Archives

Crispy Panko Crusted Chicken

September 23, 2021 by pamflo

This is a guest post from one of my “zesty” sons, Jacob. I developed this crispy chicken recipe over the past couple of months and I just had to share it so you can make it too. It’s super easy and is inspired by German schnitzel and Japanese katsu. My tip is to make extra chicken and have it for leftovers or to share with friends.The crispy chicken is served over a salad in this blog post, but with the […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, Sandwiches • Tags: Fry

Leave a comment

Rustic Apple Galette

September 16, 2021 by pamflo

The approaching fall means apple season is here! With so many varieties its almost hard to choose what to bake with. I used Braeburn and Gala apples. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith and Golden Delicious are good choices as well. This free-form tart comes together easily by hand or in a food processor. The dough is simple to work with and creates a beautiful rustic tart with a flaky crust and tender filling. Many bakers coat the crust with an egg wash, […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Fruit, Holiday Ideas, Pies/Tarts • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Pecan Chocolate Chunk Cookies

August 19, 2021 by pamflo

There is a small Boston neighborhood shop named Fastachi that sells the best assortment of nuts, roasting them in small batches and by hand. A favorite of mine is the lightly salted, roasted pecans. I don’t usually prefer nuts in my baked goods but when I saw this recipe in a newsletter by recipe developer Susan Spungen, I knew I had to make them. I used my beautiful roasted pecans alongside bittersweet chocolate chunks for these delicious cookies. I swirled […]

Categories: Chocolate, Cookies, Crowd Pleaser • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Parmesan Thyme Crackers

June 17, 2021 by pamflo

It’s very exciting to gather with friends and family again! A charcuterie platter is often my contribution to an event or party, and I take the assembly quite seriously. Often composed on a slate or wood board, it has to be a robust combination of cheeses, meats, dried and fresh fruit, nuts and of course crackers. I made these delicious, crunchy, speckled crackers to add to my board. They’re easy to make and can elevate your platter or just be a fun […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crackers, Crowd Pleaser, Holiday Ideas, Snack • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Olive Oil Orange Cake

June 3, 2021 by pamflo

This lightly sweetened, fruity cake is made with extra-virgin olive oil instead of butter. Olive oil is a healthy substitute for butter. Although it is a source of fat, it contains healthy monounsaturated fats and is a good source of antioxidants. Baking with olive oil produces a lighter textured cake, provides moisture and helps enhance the flavor of the other ingredients. The juice and zest of the oranges help balance the intensity of the olive oil flavor. Serve this delicious […]

Categories: Cakes, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Fruit • Tags: Bake, Whip

Leave a comment

Homemade Strawberry Shortcakes

May 20, 2021 by pamflo

Strawberry season is just within reach in Boston, spanning from late May through June. These bright red, succulent beauties are delicious straight out of the box. Another way to use perfectly ripe fruit is to macerate it or soak it in sugar, alcohol or a flavored liquid. Maceration changes the texture and creates juicy, sweet and aromatic fruit. These lightly sweetened strawberries which were soaked in a little sugar and fresh orange juice, can be served simply with a dollop […]

Categories: Biscuits, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Fruit, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake, Whip

Leave a comment

Jerusalem-Style Everything Bagels

May 6, 2021 by pamflo

These crusty, slightly sweet bagels are found all over the city of Jerusalem on street carts, sold by many of the cultures that make up this beautiful city. American style bagels require a brief boil in water before baking to retain their shape, but these bagels do not. The bagels will rise twice before baking and are generously coated with everything spice or just sesame seeds, if you wish. This recipe is from the Sababa cookbook, written by the talented […]

Categories: Breads, Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Cashew Butter and Honey Cookies

March 11, 2021 by pamflo

I “virtually” attended a cookie baking extravaganza during the holidays with talented food stylist and recipe developer, Susan Spungen. Almost immediately after the class, I baked her cashew cookies and I haven’t stopped thinking about them since. It was time to make another batch and share the recipe. My all time favorite cookie is the sesame tahini cookie (see recipe in zesty archives), but these delicious cookies come in at a very close second. The combination of the cashew butter […]

Categories: Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Gifts, Nuts • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Homemade Soft Rye Pretzels

January 14, 2021 by pamflo

Making homemade pretzels is a fun winter’s day project that is simpler than it appears. These pretzels, recently featured in an issue of Eating Well magazine are made with extra-virgin olive oil and light rye flour for a healthier pretzel. The light rye flour adds a subtle malt, or pleasant but slight sour flavor and creates a denser pretzel then just using only all-purpose flour. These pretzels call for instant dry yeast instead of using active dry yeast. The smaller instant […]

Categories: Breads, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Healthish, Pretzels, Snack • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Mint Chocolate Sable Cookies

December 17, 2020 by pamflo

I had the privilege of meeting Dorie Greenspan, baker extraordinaire and cookbook author. She has published many beautiful cookbooks, but Dorie’s Cookies is a wonderful gift for any baker. At a recent book signing event, the discussion about her food journey was heartfelt, warm and funny. Listening to her speak about making cookies, reminded me how much I enjoy baking during the holidays. Sables are French butter cookies and they’re a perfect holiday gift or treat. The smooth, deep minty […]

Categories: Chocolate, Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Gifts, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Dutch Oven Baked Bread

