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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

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Farro Risotto with Winter Squash

October 13, 2022 by pamflo

Many of the outdoor farmers markets stay open into early November with beautiful fall fruit and vegetables. The winter squash elevates this dish and you can choose any type you like, although butternut squash is my favorite. You’ll roast the squash in the oven and then add the puréed flesh to finish your dish. Farro is a hearty wheat-based grain that has a rich, nutty flavor. It is a good source of fiber and protein. Look for the pearled farro or […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Grains, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté, Simmer

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Chilled Avocado Soup

May 12, 2022 by pamflo

This is a beautiful, simple avocado soup that is gluten and dairy free. The avocados are blended with sparkling water, lime juice and extra-virgin olive oil. The soup is then chilled. Although avocados are calorically dense they are a great source of healthy fats, fiber and potassium. Hass avocados have a higher percentage of oil than other varieties, making the texture more creamy. If you want to jazz up your soup, you can add toasted pumpkin seeds, additional red pepper […]

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

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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

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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

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Roasted Lamb Chops with Blood Oranges

March 3, 2022 by pamflo

Blood oranges and other delicious citrus are at their peak in the winter months. Blood oranges are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants. They may also be linked to improved gut health and better immune function. Blood oranges are less acidic than navel oranges, have a hint of sweetness and contain less seeds. I eat a piece of citrus everyday and thought it might be fun to make a savory recipe with oranges. The blood orange slices roast […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Roast

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Pan Seared Scallops

February 3, 2022 by pamflo

Many years ago, I was a guest on a 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 stated 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! The secret to a delicious scallop […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Pan Sauce, Seafood • Tags: Sear, Whiz

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Easy Egg Muffins

January 27, 2022 by pamflo

These egg muffins are easy to make and are like mini breakfast soufflés! They are the perfect healthy breakfast or a quick, delicious snack. Feel free to make them with any vegetables that you have on hand and jazz them up with jalapeños, sausage or bacon. I used a couple of sweet bell peppers, onions, leftover steamed broccoli and topped the egg muffins with shredded mozzarella cheese. Generously spray the muffin tin with non-stick spray or coat with butter or […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

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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

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Beer Braised Brisket

December 2, 2021 by pamflo

Brisket can be a tough cut of meat, but cooking at a low temperature and for a longer time allows it to become tender and succulent. Braising meat in beer adds a rich almost earthy flavor. Excitedly, I went in search of good local craft beer to use. Allagash, an independent craft brewery in Portland, Maine, has a delicious signature Belgian-style wheat beer called Alllagash White. This is the beer I used for my braise. When purchasing brisket you usually […]

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

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Fennel and Carrot Soup

October 28, 2021 by pamflo

Raw fennel has a similar taste to anise, but don’t let that intimidate you. Fennel is a flavorful addition to salads, soups and savory dishes, and just happens to be a good source of vitamin C. Cooking fennel slowly in olive oil or butter, mellows and sweetens the flavor. Smooth and silky, you’ll find this soup quite tasty. The process of sweating the vegetables or cooking until softened and the moisture is released, brings out the subtle flavors. Consider serving the […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Soup, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Sauté, Simmer, Whiz

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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

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Simple Chilled Tomato Soup

September 9, 2021 by pamflo

Although fall is in view, this chilled soup is a throwback to summer and you can use the remainder of the beautiful ripe tomatoes. This is a refreshing tomato soup that is light and simple to make. It’s actually a twist on a Greek salad, but re-invented as a soup. The fresh oregano adds an earthy, peppery flavor. If you’re unable to find it you can substitute fresh thyme or basil leaves. A good blender, Cuisinart, or immersion blender is […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Soup, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté, Whiz

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Grilled Romaine Salad

August 12, 2021 by pamflo

Romaine lettuce is the hero of a Caesar salad, mild tasting with sturdy leaves and a thick rib down the center. Perfect for grilling! Many variations of Caesar salad are still popular on restaurant menus today. The lettuce can be grilled in a grill pan or on your outdoor grill. I grilled the romaine hearts on the stove-top and dressed the leaves with a tangy citrus Caesar dressing. Anchovy paste adds that “umami” flavor to the dressing, but Worcestershire sauce or […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dressing, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads • Tags: Grill

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Potato and Egg Salad

August 5, 2021 by pamflo

Summer outings, BBQ’s, and elegant picnics aren’t complete without potato salad. This recipe is an easy and lighter alternative to the goopy, mayo-laden version. This dish is so delicious with creamy steamed Yukon gold potatoes and soft boiled eggs mixed with a tangy mustard vinaigrette. Yum! Topped with some fresh chopped chives and a smattering of chopped dill pickles, this is a great summer dish. Potato and Egg Salad Print Recipe Servings 4 servings Servings 4 servings Potato and Egg […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Salads, Side Dish • Tags: Boil, Steam

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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

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Sautéed Corn Salad with Tomatoes and Feta

July 8, 2021 by pamflo

Sautéing corn kernels in a combination of olive oil and butter adds tremendous flavor to this salad. It’s simple, delicious and a perfect dish for these steamy summer nights. I added fresh avocado, jalapeño pepper, tomatoes, fresh basil and a sprinkle of feta cheese. My son finished the salad before I had the chance to dress it! It was so flavorful that it didn’t need dressing. I just finished it with a pinch of sea salt and a generous squeeze […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

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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

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Salad Niçoise

June 10, 2021 by pamflo

This beautiful salad originated in the French city of Nice and is traditionally made with hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, Niçoise olives, and tuna or anchovies. You can be as creative with the ingredients as you like! I added sliced cucumbers and grilled artichokes. It takes a little time in the preparation of each item, but you can cook the green beans, potatoes and eggs ahead of time. It’s a great dish for a potluck dinner or feeding a crowd. I recommend […]

Categories: Beans, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dressing, Eggs, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Seafood, Vegetables • Tags: Boil, Steam

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Ginger Peanut Chicken Wings

May 27, 2021 by pamflo

These wings are simple to prepare and bake quickly. The bite from the ginger combined with the sweetness of the honey makes a very tasty sauce. Ginger root is readily available in most markets and is known for its ability to ease nausea and improve digestion. The best way to prepare the root it is to cut off the smaller roots from the main piece and peel the skin off with a vegetable peeler or the side of a spoon. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Meat/Poultry, Peanuts • Tags: Bake

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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

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Archives

Braised Brisket with Apricots and Prunes

Farro Risotto with Winter Squash

Chilled Avocado Soup

Wine Braised Short Ribs

Huevos Rancheros

Roasted Lamb Chops with Blood Oranges

Pan Seared Scallops

Easy Egg Muffins

Spicy Chicken Chili

Beer Braised Brisket

Fennel and Carrot Soup

Crispy Panko Crusted Chicken

Simple Chilled Tomato Soup

Grilled Romaine Salad

Potato and Egg Salad

Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Sautéed Corn Salad with Tomatoes and Feta

Summer Fish Stew

Salad Niçoise

Ginger Peanut Chicken Wings

Easy Poached Fish Fillets