Tag: Bake

Strawberry-Rhubarb Polenta Crisp

August 3, 2017 by pamflo

Strawberries are an iconic summer treat – sweet, juicy and a little tart. Freshly picked strawberries can easily be transformed into a bubbly, fragrant and beautiful dessert. This crisp is a perfect way to get your fill of the strawberry season, with thinly sliced rhubarb stalks added to provide some extra tartness. A lightly sweetened crumbly topping made with quick cooking cornmeal called polenta, adds a nice crispy texture to each bite. I find the best way to enjoy this […]

Categories: Dessert, Fruit, Low Sugar • Tags: Bake

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Heirloom Tomato Galette

July 20, 2017 by pamflo

The Farmers Markets are in full swing and bursting with amazing fresh produce. The highlight for me are the ripe, colorful and juicy heirloom tomatoes. This tasty, savory tart is made with a simple crust combining butter and crème fraîche. The crust can be made a day ahead and be refrigerated overnight. The filling is a delicious combination of heirloom tomatoes and manchego cheese, a popular Spanish sheep’s milk cheese with a tangy, nutty flavor profile. A slice of this […]

Categories: Appetizer, Breakfast Ideas, Cheeses, Lunch Ideas, Vegetarian • Tags: Bake

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Bluefish with Garlic Aioli

June 22, 2017 by pamflo

It was a cool, dark early June morning when my kids took off to go on a deep sea fishing charter off of Cape Cod. Often sea sick on boats I passed on the adventure, but promised to cook whatever they were lucky enough to catch. Lo and behold, they came home with beautiful pieces of bluefish, the filleting courtesy of the boat captain. We had never eaten bluefish, so I quickly researched on-line and found a mayo based glaze. […]

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

Fresh Strawberry Shortcake

May 25, 2017 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 of fresh whipped cream […]

Categories: Biscuits, Dessert, Fruit • Tags: Bake, Whip

Savory Socca (Chickpea Pancake)

May 11, 2017 by pamflo

The advantages to the tremendous amount of rain that Boston has received recently are beautiful, green grass and bright, colorful flowers. I was surprised to find some fragrant mint and sage in my little backyard garden, as well. I used the mint for tea and the sage for topping my socca. Socca, a regional French dish, is a savory pancake created with chickpea flour (also called garbanzo flour), water and olive oil. The batter makes a beautiful, gluten-free pancake that can be […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish • Tags: Bake, Broil

Sea Bass en Papillote

April 13, 2017 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 fish is […]

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

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

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

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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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

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

Apple Spice Cake

October 6, 2016 by pamflo

Apples are symbolic in the Jewish religion at this time of year. Crisp apples slices are dipped in honey with hope for a sweet New Year. There are many apples varieties that are plentiful right now. I bought three different types of apples with no plan in mind. Award winning pasty chef, Joanne Chang has a delicious apple cake recipe that is a perfect festive dessert. This cake is moist, not too sweet and the chunky apples pieces add a […]

Categories: Cakes, Dessert • Tags: Bake

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Beet Chips

September 29, 2016 by pamflo

The beets were calling my name at the Farmer’s Market this week. I’m the only one in my house that will eat beets, or so I thought. These beet chips were gone before I could photograph them! They were so scrumptious that I made more of the beet chips, and then I moved onto making sweet potato chips. Now I’ll have to make a lot more chips, if I want some to eat some and not share! Many of the root […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

Dutch Oven Baked Bread

September 8, 2016 by pamflo

I did something this weekend that I’ve been dreading all summer and that is to clean out my kitchen! I knew it had been a really long time since I last took on this task. With a tropical storm moving up the east coast, it was a good indoor activity. I found some active dry yeast in the pantry and it brought back fond memories of my bread baking days. I used to love making fresh bread and actually had a […]

Categories: Breads • Tags: Bake

Blueberry Muffins

September 1, 2016 by pamflo

Packed with antioxidants and nutrients, blueberries are in season for only a short time. If you buy fresh blueberries, either wild or cultivated, 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. They can be used right from the […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dessert, Muffins, Snack • Tags: Bake

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Tag: Bake

Strawberry-Rhubarb Polenta Crisp

Heirloom Tomato Galette

Bluefish with Garlic Aioli

Fresh Strawberry Shortcake

Savory Socca (Chickpea Pancake)

Sea Bass en Papillote

Kandy Sweet Potato Wedges

Bourbon Glazed Salmon

Olive Oil and Orange Cake

Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Brownies

Sweet and Tangy Baked Chicken Wings

Parmesan and Thyme Crackers

Mint Chocolate Sable Cookies

Baked Salmon with Orange Marmalade

Oat and Seed Crackers

Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Oatmeal Soufflé

Apple Spice Cake

Beet Chips

Dutch Oven Baked Bread

Blueberry Muffins