Category Archives: Side Dish

Late Summer Ratatouille

September 14, 2023 by pamflo

As the sun’s rays start to mellow and the days grow shorter, late summer is the perfect time to savor the bounty of the season with a roasted vegetable ratatouille. This dish captures the essence of late summer’s harvest by combining the flavors of sun-ripened tomatoes, tender eggplant, zucchini and squash, vibrant bell peppers and fragrant herbs. Roasting the vegetables infuses them with a deep flavor and a delightful way to showcase the produce. Let the vegetables roast until the […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

Savory Tomato Gratin

August 3, 2023 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. Uncomplicated yet utterly satisfying, this recipe is a testament to the simple pleasures of seasonal cooking […]

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

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Spicy Watermelon and Feta Salad

July 20, 2023 by pamflo

Beat the summer heat with this refreshing and vibrant salad! This delightful dish is a true fusion of flavors, where the coolness of the watermelon beautifully contrasts with the tangy saltiness of the feta, all enhanced by a subtle kick of spiciness. The addition of fresh mint adds a burst of herbal freshness. Perfect for a light lunch, a side dish or even as a unique party appetizer, this salad is a sublime balance of sweet, savory and spicy flavors. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Salads, Side Dish • Tags: No Cooking

Roasted Asparagus Wrapped In Prosciutto

June 22, 2023 by pamflo

Indulge in mouthwatering flavors with a delightful recipe for asparagus. This elegant dish combines the earthy taste of asparagus with the salty richness of prosciutto, enhanced by parmesan cheese and vibrant lemon zest. The contrasting textures and harmonious flavors create a delicious combination. When purchasing fresh asparagus 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 […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Game Day, Holiday Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad

May 18, 2023 by pamflo

This spicy cucumber salad is a deliciously tangy and refreshing dish that packs a punch! Thinly sliced cucumbers are tossed in a tangy dressing made with rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey and chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick. The best substitute for chili garlic sauce is sriracha or sambal oelek. In a pinch, red chili flakes will work. The sesame seeds add a nutty crunch that complements the cool and refreshing cucumbers perfectly. This salad is vegan, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seeds, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking

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Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Fresh Mint and Toasted Pine Nuts

April 13, 2023 by pamflo

With its bright green colors and crisp, crunchy texture, this sugar snap pea salad is the perfect way to celebrate the fresh flavors of spring! Sugar snaps are a non-starchy vegetable that’s a cross between traditional English peas and snow peas. They’re high in fiber and antioxidants and entirely edible, including the pod. I slivered the raw pea pods lengthwise and tossed them with olive oil, fresh mint leaves, shaved parmesan cheese, lightly toasted pine nuts, lemon zest and fresh lemon […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Nuts, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking

Roasted Tomatoes with Pesto, Feta Crumbles and Pine Nuts

March 2, 2023 by pamflo

I recently had a fantastic dinner with family and friends at a popular Miami restaurant, Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink. The chef Michael Schwartz was just nominated as a semifinalist for a James Beard Award. We had a superb dinner with great food, interesting drinks and a fun vibe. We ordered a delicious side dish of wood-fired tomatoes that caught me by surprise with its simplicity. Although tomatoes are not in season in the northeast now, I attempted to re-create […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Side Dish • Tags: Roast

Winter Radish Salad

February 16, 2023 by pamflo

This radish salad is delicious and healthy and will surely brighten a winter day! Radishes are in the root vegetable family, brightly colored with crunchy flesh and a subtle peppery taste. They come in varying shapes and sizes, an assortment of beautiful colors and can be eaten raw, pickled or cooked. The best way to get super thin uniform slices is with a mandolin, a very sharp flat slicing tool. If you use a mandolin please use the safety guard […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: No Cooking

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Crispy Smashed Potatoes

February 9, 2023 by pamflo

These crispy smashed potatoes are easy to make and a fun game day dish for your Super Bowl gathering. I like roasting small yellow potatoes as they crisp up nicely after baking and remain creamy on the inside. You’ll boil the potatoes until tender and once cooled you’ll gently smash them down using the flat bottom of a glass. Then you’ll roast the potatoes topped with olive oil and garlic powder. Serve warm with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs.

