Category Archives: Vegetarian

Baked Stuffed Tomatoes

September 19, 2019 by pamflo

The cocktail tomatoes are a smaller version, but a tad bigger than your typical cherry or grape tomato. They have a sweet flavor from a slightly higher sugar content compared to other tomato varieties. They’re a perfect size for stuffing and in a pinch make a fun, easy appetizer. The tomatoes are plentiful at the markets now, but we are heading toward the end of tomato season in New England. Pick tomatoes that are firm to the touch and free […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Rice/Grains, Side Dish, Vegetarian • Tags: Bake

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Savory Herb Popcorn

September 12, 2019 by pamflo

There are many ways to make popcorn; using an air popper, in a paper bag in the microwave and on the stove top. Personally, I think the best popcorn is made on the stovetop and believe it or not, in a wok with coconut oil! It’s fun to watch the little kernels turn into a white, fluffy snack and is a solid dose of fiber as well. This savory popcorn makes a great snack. Blend the herbs as you wish, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Snack, Spices, Vegetarian • Tags: Pop

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Watermelon and Tomato Gazpacho

July 11, 2019 by pamflo

The delightful flavors of watermelon, ripe tomatoes and cucumbers come together to create this sweet and savory chilled soup. With the added tang of a lime and the heat of a jalapeño, this is the perfect dish for a hot and steamy summer night! This soup can be served smooth or chunky. If you want a combination of both, puree the soup completely in a blender or food processor, and then add the extra finely diced watermelon and cucumbers. If […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

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Baked Eggplant Parmesan

December 6, 2018 by pamflo

Deep purple and glossy with a unique texture and flavor, who doesn’t love eggplant?! Well the truth is that I’m the only one in my house that will eat eggplant which is why this is my first eggplant blog post. 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 deep-friend eggplant, smothered with sauce and cheese, however, this lighter version is a close second […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Vegetarian • Tags: Bake

Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad

January 25, 2018 by pamflo

Spring is not that far off…..right?! Lately, I’ve been thinking about tomatoes as I gaze out at my frozen little garden with it’s stark, empty branches. With that thought in mind, I made this bright roasted tomato caprese salad and topped it with a nut-free arugula and basil pesto. It’s as easy as tossing whole cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt and pepper and fresh thyme sprigs. Roast these little gems in the oven until they burst open. It’s funny […]

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

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Summer Corn Chowder

September 7, 2017 by pamflo

As the summer comes to a close, this soup is a perfect way to celebrate corn on the cob which is at its peak. At many of the farmers markets, you’ll find both white and yellow corn on the cob piled in nice big stacks. When shopping for corn, the husks should be bright green and wrapped tightly against the kernels. I sometimes take a tiny peek by peeling back the husk an inch or so, to make sure the […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Soups/Stews, Vegetarian • Tags: Simmer, Whiz

Honeydew and Cucumber Gazpacho

August 31, 2017 by pamflo

I was totally inspired by this fantastic vegan gazpacho while traveling recently in Missouri. This fun, hip restaurant in St. Louis had a fruit based gazpacho on their menu. The light, flavorful cantaloup gazpacho was garnished with toasted, chopped pistachio nuts and an optional dollop of tangy greek yogurt. Not home even 24 hours, I re-created the soup with honeydew melon and cucumber, and a garnish of lightly salted crunchy chickpeas. This dish involves no cooking and makes a scrumptious […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetarian • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

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Zucchini Pappardelle with Pesto

August 24, 2017 by pamflo

Zucchini pappardelle is a great pasta substitute, and combined with a fresh, tangy pesto, you hardly realize that you’re not eating any grains. I gave my spiralizer a short vacation and made zucchini ribbon “noodles” for this light summer dish. A wide vegetable peeler or a mandolin both work to create these pappardelle style noodles. To prevent the zucchini from become watery, place it in a colander and lightly salt it to withdraw some of the water. After coating the […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Vegetarian • Tags: Bake, Whiz

Coconut Lime Ice Cream

July 27, 2017 by pamflo

Dairy free ice cream is all the rage this summer. FoMu, is a popular Boston-based ice cream company that sources its fresh ingredients locally and makes small batch plant-based ice cream. Their vanilla bean coconut-based ice cream is outstanding and I thought, why not try this at home. My version is very light and refreshing with lime juice and just a little sweetener. The coconut ice cream base is slowly simmered on the stove top, chilled and then transferred to […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Vegetarian • Tags: Chill, Simmer

Heirloom Tomato Galette

July 20, 2017 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 be 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 profile. A slice of this […]

Categories: Appetizer, Breakfast Ideas, Cheeses, Lunch Ideas, Vegetarian • Tags: Bake

