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Strawberry Rhubarb Polenta Crisp

May 5, 2022 by pamflo

Fresh strawberries can easily be transformed into a bubbly, fragrant and beautiful dessert. Strawberries paired with thinly sliced rhubarb stalks provide some extra tartness to this delicious crisp. Rhubarb is high in antioxidants, vitamin K and a natural laxative. A lightly sweetened crumbly topping made with quick cooking polenta, adds a nice crispy texture to each bite. I find the best way to enjoy this crisp is serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh chilled […]

Categories: Crisp, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake

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Brown Butter Radishes

April 28, 2022 by pamflo

Sweet, juicy radishes can be long or round in shape and their skin color ranges from pink, red, purple to white and yellow. The flesh of the radish is usually white, purple or beautifully striped. The radish is a relative of the turnip and cabbage family and is high in vitamin C, calcium and potassium, just to name a few of the nutrients. Radishes have a peppery bite when eaten raw, but the flavor mellows when they’re roasted. Tossed with […]

Categories: Appetizer, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

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Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

March 24, 2022 by pamflo

This bread is a family favorite with the combination of ripe bananas and chocolate chips. It’s moist and delectable, and the scent will waft through your kitchen as it’s baking. Let the banana bread cool and serve it warm. The bread will freeze well, if you have any slices left! Let’s talk about flour, specifically about the weight of it. There is a difference between “2 cups sifted all-purpose flour” and “2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted”. Actually the variance is […]

Categories: Breads, Chocolate, Crowd Pleaser, Dessert, Snack • Tags: Bake

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Flourless Chocolate Cake with Chili

February 10, 2022 by pamflo

This dense, chocolaty and utterly delicious cake recipe is adapted from Eating Well magazine. This is a gluten-free cake with no flour in the batter and a secret ingredient of chipotle chili powder. I say secret ingredient because you might not detect the chili powder, but it intensifies the chocolate and the cinnamon flavors. I always recommend using good quality chocolate with at least 70% cacao. Guittard bittersweet baking wafers, which I enthusiastically recommend, are readily available in most markets. […]

Categories: Cakes, Chocolate, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake, Melt

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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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Blueberry Muffins

January 6, 2022 by pamflo

Packed with antioxidants and nutrients, fresh blueberries are perfect for these muffins. However, if fresh blueberries are unavailable frozen berries will work as well. When you buy fresh blueberries and can’t use them all, freeze them. Gently wash and pat berries dry, pick through to remove the stems and squashed ones. Place the berries on a sheet tray in one layer, and place in the freezer. Once frozen, store in a zip-lock freezer bag until ready for baking. The blueberries […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Muffins, Snack • Tags: Bake

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Pistachio Cranberry Ice Box Cookies

December 9, 2021 by pamflo

The holiday season is upon us and creating homemade gifts can be fun and festive. These “ice box” or “refrigerator” cookies make beautiful and delicious gifts. These cookies are made by shaping dough into logs and then refrigerating the dough before slicing and baking. The advantage to this type of cookie is the dough can be prepared ahead of time and either refrigerated or frozen. The last step, although optional, is to coat the cookie dough in an egg wash and […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Gifts, Holiday Ideas, Nuts • Tags: Bake

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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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Rustic Apple Galette

September 16, 2021 by pamflo

The approaching fall means apple season is here! With so many varieties its almost hard to choose what to bake with. I used Braeburn and Gala apples. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith and Golden Delicious are good choices as well. This free-form tart comes together easily by hand or in a food processor. The dough is simple to work with and creates a beautiful rustic tart with a flaky crust and tender filling. Many bakers coat the crust with an egg wash, […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Fruit, Holiday Ideas, Pies/Tarts • Tags: Bake

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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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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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Parmesan Thyme Crackers

June 17, 2021 by pamflo

It’s very exciting to gather with friends and family again! A charcuterie platter is often my contribution to an event or party, and I take the assembly quite seriously. Often composed on a slate or wood board, it has to be a robust combination of cheeses, meats, dried and fresh fruit, nuts and of course crackers. I made these delicious, crunchy, speckled crackers to add to my board. They’re easy to make and can elevate your platter or just be a fun […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crackers, Crowd Pleaser, Holiday Ideas, Snack • 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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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

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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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Roast Tenderloin of Beef with Horseradish Sauce

November 24, 2020 by pamflo

Roasted beef tenderloin is without a doubt incredibly decadent! A dish for a celebratory occasion. In the years that I hosted a large family Thanksgiving, I would make both beef tenderloin and roast turkey. There was always leftover turkey and never leftovers of the beef. This was one of the best dishes at my New York culinary program many years ago. Naomi Pomeroy of Beast in Portland, OR, made this dish with grass-fed beef, and it was outstanding. If the […]

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

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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

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Brandy and Butter Glazed Carrots

November 5, 2020 by pamflo

The Thanksgiving buzz has begun! It starts when cooking magazines arrive at my house with photos of gleaming turkeys and perfectly plated sides. For the years that I hosted the Thanksgiving feast, my preparations typically started in October. I would start with making and freezing turkey stock, baking breads and making ice cream. I would usually assign the side dishes to willing family members. Although this year will be a very small gathering, this brandy and butter glaze adds a […]

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

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Creamy Corn Chowder

September 10, 2020 by pamflo

As the summer comes to a close, this soup is a perfect way to celebrate corn on the cob which is at its peak. At many of the farmers markets, you’ll find both white and yellow corn on the cob piled in nice big stacks. When shopping for corn, the husks should be bright green and wrapped tightly against the kernels. I sometimes take a tiny peek by peeling back the husk an inch or so, to make sure the […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Soup, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer

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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

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Archives

Strawberry Rhubarb Polenta Crisp

Brown Butter Radishes

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Chili

Pan Seared Scallops

Blueberry Muffins

Pistachio Cranberry Ice Box Cookies

Fennel and Carrot Soup

Rustic Apple Galette

Pecan Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Sautéed Corn Salad with Tomatoes and Feta

Parmesan Thyme Crackers

Cashew Butter and Honey Cookies

Intensely Chocolate Walnut Brownies

Hearty Butternut Squash Soup

Mint Chocolate Sable Cookies

Roast Tenderloin of Beef with Horseradish Sauce

Simple Roast Turkey

Brandy and Butter Glazed Carrots

Creamy Corn Chowder

Seafood Bake