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Game Day, Gluten Free, Healthish, Side Dish • Tags: Bake, Boil

Raspberry Almond Clafoutis

January 19, 2023 by pamflo

A clafoutis is a classic French dessert made by pouring a sweet egg batter, similar to pancake batter, over fresh fruit. When the clafoutis is done the top gets golden brown and crisp, especially with a sprinkling of powdered sugar, while the inside is soft and custard-like. Although a clafoutis is typically made with cherries or summer stone fruit, I made my clafoutis for a family holiday brunch with raspberries and slivered almonds. A clafoutis is a perfect sweet treat […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Eggs, Side Dish • Tags: Bake

Root Vegetable Chips

January 5, 2023 by pamflo

If you’re looking for a healthier way to enjoy potato chips, it’s very simple to bake your own vegetable chips! I took a combination of sweet potatoes, turnips and beautiful red beets and sliced them incredibly thin with a mandolin. A mandolin is a very sharp flat slicing tool and the perfect way to get super thin uniform slices that cook evenly. Please use the safety guard provided, a cut-resistant glove, or a kitchen towel between your hand and the vegetable, […]

Categories: Chips, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

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Potato Pancakes with Smoked Salmon

December 19, 2022 by pamflo

A latke is a type of potato pancake or fritter which is traditionally served during the Hanukkah holiday. These potato pancakes are crispy and lip-smacking good! Potato pancakes can be made with grated, shredded or mashed potatoes. I add grated onion, an egg, matzo meal (or all-purpose flour), a little baking powder and butter. The potato pancakes are fried in vegetable oil, peanut oil or another high heat neutral oil. These pancakes can be made earlier in the day and […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Holiday Ideas, Side Dish • Tags: Fry

Maple Roasted Carrots with Pistachios

November 17, 2022 by pamflo

The Thanksgiving buzz is in full swing! It starts when cooking magazines arrive at my house with photos of gleaming turkeys and perfectly plated sides. For the years that I hosted the Thanksgiving feast, my preparations typically started in October. I would make and freeze turkey stock, bake breads and make ice cream. Although I’m not hosting this year, I miss the menu planning and holiday hustle. This is a beautiful carrot dish that takes no advanced planning and is […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Nuts, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

Roasted Delicata Squash with Lemon Tahini Sauce

October 27, 2022 by pamflo

There are many winter squash options available at the markets now. Squash is harvested in the fall and if stored in a cool dry spot, they’ll last for awhile. When purchasing squash make sure they’re firm and free of bruises. Delicata squash is oblong in shape, has pale yellow skin with a green stripe and delicate yellow flesh. There’s no need to peel the squash before you chop it, because once the squash is cooked you can eat the skin. Tahini […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

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

Blistered Green Beans

September 29, 2022 by pamflo

Although green beans are available almost all year round, they’re at their peak in the northeast. When purchasing green beans look for beans that are tender, long and firm. They should “snap” when broken. I prefer a two step process when cooking green beans. The first step is blanching, which is a quick dip of about 3-4 minutes in rapidly boiling salted water. Step two is placing the green beans into an icy water bath to halt the cooking process. Blanching […]

Categories: Beans, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Side Dish • Tags: Blistered

Peach, Tomato and Feta Salad

September 1, 2022 by pamflo

This peach, tomato and feta salad is a refreshing and delicious summer side dish or perfect light lunch. It’s a fun combination of stone fruit and heirloom tomatoes, requires no cooking and is a great way to serve the super ripe end of summer produce. I added feta cheese, fresh basil and a very simple vinaigrette. You can change up the flavor of the vinaigrette by using different vinegars but use good quality olive oil. Champagne vinegar, sherry vinegar or white […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Salads, Side Dish • Tags: No Cooking

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

Sautéed Corn and Tomato Salad

August 4, 2022 by pamflo

Corn on the cob has no substitute, and it’s especially delicious at its peak on the east coast in August. However, making a quick and simple salad using the kernels is a great idea too. You could grill the corn while it’s still on the cob and then remove the kernels, or remove and sauté the raw kernels on the stove top as I did. Fresh heirloom tomatoes and fragrant basil leaves are the perfect combination with the corn. Top […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

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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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Side Dish

Late Summer Ratatouille

Savory Tomato Gratin

Spicy Watermelon and Feta Salad

Roasted Asparagus Wrapped In Prosciutto

Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad

Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Fresh Mint and Toasted Pine Nuts

Roasted Tomatoes with Pesto, Feta Crumbles and Pine Nuts

Winter Radish Salad

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Raspberry Almond Clafoutis

Root Vegetable Chips

Potato Pancakes with Smoked Salmon

Maple Roasted Carrots with Pistachios

Roasted Delicata Squash with Lemon Tahini Sauce

Farro Risotto with Winter Squash

Blistered Green Beans

Peach, Tomato and Feta Salad

Heirloom Tomato Galette

Steamed Clams in White Wine and Butter

Sautéed Corn and Tomato Salad

Skillet Eggplant Parmesan