October 1, 2020 by pamflo

One of my favorite classes in culinary school was Breads and Rolls. I loved making fresh bread and actually had a sourdough starter that I kept “alive” and used for many months. This is an easy bread recipe that uses active dry yeast instead of a starter and bakes in a dry Dutch oven pot. The dough needs to rise overnight at room temperature, with a second rise of two hours before baking. Baking bread is a very satisfying accomplishment, […]

Categories: Breads • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Heirloom Tomato Galette

September 17, 2020 by pamflo

The 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 warm […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Pies/Tarts, Side Dish • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Summer Plum Crumble

August 6, 2020 by pamflo

This is a perfect summer dessert using fresh, ripe plums. The farmers’ markets are brimming with succulent fresh fruit, and this recipe takes advantage of the stone variety. Try plums, peaches, nectarines or a combination of the stone fruits. This is a simple recipe with just sliced fruit and a flavorful, crunchy topping with oats, nuts, flour, brown sugar, spices and coconut oil to bind it together. Serve the crumble warm out the oven with your favorite ice cream! Summer […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dessert, Fruit, Gluten Free, Nuts • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Sweet and Sour Vegetables over Noodles

July 16, 2020 by pamflo

I bought myself a beautiful vegetarian cookbook called Family, by Hetty McKinnon. I had seen the author cook this recipe live on social media, during a virtual culinary conference. With a family of dedicated carnivores, I wanted to see if they would even notice a meatless dish. It turns out that they devoured this delicious vegetarian dish, not even realizing there was no meat involved. I used both broccoli and cauliflower florets, but you can stick to one vegetable if […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seeds, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Stir-Fry

Leave a comment

Blueberry Cornmeal Crostata

May 28, 2020 by pamflo

The approaching summer means blueberry season is almost here! Blueberries are believed to have the highest levels of antioxidants of any fruit. Although blueberries are healthiest when eaten raw, this rustic cornmeal fruit tart is a fun way to eat cooked blueberries and simple to make. The dough is similar to a cookie dough and just needs to be at room temperature to shape. This is an easy dessert that can be made in advance, just assemble the crostata and […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dessert, Fruit, Pies/Tarts • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Sheet Pan Pizza

May 7, 2020 by pamflo

I feel fortunate that I was finally able to score active dry yeast and all-purpose flour! Baking bread is quite popular these days. A sheet pan pizza is not as beautiful as classic Neopolitan pizza, but it’s easy, feeds a crowd or provides leftovers. If pressed for time or not feeling motivated, store bought pizza dough is a strong alternative. I doubled the dough recipe and made two trays of pizza. I topped one pizza with red sauce, shredded mozzarella […]

Categories: Appetizer, Cheeses, Crowd Pleaser, Lunch Ideas, Pizza • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Toasted Sesame Tahini Cookies

April 23, 2020 by pamflo

Seeds of Collaboration (SoCo) is a company that produces delicious tahini and has a social mission as well. Their mission is seeding a healthy change in kitchens and communities. They believe economic collaboration is a way to build bridges. SoCo supports MEET – Middle East Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow – a non-profit in full partnership with MIT since 2004, that connects young Israeli and Palestinian students using the common language of technology and entrepreneurship. Every SoCo jar sold helps fund an Israeli-Palestinian student […]

Categories: Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Dessert, Gluten Free, Seeds, Snack • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Molten Chocolate Cakes

February 13, 2020 by pamflo

As the snow falls lightly but steadily, I’m in my kitchen baking away. In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, it was necessary to break out a favorite indulgent dessert, incredibly oozy-gooey and delicious! There’s nothing as wonderful as the aroma of a cake baking, especially one with chocolate and espresso. Espresso powder is perfect for baked goods as its more concentrated and has a deeper flavor than regular coffee granules. Just a teaspoon will give a richer flavor to your chocolate recipes, […]

Categories: Cakes, Chocolate, Crowd Pleaser, Dessert, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake, Whip

Leave a comment

Pecan Shortbread Cookies

December 12, 2019 by pamflo

Shortbread is a biscuit made with three parts flour, two parts butter and one part white sugar. The fat from the butter creates “short” gluten strands and produces a cookie that’s crisp and crumbly in texture. Your kitchen will smell wonderful while these buttery cookies bake and they make beautiful holiday gifts! Chopped pecans mixed into the dough adds a nice nutty flavor. You can add even more nuts on the warm chocolate coated ends. Measuring the dough you will […]

Categories: Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Dessert, Gifts, Holiday Ideas, Nuts • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Double Chocolate Veggie Muffins

October 31, 2019 by pamflo

These are delicious muffins and you’d hardly know they contain vegetables, and in a small consumer taste test nobody knew! I really like the combination of shredded zucchini and mashed avocado as the base for the batter. I also like that it’s a low sugar treat and a solid breakfast idea. My muffins are dairy and free of gluten, as I substituted gluten-free flour for regular all-purpose. You don’t actually taste the zucchini in baked goods, but it provides moisture, […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Zucchini and Scallion Fritters

April 11, 2019 by pamflo

These zucchini fritters are crispy, simple to make and perfect for the upcoming holidays. The fritter batter requires flour for texture and I used almond flour. Feel free to use another flour like chickpea or all-purpose flour. If you’re making these fritters for the Passover holiday you can use potato starch. The trick to achieving crispy fritters, is to remove as much moisture as possible from the grated zucchini. This is a two step process by first salting the grated zucchini […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Passover Recipes, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté