Archives

Eggs Poached in Puttanesca

January 26, 2023 by pamflo

Shakshuka, soft poached eggs in a steaming, flavorful tomato broth, is a favorite dish of mine. Puttanesca is an Italian sauce invented in Naples and typically made with tomatoes, garlic, olives, anchovies, chili peppers and capers. I thought it might be fun to combine these two dishes and poach some eggs in a puttanesca-style tomato sauce, and it turned out to be a delicious dish! You can serve your puttanesca poached eggs with a crusty loaf of bread, a crisp green […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Sauces • Tags: Poach, Simmer

Leave a comment

Braised Brisket with Apricots and Prunes

December 8, 2022 by pamflo

One of the my favorite winter activities is braising tough cuts of meat slowly, using a low temperature. The dried fruit in this recipe creates a delicious sweet sauce for the brisket. When purchasing brisket, you are more likely to find the “first cut”, a leaner piece of meat, but if possible ask the butcher for the “second cut”. Although both cuts of meat work, the second cut of meat is marbled with fat and perfect for braising. The aromatics, […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Braise, Sear

Leave a comment

Cioppino (Seafood Stew)

November 3, 2022 by pamflo

Cioppino or Brodetto di Pesce, is a delicious rustic Italian stew brimming with fresh seafood cooked in a tomato broth with wine, garlic and herbs. This hearty stew is traditionally served with grilled bread rubbed with garlic. Although there are many ingredients in this seafood stew, the dish comes together quite quickly. This dish can be a simple soup with just the fresh seafood cooked in broth and tomatoes, or you can use the ingredients to build a rich flavorful stew. […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Seafood, Soups/Stews • Tags: Sauté, Simmer

Leave a comment

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, Vegetables • Tags: Blister

Leave a comment

Loaded Hummus Platter

September 8, 2022 by pamflo

Smooth, creamy and lemony with a hint of garlic and a few splashes of hot sauce, that’s my favorite kind of hummus. I topped my hummus with olives, capers, cucumbers, tomatoes, chickpeas, feta cheese and a drizzle of good olive oil. I’ve included my favorite homemade hummus recipe but please feel free to use your favorite store-bought brand instead. I served my loaded hummus platter with crackers and a crisp Chardonnay. Seeds of Collaboration (SoCo) is a company that produces delicious […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans/Legumes, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Seeds, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

Leave a comment

White Gazpacho

June 16, 2022 by pamflo

Cool, refreshing and healthy, this cold soup requires no cooking. Even if you’re not a gazpacho fan, this soup is zesty and really delicious. This gazpacho is a twist on a Spanish classic and provides a nice break from a traditional tomato-based gazpacho. This beautiful creamy soup is usually made with a combination of grapes, cucumbers, garlic, blanched almonds, and bread. I leave out the bread and include cilantro, a splash of sherry vinegar, and plenty of lime juice. It […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Soup • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

Leave a comment

Wine Braised Short Ribs

March 31, 2022 by pamflo

Braising is a perfect cooking method for tough pieces of meat that will break down over the cooking time. Beef short ribs naturally contain a good hunk of fat, which adds significant depth of flavor to this dish. Marinating the ribs in red wine overnight and then braising the ribs in a combination of wine and chicken broth with aromatics, creates a rich, savory meal. The meat shrinks a great deal so if you’re serving a crowd be sure to […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Braise, Sear

Leave a comment

Huevos Rancheros

March 10, 2022 by pamflo

Huevos Rancheros is a fiery and flavorful Mexican breakfast dish often made with fried eggs, a spicy chili salsa and served over corn tortillas. The tomato based salsa can be as mild or spicy as you desire. For the peppery kick, I used canned chipotle chilies and pureed the sauce for a smooth salsa, but keeping the sauce chunky is an option as well. This dish is a great choice for a quick, casual breakfast. Consider adding black or refried […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Eggs, Healthish • Tags: Fried

Leave a comment

Spicy Chicken Chili

January 13, 2022 by pamflo

Spices are the secret to making a super flavorful chili! Using dried spices can add so much flavor, texture and heat to a dish. Dried ground spices usually have a shelf life of 6 months and whole spices will last up to a year, so ensure that your spices are fresh. If they don’t smell strong, it’s time for a new bottle. Store your dried spices in a cool dry place. This chili recipe has a variety of dried spices to […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Game Day, Gluten Free, Healthish, One-Pot Meals, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Simmer

Leave a comment

Whole Roasted Cauliflower

November 4, 2021 by pamflo

These humble heads of white florets can be transformed into a tender, creamy and delicious addition to an entree or center stage with other fun side dishes. Cauliflower is a great source of antioxidants and fiber, as well as an excellent replacement for grains. This recipe is easy to make and will convert even a non-cauliflower eater. The cauliflower heads will bake for about an hour or so, and once they have cooled you can slice into steaks, coat with […]

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

Leave a comment

Yakitori-Style Chicken Thighs

July 22, 2021 by pamflo

Classic Japanese yakitori chicken is skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled over a fire. Hesitating to fire up the grill because it’s been so hot and humid this summer, I baked these easy and delicious chicken skewers in the oven at a high temperature instead. I used boneless skinless chicken thighs, but boneless breasts work too. There is an added step of boiling down the sauce to the point that it coats the back of a spoon, this intensifies the […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Bake, Simmer

Leave a comment

Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

July 15, 2021 by pamflo

Grilling season is in full swing! Flank steak is an inexpensive and versatile cut of meat, and is perfect for tacos, lettuce wraps, over a salad, or as a main dish. This beefy flavored, lean and fibrous cut of meat benefits from a marinade. Marinating the meat at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking, both tenderizes the meat and helps with even cooking. If you want to marinate your meat for longer, it can be refrigerated for up to […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Grill

