Tag: Bake

Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

October 15, 2020 by pamflo

The Paleo diet is one of the most searched diets on the internet and is about eliminating gluten, dairy, grains and refined sugar. It can be considered a restrictive way to eat but for people battling celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, autoimmune issues or just prefer a low inflammatory diet, it’s a great option. These delicious muffins take advantage of a variety of fall spices, and use almond and coconut flour in place of white flour. Pumpkin puree is high in […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dessert, Muffins, Paleo, Snack • Tags: Bake

Dutch Oven Baked Bread

October 1, 2020 by pamflo

One of my favorite classes in culinary school was Breads and Rolls. I loved making fresh bread and actually had a sourdough starter that I kept “alive” and used for many months. This is an easy bread recipe that uses active dry yeast instead of a starter and bakes in a dry Dutch oven pot. The dough needs to rise overnight at room temperature, with a second rise of two hours before baking. Baking bread is a very satisfying accomplishment, […]

Categories: Breads • Tags: Bake

Heirloom Tomato Galette

September 17, 2020 by pamflo

The 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 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. A slice of this galette served warm […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Pies/Tarts, Side Dish • Tags: Bake

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, One-Pot Meals, Seafood • Tags: Bake

Parmesan Squash Rounds

August 13, 2020 by pamflo

Recently, I shopped (in person) at a favorite local market. I was rewarded with fresh, beautiful produce that I could pick out myself. I purchased a flavorful yellow and pale green summer squash called Zephyr. I gave the squash a quick salting to withdraw some of the moisture. I skipped the traditional flour and egg step and just combined freshly grated parmesan cheese, dry breadcrumbs and dried herbs for my version of parmesan rounds. Any type of summer squash or […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Healthish, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

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Summer Plum Crumble

August 6, 2020 by pamflo

This is a perfect summer dessert using fresh, ripe plums. The farmers’ markets are brimming with succulent fresh fruit, and this recipe takes advantage of the stone variety. Try plums, peaches, nectarines or a combination of the stone fruits. This is a simple recipe with just sliced fruit and a flavorful, crunchy topping with oats, nuts, flour, brown sugar, spices and coconut oil to bind it together. Serve the crumble warm out the oven with your favorite ice cream!

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dessert, Fruit, Gluten Free, Nuts • Tags: Bake

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Blueberry Cornmeal Crostata

May 28, 2020 by pamflo

The approaching summer means blueberry season is almost here! Blueberries are believed to have the highest levels of antioxidants of any fruit. Although blueberries are healthiest when eaten raw, this rustic cornmeal fruit tart is a fun way to eat cooked blueberries and simple to make. The dough is similar to a cookie dough and just needs to be at room temperature to shape. This is an easy dessert that can be made in advance, just assemble the crostata and […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dessert, Fruit, Pies/Tarts • Tags: Bake

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, Pasta/Pizza, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Bake, Whiz

Sheet Pan Pizza

May 7, 2020 by pamflo

I feel fortunate that I was finally able to score active dry yeast and all-purpose flour! Baking bread is quite popular these days. A sheet pan pizza is not as beautiful as classic Neopolitan pizza, but it’s easy, feeds a crowd or provides leftovers. If pressed for time or not feeling motivated, store bought pizza dough is a strong alternative. I doubled the dough recipe and made two trays of pizza. I topped one pizza with red sauce, shredded mozzarella […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Lunch Ideas, Pizza • Tags: Bake

Toasted Sesame Tahini Cookies

April 23, 2020 by pamflo

Seeds of Collaboration (SoCo) is a company that produces delicious tahini and has a social mission as well. Their mission is seeding a healthy change in kitchens and communities. They believe economic collaboration is a way to build bridges. SoCo supports MEET – Middle East Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow – a non-profit in full partnership with MIT since 2004, that connects young Israeli and Palestinian students using the common language of technology and entrepreneurship. Every SoCo jar sold helps fund an Israeli-Palestinian student […]

Categories: Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Dessert, Gluten Free, Seeds, Snack • Tags: Bake