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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

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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Parmesan and Thyme Crackers

January 12, 2017 by pamflo

Winter in New England is very unpredictable. As the saying goes, “the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry”. Planning to attend a post-holiday gathering and bring a savory appetizer, I made the dough for these cheesy, crunchy, speckled crackers. And then there was a snow storm. The party was cancelled so instead, I baked these flaky crackers while the beautiful snow was falling heavily outside. I photographed the crackers just as I would have served them, with grapes and nuts. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crackers, Gifts, Vegetarian • Tags: Bake

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

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

Asparagus Stir-Fry

June 16, 2016 by pamflo

The thick, beautiful, green stalks of asparagus are in season now. Asparagus is a nutrient dense vegetable and a natural diuretic. The idea of a fast stir-fry was appealing, because the asparagus retains its color and has a bit of crunch. Quick cooking methods like roasting, blanching or stir-frying help the nutrients remain in the asparagus spears. I used a wok for this stir-fry, but a cast iron or sauté pan work well too. Asparagus has a natural breaking point about 3/4 of the way down the […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Stir-Fry

Spring Vegetable Soup

May 12, 2016 by pamflo

It’s been a wet and chilly spring in Boston and this hearty vegetable soup hits the spot. This can be a “clean out your refrigerator” soup, using whatever veggies you have on hand. I love adding a small hunk of parmesan rind to my soups. It adds a subtle umami flavor to a dish. Umami, a savory taste that means “delicious” in Japanese, is considered the fifth taste, along with sweet, salty, bitter and sour flavors. Some foods where umami occurs […]

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

Grilled Zucchini Salad

May 5, 2016 by pamflo

I’m a fan of making zucchini noodles as a healthy substitute for pasta, but it was time to branch out and try a new dish. Zucchini is actually a fruit, with its beautiful yellow blossoms that are edible. Usually eaten as a vegetable, zucchini is high in fiber, potassium and vitamin C. The peak season for zucchini is June through late August. The most delightful part of this salad is the pomegranate molasses, a thick tart syrup that’s drizzled on the grilled […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Drizzle, Gluten Free, Grill

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Almond Joy Smoothie

March 10, 2016 by pamflo

“Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t. Almond Joy’s got nuts, Mounds don’t”! That’s the Hershey’s jingle from the 1970’s. The Almond Joy candy bar, an American classic, is a fantastic combination of almonds, coconut and chocolate. This smoothie recipe is a fusion of these flavors in a delicious and healthy beverage. 12 ounces coconut milk (I use the unsweetened, full-fat Native Forest brand) Option: The serving size of this full-fat coconut milk is 1/3 cup (about 3-4 ounces). Feel free […]

Categories: Beverages, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Lunch Ideas, Smoothies/Shakes, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Whiz

Roasted Beet Tahini

March 3, 2016 by pamflo

I recently attend a thought-provoking and informative conference in California. It was a nutrition and culinary conference, jointly organized by the Harvard School of Public Health and The Culinary Institute of America (CIA). A highlight was that the event was held at the scenic and beautiful CIA campus in Napa Valley. The conference brought together healthcare and culinary professionals to share information about food and health. As part of a hands-on healthy baking workshop, we made a similar beet dip to go with our freshly baked focaccia bread. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Snack, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Roast, Whiz

Steamed Cauliflower with Olives and Capers

February 25, 2016 by pamflo

Having heard the requests from my blog readers, I’m posting another cauliflower recipe. The whole roasted cauliflower post is a hugely popular recipe and this will be a close second (find that recipe at http://wp.me/p3Fs85-lu). An array of Mediterranean flavors elevates this dish to more than just steamed cauliflower. This recipe makes a flavorful side dish or a hearty lunch. 1 head of cauliflower (about 1 pound) 1/2 cup pitted olives, coarsely chopped 1 tablespoon salt-packed capers plus more for garnish, rinsed and drained Juice […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Sauté, Steam

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Vegetarian

Baked Stuffed Tomatoes

Savory Herb Popcorn

Watermelon and Tomato Gazpacho

Baked Eggplant Parmesan

Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad

Summer Corn Chowder

Honeydew and Cucumber Gazpacho

Zucchini Pappardelle with Pesto

Coconut Lime Ice Cream

Heirloom Tomato Galette

Spaghetti Squash Pizza

Cauliflower “Fried” Rice

Parmesan and Thyme Crackers

Quinoa Stuffed Delicata Squash

Israeli Chopped Salad

Asparagus Stir-Fry

Spring Vegetable Soup

Grilled Zucchini Salad

Almond Joy Smoothie

Roasted Beet Tahini

Steamed Cauliflower with Olives and Capers