Leave a comment

Summer Fish Stew

June 24, 2021 by pamflo

Wow, the combination of the fennel, white wine and dill make this a fantastic, flavorful stew. The fish is simmered slowly in a combination of white wine and water, on a low heat which helps retain its tenderness. Sliced raw fennel adds a sweet licorice flavor, but if you sauté, roast or grill it, it softens the licorice flavor. Served with hearty greens, this is an easy weeknight meal. Pick a firm white fish with a delicate flavor. I tried […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Seafood, Soups/Stews • Tags: Simmer

Leave a comment

Easy Poached Fish Fillets

May 13, 2021 by pamflo

If you’re looking for an easy and delicious meal, this spicy tomato poached fish is perfect for you! We try to eat fish often and poaching is a healthy way to cook fish with firm white flesh. I used haddock fillets but cod, flounder, and halibut are good choices too. Poaching is a method of cooking using moist heat by submerging food in liquid and heating it at a low temperature. My poaching liquid is a combination of water and […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Pan Sauce, Seafood • Tags: Poach

Leave a comment

Wine-Braised Chicken Thighs

April 15, 2021 by pamflo

These brisk spring evenings have me craving a hearty chicken dish. Here is a recipe for perfectly browned, juicy chicken thighs in a delicious sauce prepared on the stove top. These pan seared chicken thighs are an easy meal for a weeknight. Braising is one of my favorite methods of cooking. A cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottom enameled pan are good choices. I used a large non-stick sauté pan and it worked well. Once the chicken is nicely browned, it’s time to […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Meat/Poultry, Pan Sauce • Tags: Braise

Leave a comment

Hearty Winter Vegetable Soup

February 25, 2021 by pamflo

It’s been a cold winter in Boston and this hearty vegetable soup just hits the spot. This can be a “clean out your refrigerator” soup, using whatever veggies you have on hand. In addition to onion, celery and garlic, I used a combination of sweet and regular potatoes, butternut squash, rainbow carrots and a large handful of greens. I added a bit of smoked paprika to my soup as it adds a delicious subtle smokiness. A generous splash of sherry […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Soup, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer

Leave a comment

Roasted Fennel and Tomatoes with Beans

October 8, 2020 by pamflo

Beans, beans they’re good for your heart, the more you eat…..and you know the rest of the tune! Not everyone is a bean lover, but they’re a good source of protein and fiber. Research suggests that if beans are soaked and/or cooked, they are easier to digest, and this is a great way to add them to your diet. Fennel is a member of the carrot family and has a fresh anise flavor when it is eaten raw. It gets […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Side Dish, Vegetarian • Tags: Roast

Leave a comment

Linguini with White Clam Sauce

July 9, 2020 by pamflo

I fondly remember digging for clams at low tide around the Cape Cod jetties with my family. It was a highlight of our summer vacation and a vivid memory of mine. We’d steam the clams and eat them as soon as they opened, dipping them in melted butter. Linguini with white clam sauce is one of my favorite shellfish dishes. I add bottled clam broth with the white wine, along with the traditional minced garlic, red pepper flakes and fresh […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Lunch Ideas, Pasta/Pizza, Seafood • Tags: Simmer

Leave a comment

Zucchini Pesto Pappardelle

May 14, 2020 by pamflo

Pappardelle shaped “noodles” made with zucchini are a great pasta substitute, and combined with a fresh, tangy pesto you would hardly realize that you’re not eating grains. I gave my spiralizer a short vacation and made zucchini ribbon “noodles” for this light dish. A wide vegetable peeler or a mandolin both work to create these pappardelle style noodles. To prevent the zucchini from become watery, place the ribbons in a colander and lightly salt. Let the ribbons sit for about […]

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

Leave a comment

Hearty Minestrone Soup

April 30, 2020 by pamflo

There are many ways to make a delicious soup. The success of a soup is in the depth of flavors. The first layer of flavor is the pancetta, cured and salted pork belly. Olive oil is a good substitute if you don’t have or want to use pancetta. Another layer of flavor are the aromatics, vegetables used as a base flavor including, but not limited to, celery, carrots, onions and fresh herbs. Adding a piece of the rind from a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer

Leave a comment

Easy Beef and Beer Chili

April 2, 2020 by pamflo

What is the secret to making a dish that is restaurant quality? Spices! Using dried spices can add so much flavor, texture, and heat to a dish. Dried ground spices usually have a shelf life of 6 months, whole spices will last up to a year, so ensure that your spices are fresh. If they don’t smell strong, it’s time for a new bottle. Store your dried spices in a cool dry place. This chili recipe has a variety of dried […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Boozy, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals, Pantry Staples, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer

Leave a comment

← Older posts

Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Archives

Eggs Poached in Puttanesca

Braised Brisket with Apricots and Prunes

Cioppino (Seafood Stew)

Blistered Green Beans

Loaded Hummus Platter

White Gazpacho

Wine Braised Short Ribs

Huevos Rancheros

Spicy Chicken Chili

Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Yakitori-Style Chicken Thighs

Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Summer Fish Stew

Easy Poached Fish Fillets

Wine-Braised Chicken Thighs

Hearty Winter Vegetable Soup

Roasted Fennel and Tomatoes with Beans

Linguini with White Clam Sauce

Zucchini Pesto Pappardelle

Hearty Minestrone Soup

Easy Beef and Beer Chili