Archives

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

Italian Wedding Soup

April 22, 2021 by pamflo

Wedding soup actually means the “marriage” of meat and greens. There are so many wonderful versions of this soup, and feel free to vary it as you wish. I made a large batch of meatballs with a combination of pork and beef, and baked them in the oven, instead of the traditional step of simmering the meatballs in chicken broth. Delicious! Once the soup was done, I stored each soup component separately – the broth, meatballs and noodles in order […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Bake, Simmer

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

Roasted Spaghetti Squash Pizza

March 18, 2021 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 […]

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

Leave a comment

Spicy Grilled Steak Lettuce Wraps

March 4, 2021 by pamflo

Firing up your outdoor grill is not completely out of the question, as the temperature has been climbing and the snow melting! A stove-top grill pan works well too. The secrets to juicy tender steak is letting the meat come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before cooking, and using a meat thermometer to cook it to your desired temperature. Let the meat rest after cooking for about 5 minutes or so before slicing. The last tip is one I […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, Vegetables • Tags: Grill

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

Eggs Baked in Winter Squash

February 18, 2021 by pamflo

Naturally low in fat and nutrient dense, winter squash is a healthy substitute for the toast in the classic breakfast dish of egg-in-the-hole. There’s a beautiful assortment of squash available and you can use any variety of winter squash, although acorn is the best with its sweet and tender flesh. These squash are small and heavy when ripe, with a tough outer skin that’s eatable after cooking. I used the small sweet dumpling squash as I was drawn to its […]

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

Leave a comment

Cheesy Baked Potato Rounds

February 4, 2021 by pamflo

These loaded baked potato rounds are an easy, fun sized, game day dish for the Super Bowl. The potatoes are sliced, baked until lightly browned and then topped with ingredients of your choice. They’re a healthier way to enjoy stuffed potatoes skins and are just as satisfying. I topped the sweet potato rounds with shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped scallions. The russet potatoes are topped with crispy bacon and a combination of cheddar cheeses. Enjoy! Cheesy Baked Potato Rounds Print […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Game Day, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Hearty Butternut Squash Soup

January 28, 2021 by pamflo

Butternut squash is a great source of dietary fiber and potassium. Turmeric, known as a medicinal spice and a member of the ginger family, has powerful anti-inflammatory qualities. Sweet, hearty and nutritious, this soup is a bowl of complete goodness. There are many ways to make butternut squash soup, but the combination of vegetables, fruit and spices makes this soup one to be repeated. This soup is even better the next day! Hearty Butternut Squash Soup Print Recipe Servings 4-6 servings Servings […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Game Day, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Soup, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer

Leave a comment

Sea Bass en Papillote

January 7, 2021 by pamflo

En papillote is a classic method of cooking food wrapped in parchment paper. It’s an easy and healthy way to steam food and infuse flavor. The traditional method of using parchment paper requires origami-style folding and results in a beautiful, elegant presentation; aluminum foil works too. The paper rises while cooking, and is filled with the fragrances of the fresh ingredients. When you open the parchment you get the gift of this wonderful aroma. The rule of thumb for cooking […]

Categories: Cooking Tips, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seafood • Tags: Steam

Leave a comment

Simple Roast Turkey

November 12, 2020 by pamflo

Turkey is a delicious Thanksgiving tradition, juicy, crispy and tender! My first turkey experience required me to pluck the turkey feathers, an experience I hope never to have again! I’ve brined turkey in herbs, apple cider and even bourbon. I’ve cooked organic, kosher and heritage turkeys. I’ve tried a dry brine but have never been brave enough to deep fry a turkey. I will leave that to the fearless. From all my experiences, I think that a simple roast turkey […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Roast

Leave a comment

Seafood Bake

September 3, 2020 by pamflo

This flavorful and fun seafood bake is perfect for the holiday weekend! It is like squeezing summer all onto one pan, with shrimp, sausage, clams, and veggies all cooked together 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. […]

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

Leave a comment

Honeydew and Cucumber Gazpacho

July 23, 2020 by pamflo

This soup is a throwback to a fantastic gazpacho I had while traveling a few years ago 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. 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, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Soup, Vegetarian • Tags: No Cooking

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

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

Spaghetti Squash Pizza

March 26, 2020 by pamflo

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Pantry Staples, Side Dish • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Ribollita Soup

March 19, 2020 by pamflo

I’ve been digging into my archives for easy recipes using pantry staples. Ribolitta is a Tuscan soup made with lots of vegetables and hunks of toasted or stale bread. Traditionally this soup is made with inexpensive vegetables like carrots, celery and onions as well as white beans, kale and cabbage. This hearty soup is easy to make and you can use whatever variety of veggies you have on hand. I often finish soups with a splash of acid, using either […]

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

Leave a comment

Spicy Tomato Soup

February 27, 2020 by pamflo

A food stylist is a culinary professional who prepares food for photography, video or film. It’s actually a hard job making food photogenic! The top food stylists come to a photoshoot with a variety of techniques, even if it requires using non-edible materials to achieve the best results. This tomato soup photo is from an intensive food styling class I took in NYC. It was really fun to learn the techniques involved in producing a beautiful food photo. That being said, […]

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

Leave a comment

Braised Chicken with Artichokes, Olives and Lemon

February 20, 2020 by pamflo

These brisk winter days have me craving a hearty one-pot meal. The combination of the crisp chicken skin, plump juicy meat and rich broth is outstanding in this braised dish. The extra step of browning the chicken before cooking is worth the little bit of extra effort. The chicken is then braised in a deeply flavored broth with a Mediterranean flair of olives, garlic, artichokes, and lemon. Artichokes are high in vitamin C, high in fiber, and considered a heart […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals, Vegetables • Tags: Braise, Sear

Leave a comment

← Older posts

Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Archives

Easy Poached Fish Fillets

Italian Wedding Soup

Wine-Braised Chicken Thighs

Roasted Spaghetti Squash Pizza

Spicy Grilled Steak Lettuce Wraps

Hearty Winter Vegetable Soup

Eggs Baked in Winter Squash

Cheesy Baked Potato Rounds

Hearty Butternut Squash Soup

Sea Bass en Papillote

Simple Roast Turkey

Seafood Bake

Honeydew and Cucumber Gazpacho

Sweet and Sour Vegetables over Noodles

Zucchini Pesto Pappardelle

Hearty Minestrone Soup

Easy Beef and Beer Chili

Spaghetti Squash Pizza

Ribollita Soup

Spicy Tomato Soup

Braised Chicken with Artichokes, Olives and Lemon