential nutrients. What I found out is […]

Categories: Rice/Grains, Seafood, Uncategorized • Tags: Dairy Free, Fish, Gluten Free, Paleo, Sear

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