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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

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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

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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

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Almond Tea Cookies

April 29, 2021 by pamflo

The delightful aroma of these freshly baked cookies still lingers in my kitchen. These cookies are crunchy, pack an awesome almond punch, and are both gluten and dairy free! These cookies are made with almonds and coconut flour, which is naturally gluten-free, high in fiber and mild in taste. Almond tea cookies are perfect when dunked into a hot cup of tea or coffee, and make a beautiful gift as well. Before baking, place the cookie dough in the refrigerator […]

Categories: Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Gifts, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake

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Flourless Coconut Crisps

April 1, 2021 by pamflo

Flavorful, crispy and only 5 ingredients, these coconut crisps are easy to make! Although they are gluten-free, you might not even notice. These beautiful thin crisps make a tasty treat alone, but could be dipped in chocolate or coated with your favorite nut butter. By the way, coconut is a great source of quick energy and good for your heart health. Once cooled store the crisps for a couple of weeks in an airtight container. Flourless Coconut Crisps Print Recipe […]

Categories: Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake

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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

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Intensely Chocolate Walnut Brownies

February 11, 2021 by pamflo

The smell in my kitchen is absolutely intoxicating! February 14th is approaching and these brownies are the perfect sweet and chocolatey homemade gift. These heavenly squares are gluten-free, and the cornstarch-cocoa powder combination replaces the flour. The toasted chopped walnuts elevate these brownies, but the nuts are optional. I’ve added both cocoa nibs for extra crunch and a pinch of pink Himalayan sea salt, which balances the sugar and intensifies the deep chocolate flavor. Happy Valentine’s Day! Intensely Chocolate Walnut […]

Categories: Brownies, Chocolate, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake

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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

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Coconut Macaroons with a Chocolate Drizzle

December 3, 2020 by pamflo

Calling all coconut lovers! Coconut is a great source of immediate energy, helps reduce inflammation in the body and is a heart healthy fat. These macaroons are a satisfying, gluten free, healthy snack. There are a few ways to make macaroons. This recipe is a two step process, but it guarantees a delicious cookie. The exterior of the cookies will be golden and crisp, and the interior will be soft and moist. Let’s Do Organic Unsweetened Coconut Flakes is the […]

Categories: Chocolate, Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Gifts, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Chocolate Chip Meringues

April 9, 2020 by pamflo

Light, airy, melt-in-your mouth and gluten free, meringues are surprisingly simple to make! The secret to crispy meringues are whipping the egg whites to a creamy, white firm peak. You can either use a standing mixer with the whip attachment, or a hand mixer. Although, when I was in cooking school we had to whip the egg whites by hand — it builds muscle! The key steps are to whip room temperature egg whites until they’re a little creamy, slowly adding […]

Categories: Chocolate, Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dessert, Eggs, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Passover Recipes • Tags: Bake, Whip

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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

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Cranberry Daiquiris

December 26, 2019 by pamflo

For the last few years, I’ve posted a cocktail recipe in preparation for the holidays. My friend and cocktail expert, Katherine Steiger, wrote a guest post. Happy New Year! Cranberry daiquiris are a holiday tradition at our house. They look beautiful served in a martini glass filled with crushed ice and are absolutely delicious, but my favorite part might be the cranberries. They’re cooked with orange zest and cinnamon sticks to flavor the simple syrup for the cocktail. Then you steep […]

Categories: Alcohol, Boozy, Cocktail, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Drinks, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Simmer

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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

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Red Wine Poached Pears

September 5, 2019 by pamflo

Red-wine poached pears are beautiful, sweet, tart and juicy. You couldn’t ask for a more perfect dessert for the end of summer and the start of fall! Poaching is a simple way to prepare and serve pears. Both Bosc and Comice pears are good choices for cooking and baking, because they hold their shape well. Slice a 1/2 inch off of the bottom to create a flat surface for the pear to stand for serving. Make sure to rotate the […]

Categories: Alcohol, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dessert, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish • Tags: Poach

Raspberry Swirl Meringues

February 14, 2019 by pamflo

I was recently at Flour Bakery for one of Joanne Chang’s yummy salads. With such an amazing display of baked goods, there was no way I was leaving empty- handed. I purchased a beautiful pillowy meringue with a raspberry coulis. The fresh raspberry sauce is swirled in before baking using a wooden skewer or chopstick. In honor of Valentine’s day, I created these light crispy cookies at home. Meringues are low in calories and a naturally gluten and dairy free […]

Categories: Cookies, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gifts, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake, Whip

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Fudgy Olive Oil Brownies

December 13, 2018 by pamflo

What is olive oil doing in a brownie recipe, you ask? Other than creating a dairy free dessert, it adds a bright fruity flavor to your brownies. I used freshly brewed Columbian coffee as the liquid, added in a speckling of extra-dark chocolate chips and topped with large flaky sea salt. Powdered sugar and dark chocolate drizzle are optional. These brownies make a beautiful dessert or a great holiday gift. Coffee enhances the flavor of the chocolate, but no stuffing […]

Categories: Chocolate, Cookies/Brownies, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gifts • Tags: Bake

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