Archives

Roasted Citrus Slices

January 23, 2020 by pamflo

Fresh produce is limited in New England in the winter months with the exception of citrus. The variety of citrus options are outstanding! These caramelized citrus slices can brighten any winter dish, and roasting intensifies the citrus flavors. The fruit can be served alongside roast meat, atop a grain or green salad, with granola and yogurt, or simply sprinkled with cinnamon for dessert. Experiment with different fruit, like tangerines, grapefruit and an assortment of oranges. I drizzled the citrus slices […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Snack • Tags: Roast

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Honey Glazed Chicken Wings

January 16, 2020 by pamflo

I use local raw honey everyday to sweeten my tea and thought it might be fun to post a savory recipe using honey. These chicken wings are spicy and delicious. Here are some interesting facts about honey; it’s a sweet liquid from the nectar of flowers produced by bees, and not only a sweetener but it can soothe a cough, heal a wound, promote digestion, and populate your gut with good bacteria. There is some research that suggests that eating […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, Side Dish • Tags: Broil

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Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup

January 9, 2020 by pamflo

Butternut squash is a great source of dietary fiber and potassium. Turmeric, known as a medicinal spice, has powerful anti-inflammatory qualities. Coconut adds the healthy fat and provides a good source of energy. Fresh ginger aids in digestion and can alleviate gastrointestinal distress. Sweet, hearty and nutritious, this soup is a bowl of complete nourishment! There are many ways to make butternut squash soup, but the combination of vegetables, herbs and spices makes this soup special. Butternut Squash and Coconut […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Soups/Stews, Spices, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer, Whiz

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Scrambled Egg Stuffed Peppers

January 2, 2020 by pamflo

I’m starting off the new year with a healthy breakfast option. Naturally sweet bell peppers are a perfect vehicle for baking eggs, and an easy dish to prepare. I chopped and sautéed the flesh from the pepper tops on the stovetop with olive oil to soften them, and use in the filling along with kale and cooked bacon. After filling each pepper, bake until the eggs are set. A pinch of cheese could work here and a garnish of fresh […]

Categories: Bacon, Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

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Hearty Vegetable and Bean Soup

December 5, 2019 by pamflo

Umami is a savory flavor sometimes referred to as the fifth taste alongside sweet, salty, sour and bitter. Naturally occurring in foods such as mushrooms, cheese, fish, meat, tomatoes and soy beans, to name a few. Sometimes when you have a dish that seems to be missing something, it’s often the umami flavor. This soup has an abundance of umami. Both the buttery parmesan rind that dissolves in the soup and the pungent anchovy paste, provide great depth of flavor. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Bacon, Beans, Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté, Simmer

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Roasted Root Vegetables

November 21, 2019 by pamflo

Odd shaped and knobby, the root of the celery stalk is called celeriac. Although it’s not the most beautiful of the root vegetables, its subtle celery flavor is perfect for roasting. To prepare the celeriac, cut off both top and bottom ends so you have a flat base. With a sharp knife or vegetable peeler, cut vertical strips from top to bottom until you’ve removed all the skin. When exposed to the air, the creamy flesh will turn brown, but […]

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

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Baba Ganoush

November 14, 2019 by pamflo

Baba ganoush is a Mediterranean dip similar to hummus, but its base is roasted or grilled eggplant instead of chickpeas. Eggplant, a vegetable in the nightshade family, is high in fiber and nutrient dense. The beautiful purple globe eggplants make really good baba ganoush! It’s an easy dip to prepare with just a few ingredients, and is simple to dress up with smoked paprika, pomegranate seeds and a drizzle of olive oil, as garnish. As with hummus, sesame paste or […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Seeds, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Whiz

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Simple Herb Roasted Carrots

October 24, 2019 by pamflo

The local Farmers Markets in Massachusetts are rapidly coming to a close. The carrots with their beautiful green tops looked so appealing this week, that I bought them with no real recipe in mind. Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, vitamin A and antioxidants. Their natural sweetness makes them a perfect vegetable for roasting. This is a simple recipe for roasting carrots because all you need is a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper, and a handful of […]

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

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Cabbage and Apple Slaw

October 17, 2019 by pamflo

This simple, classic fall slaw is filled with crisp cabbage, shredded carrots and perfectly tart apples. Skipping the mayonnaise, I dressed the slaw with olive oil, apple cider vinegar and mustard vinaigrette. I added a splash of lime juice for extra zip and it also keeps the apples from turning brown. Cabbage, a cruciferous vegetable, and a great source of fiber and antioxidants, is most nutrient dense when served in its raw form. This slaw pairs with many dishes like a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dressing, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking

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Borlotti Beans with Garlic and Rosemary

October 3, 2019 by pamflo

Borlotti beans, also known as cranberry beans, are beautiful beige beans with flecks of red. The shell is inedible, but the beans inside have a creamy texture and a perfect nutty flavor, although they don’t maintain their bright color after cooking. Dried borlotti beans are readily available and can be soaked overnight before using. Borlotti beans are a great source of fiber, essential minerals, and a good source of plant protein. Beans served over lightly toasted bread is fun, but […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish • Tags: Simmer

