Zest For Cooking

Kandy Sweet Potato Wedges

March 23, 2017 by pamflo

I couldn’t resist buying this fragrant spice blend with a name like Kandy. This Sri Lankan dried spice mix is a combination of cinnamon, ginger, fennel, coriander, star anise, fenugreek, black pepper, clove, mace and cardamom. I used it on a whim, coating thick sweet potato wedges with the Kandy spice, extra-virgin olive oil and sea salt. The aroma in the kitchen was almost reminiscent of Thanksgiving. Fenugreek was the only herb in the spice combination that I didn’t recognize. After […]

Categories: Side Dish, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

Baked Chicken with Olives and Artichokes

March 16, 2017 by pamflo

With spring approaching slower than I would like, I was feeling the urge for a hearty one-pot meal. The extra step of browning the chicken before roasting, 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. The combination of the crisp chicken skin, plump, juicy meat and rich broth is outstanding. I used marinated artichokes hearts that were grilled and tossed in olive oil and vacuum […]

Categories: Gluten Free, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals • Tags: Roast, Sear

Bourbon Glazed Salmon

March 9, 2017 by pamflo

My past career in clinical trial management took me many places far and wide, but I had never been to Kentucky. I just arrived home from an excellent professional culinary conference that was held in Louisville, Kentucky. Respected cookbook authors, talented recipe developers, award-winning food writers, food photographers and more, came from all over to attend this dynamic annual conference. My head is still spinning from all the tips and tidbits I learned. Many of the local restaurants and bourbon makers exhibited their […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Seafood • Tags: Bake

Olive Oil and Orange Cake

March 2, 2017 by pamflo

I’m unapologetically a cookbook collector, but I also spend plenty of time reading foodie magazines, and surfing the net for recipes too. The one consistent part of my on-line recipe use, is that I read the comments that accompany a recipe. This is how I know what changes to consider, whether an oven temperature needs tweaking, substitutions, or general appeal of a recipe. For example, when a few comments consistently say to reduce the amount of sugar as it did with this recipe, […]

Categories: Cakes, Dessert, Gluten Free, Low Sugar • Tags: Bake

Nutty Brussels Bowl

February 23, 2017 by pamflo

The lightly fried egg provides the protein, the beautiful roasted Brussels provides the veggies, and the sticky white rice provides the carbs. A complete meal in one bowl! All the ingredients are interchangeable or optional. This dish can be created with leftovers and pantry staples that you have on hand. I had some toasted almond slivers and garnished the bowl with that as well. Topped with a light, tangy dressing it’s absolutely one of the best lunches I’ve had in a while! I used umami-packed Asian […]

Categories: Appetizer, Lunch Ideas, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

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Italian Vegetable and Bean Soup

February 16, 2017 by pamflo

As I approach my 200th blog post, I want to thank all of my readers for your support! I really love hearing your thoughts, and if commenting on WordPress doesn’t work for you find me on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. I look forward to your continued feedback, photos and ideas. Now let’s talk about umami, a savory flavor sometimes referred to as the fifth taste alongside sweet, salty, sour and bitter. Naturally occurring in foods such as mushrooms, cheese, fish, meat, tomatoes and soy […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Soups/Stews • Tags: Simmer

Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Brownies

February 9, 2017 by pamflo

The smell in my kitchen is absolutely intoxicating! I often forget how much I enjoy baking, and the beautiful, delicious results. February 14th is approaching and I used it as an excuse to experiment. This is an easy recipe for a 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 to outstanding, but nuts are optional. I’ve added both cocoa nibs for extra crunch and a […]

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

Sweet and Tangy Baked Chicken Wings

February 2, 2017 by pamflo

Even if you’re not a football fan, the Super Bowl is a big day for entertaining and eating. Chicken wings are a popular food with or without sports involved. Rice vinegar and Sriracha are not what comes to mind when you think of party wings, but this sweet and tangy chicken dish is a real treat. Topped with a squeeze of lime juice, sesame seeds and chopped cilantro, this dish is a great spin on a game time treat. Alongside these zesty wings, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Bake

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Cauliflower “Fried” Rice

January 26, 2017 by pamflo

Cauliflower seems like a boring white food, but don’t overlook it because it’s loaded with anti-inflammatory properties. Cauliflower is popular now masquerading in other dishes, such as a base for pizza dough. It was time to try cauliflower as a substitute for carbohydrates. It’s really good as faux “fried” rice! This vegetarian cauliflower dish is a warm and comforting bowl of goodness as is, but I could see adding a protein for a complete meal. Both pre-cut cauliflower and the pre-cut mixed vegetables can be […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Smoothies/Shakes, Vegetarian • Tags: Sauté

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Caramelized Citrus Slices

January 19, 2017 by pamflo

Fresh produce is limited in the New England winter months, with the exception of citrus. The variety of citrus options are outstanding. Craving a satisfying healthy dessert, I made these caramelized citrus slices. Experiment with different fruit, like tangerines, grapefruit and an assortment of oranges. After refrigerating, serve the lightly caramelized slices and the accumulated juices over greek yogurt with a sprig of mint for an easy, light dessert or snack. 4 oranges, a variety of types (I used cara cara, navel and blood oranges) […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Snack • Tags: Broil

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Parmesan and Thyme Crackers

January 12, 2017 by pamflo

Winter in New England is very unpredictable. As the saying goes, “the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry”. Planning to attend a post-holiday gathering and bring a savory appetizer, I made the dough for these cheesy, crunchy, speckled crackers. And then there was a snow storm. The party was cancelled so instead, I baked these flaky crackers while the beautiful snow was falling heavily outside. I photographed the crackers just as I would have served them, with grapes and nuts. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crackers, Gifts, Vegetarian • Tags: Bake