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Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

September 26, 2019 by pamflo

This is a decadent recipe, with the combination of savory and sweet, and a great dish for a holiday or special occasion. Good quality thick-cut crispy bacon and pure maple syrup paired with fresh Brussels makes this recipe fantastic, even if you’re not a fan of the sprouts. Brussels sprouts have a bad reputation, because if you overcook them, your kitchen can smell like sulfur. Cook the sprouts until slightly underdone, they will still be green, a bit crunchy and slightly […]

Categories: Bacon, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

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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, Rice/Grains, Side Dish, Vegetarian • Tags: Bake

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Lobster and Asparagus Omelet

August 29, 2019 by pamflo

“Lobsta” as the Bostonians fondly call this tasty crustacean, is at its peak between June and late December. Maine lobsters have sweet, meaty claws and delicious tail meat, and are a perfect addition to an omelet. Lobster meat is low in calories and high in protein. It provides a great source of essential vitamins and minerals, and is low in mercury. I added steamed asparagus, and gave both the asparagus and lobster meat a quick sauté in a combination of […]

Categories: Appetizer, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seafood, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

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Sheet Pan Seafood Bake

August 8, 2019 by pamflo

This flavorful and fun seafood bake is like squeezing summer all onto one pan, with flavorful shrimp, sausage, clams, and veggies all made on one sheet tray. I tossed the ingredients with a combination of butter, olive oil and Old Bay seasoning. I blanched the potatoes and corn ahead of time in lightly salted boiling water, and pre-cooked spicy Italian sausages instead of the classic andouille sausage, before adding to the sheet tray. This is a perfect dish for a […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Seafood • Tags: Bake

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Baked Tomato Gratin

August 1, 2019 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. This dish is a perfect side for a hearty meal or a nice topping for a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

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Grilled Zucchini Salad

July 25, 2019 by pamflo

The most delightful part of this salad is the pomegranate molasses, a thick tart syrup that’s drizzled on the grilled zucchini. Pomegranate molasses is a syrup traditionally used in Middle Eastern cooking, and can be used in a variety of dishes. It is easy to make your own with sugar, lemon and pomegranate juice or is readily available at most specialty markets. Zucchini is actually a fruit, with its beautiful yellow blossoms that are edible. Usually eaten as a vegetable […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Grill

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Grilled Swordfish and Vegetable Kabobs

July 18, 2019 by pamflo

Swordfish is a firm-fleshed fish with a mildly sweet flavor, perfect for cutting into cubes and grilling for an easy weeknight meal. Although it’s on the list of fish that can be high in mercury, it’s a great protein source, and abundant in minerals and vitamins. If time permits, you can marinate the pieces of fish for up to 30 minutes. Being short on time, I generously coated the cubes with olive oil, salt and pepper before grilling. Serve hot with […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seafood, Vegetables • Tags: Grill

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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, Soups/Stews, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

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Roasted Asparagus with Cherry Tomatoes

May 9, 2019 by pamflo

Spring is finally here and the asparagus is in season, with its beautiful green stalks and familiar earthy fragrance. Roasting asparagus is a quick and easy dish for a weeknight meal or for a crowd. When purchasing these beauties looks 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 stalks for a sleek plated presentation, but it […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Toast

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Easy Breakfast Tacos

May 2, 2019 by pamflo

This dish is a great choice for a quick, casual breakfast. Don’t underestimate the wakeup call that hot sauce can provide in the morning. Honestly, I never considered hot sauce for breakfast, but it turns out that the tangy sauce pairs perfectly with eggs. I’m often asked if I have any go-to ingredients in my pantry. Indeed I do, and Sriracha is one of them. The combination of the blistered tortilla, runny eggs and creamy avocado really hits the spot. I […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas • Tags: Blister, Fry

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Brown Butter Sea Scallops with Lemon and Capers

April 25, 2019 by pamflo

Many years ago, I was a guest on a local television show and was asked a few personal questions to wrap up my cooking segment. The host asked if my mother was a positive cooking influence in my life. Without filtering my thoughts, I said that my mom was an awful cook and had ruined my joy of eating scallops…oops! Although this was true, I profusely apologized to my mom. We still laugh about it! Scallops are a lean protein source and quite easy to cook. However, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seafood • Tags: Sauté

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Archives

Roasted Citrus Slices

Honey Glazed Chicken Wings

Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup

Scrambled Egg Stuffed Peppers

Hearty Vegetable and Bean Soup

Roasted Root Vegetables

Baba Ganoush

Simple Herb Roasted Carrots

Cabbage and Apple Slaw

Borlotti Beans with Garlic and Rosemary

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Baked Stuffed Tomatoes

Lobster and Asparagus Omelet

Sheet Pan Seafood Bake

Baked Tomato Gratin

Grilled Zucchini Salad

Grilled Swordfish and Vegetable Kabobs

Watermelon and Tomato Gazpacho

Roasted Asparagus with Cherry Tomatoes

Easy Breakfast Tacos

Brown Butter Sea Scallops with Lemon and Capers