Fig Jam and Pear Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

January 5, 2017 by pamflo

In the heart of central London is the historic Borough Market. An indoor/ outdoor food market filled with more than 100 stalls. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit this landmark, and my favorite stall by far was Neal’s Yard Dairy for cheese. Although US immigration prohibits bringing cheeses and agriculture into the US, it made for the perfect in-flight picnic on our journey home. We had a fine feast with crusty bread, a hunk of hard cheese and a tart, freshly made quince paste! On […]

Categories: Appetizer, Cheeses, Sandwiches • Tags: Grill

Beef Brisket with Prunes and Apricots

December 29, 2016 by pamflo

Recently, we welcomed winter with some very varied weather in Boston. 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 beautiful and mildly sweet sauce for the brisket. This dish is perfect for a crowd or made in advance, leaving great leftovers. When purchasing brisket, you are more likely to find the “first cut”, a leaner piece of meat, but if possible, ask the butcher for […]

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

Peanut Caramel Crunch Bars

December 22, 2016 by pamflo

Making candy at home can be a challenge, but a rewarding and satisfying one. All you need is a candy thermometer, a sturdy aluminum or copper saucepan and some concentration. It is important to have your tools and ingredients- your mise en place- ready to go, because the candy comes together fast. The addition of light corn syrup prevents the sugar from crystalizing. The candy lasts for a couple of weeks, makes a great gift, and is truly delicious. These flaky, mildly sweet and […]

Categories: Candy, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gifts, Gluten Free, Peanuts • Tags: Boil

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Quinoa Stuffed Delicata Squash

December 15, 2016 by pamflo

Looking back fondly at the plethora of photos from my fall Farmers’ Market visits, I realize that it might not be too late to post a squash recipe. Although winter squashes are harvested in the fall, stored in a cool dry spot they’ll keep for a while. There are a few options for squashes at the markets now. Delicata squash, with its pale yellow, cylindrical shape, is a perfect vessel for stuffing. The skin is eatable, and when purchasing buy […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Vegetarian • Tags: Roast

Mint Chocolate Sable Cookies

December 8, 2016 by pamflo

I had the privilege of meeting Dorie Greenspan, baker extraordinaire and cookbook author. She has published a beautiful new cookbook, Dorie’s Cookies, which 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 flavor […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Gifts • Tags: Bake

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Baked Salmon with Orange Marmalade

December 1, 2016 by pamflo

After the frenzied eating associated with the start of the holiday season, I thought that a healthy fish dinner would be a welcome recipe. This salmon recipe is delicious with the sweetness from the marmalade and the tartness of the fresh orange juice. When buying salmon, make sure it’s smells fresh like the sea and not “fishy”. I usually buy salmon with the skin on, which prevents the moisture from escaping while cooking. I have the fishmonger remove the needle-like pin bones. If you purchase […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Seafood • Tags: Bake

Oat and Seed Crackers

November 22, 2016 by pamflo

A charcuterie platter is often my contribution to an event or gathering, and I take the assembly quite seriously! Often composed on a slate board, it has to be a robust combination of cheeses, meats, dried and fresh fruit, nuts and of course crackers. This year I decided to make my own crackers for a holiday platter. The variety of seeds provide quite an impressive amount of nutrients and minerals. It’s hard to believe that these crackers are so easy to make, nutritious and gluten-free. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crackers, Dairy Free, Gifts, Gluten Free • Tags: Bake

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Pecan Shortbread Cookies

November 17, 2016 by pamflo

Even before I learned to bake, shortbread cookies were always a favorite sweet treat. 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. Chopped pecans mixed into the dough adds a nice nutty flavor. You can add even more nuts on the warm chocolate coated ends. I usually get a chuckle when I pull out […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Dessert, Gifts • Tags: Bake

Oatmeal Soufflé

November 10, 2016 by pamflo

In the coming months, many people will host out-of-town visitors. This is an easy, healthy breakfast idea and a crowd pleaser that can be started ahead of time. The whipped egg whites folded into the oatmeal adds protein, as well as a light and airy texture to what would be an average breakfast. Almond or coconut milk works well as a non-dairy milk substitute. I sweetened the oatmeal with coconut sugar, an unrefined brown sugar but maple syrup or honey are […]

Categories: Appetizer, Breakfast Ideas, Eggs, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Rice/Grains • Tags: Bake, Whip

Wine-Braised Short Ribs

November 3, 2016 by pamflo

The season for low and slow cooking is under way, with a quick drop in temperature in the Northeast. I haven’t braised a piece of meat in quite some time so I made a trip to one of my favorite places, The Boston Public Market, for some good quality beef. Both Chestnut and Stillman Farms have a permanent booth at this market. Braising is a perfect cooking method for tough pieces of meat that will break down over the cooking time. Beef […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals • Tags: Braise, Sear

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Welcome to Pam's Kitchen

Kandy Sweet Potato Wedges

Baked Chicken with Olives and Artichokes

Bourbon Glazed Salmon

Olive Oil and Orange Cake

Nutty Brussels Bowl

Italian Vegetable and Bean Soup

Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Brownies

Sweet and Tangy Baked Chicken Wings

Cauliflower “Fried” Rice

Caramelized Citrus Slices

Parmesan and Thyme Crackers

Fig Jam and Pear Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Beef Brisket with Prunes and Apricots

Peanut Caramel Crunch Bars

Quinoa Stuffed Delicata Squash

Mint Chocolate Sable Cookies

Baked Salmon with Orange Marmalade

Oat and Seed Crackers

Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Oatmeal Soufflé

Wine-Braised Short Ribs