Chocolate Chip Meringues

April 9, 2020 by pamflo

Light, airy, melt-in-your mouth and gluten free, meringues are surprisingly simple to make! The secret to crispy meringues are whipping the egg whites to a creamy, white firm peak. You can either use a standing mixer with the whip attachment, or a hand mixer. Although, when I was in cooking school we had to whip the egg whites by hand — it builds muscle! The key steps are to whip room temperature egg whites until they’re a little creamy, slowly adding […]

Categories: Chocolate, Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dessert, Eggs, Holiday Ideas, Passover Recipes • Tags: Bake, Whip

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Molten Chocolate Cakes

February 13, 2020 by pamflo

As the snow falls lightly but steadily, I’m in my kitchen baking away. In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, it was necessary to break out a favorite indulgent dessert, incredibly oozy-gooey and delicious! There’s nothing as wonderful as the aroma of a cake baking, especially one with chocolate and espresso. Espresso powder is perfect for baked goods as its more concentrated and has a deeper flavor than regular coffee granules. Just a teaspoon will give a richer flavor to your chocolate recipes, […]

Categories: Cakes, Chocolate, Crowd Pleaser, Dessert, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake, Whip

Scrambled Egg Stuffed Peppers

January 2, 2020 by pamflo

I’m starting off the new year with a healthy breakfast option. Naturally sweet bell peppers are a perfect vehicle for baking eggs, and an easy dish to prepare. I chopped and sautéed the flesh from the pepper tops on the stovetop with olive oil to soften them, and use in the filling along with kale and cooked bacon. After filling each pepper, bake until the eggs are set. A pinch of cheese could work here and a garnish of fresh […]

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

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Double Chocolate Expresso Cookies

December 19, 2019 by pamflo

A couple of years ago I entered a holiday cookie recipe contest on-line through the LA Times. I submitted this cookie recipe and although I didn’t win, it was fun to participate and see all the other cookie recipe submissions. These double chocolatey, ooey-gooey, decadent cookies are a family favorite and don’t contain any flour! I added instant expresso for added punch, as well as dark chocolate chunks. Although these cookies are gluten free, they are super flavorful and provide […]

Categories: Chocolate, Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake

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Pecan Shortbread Cookies

December 12, 2019 by pamflo

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. Your kitchen will smell wonderful while these buttery cookies bake and they make beautiful holiday gifts! Chopped pecans mixed into the dough adds a nice nutty flavor. You can add even more nuts on the warm chocolate coated ends. Measuring the dough you will […]

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

Double Chocolate Veggie Muffins

October 31, 2019 by pamflo

These are delicious muffins and you’d hardly know they contain vegetables, and in a small consumer taste test nobody knew! I really like the combination of shredded zucchini and mashed avocado as the base for the batter. I also like that it’s a low sugar treat and a solid breakfast idea. My muffins are dairy and free of gluten, as I substituted gluten-free flour for regular all-purpose. You don’t actually taste the zucchini in baked goods, but it provides moisture, […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar, Muffins, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

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Baked Stuffed Apples with Coconut

October 10, 2019 by pamflo

Apple season is here in full force and there is no shortage of apple varieties. The best baking apples balance both tartness and sweetness, and hold their shape during cooking. Granny Smith apples are a favorite among bakers, but Honeycrisp, Pink Lady and Cortland apples are great choices too. There are many ingredients you can use to stuff your baked apples. I decided to forgo the sugar, butter and oats, and use chopped nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, maple syrup, fresh […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dessert, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar, Nuts • Tags: Bake

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Baked Stuffed Tomatoes

September 19, 2019 by pamflo

The cocktail tomatoes are a smaller version, but a tad bigger than your typical cherry or grape tomato. They have a sweet flavor from a slightly higher sugar content compared to other tomato varieties. They’re a perfect size for stuffing and in a pinch make a fun, easy appetizer. The tomatoes are plentiful at the markets now, but we are heading toward the end of tomato season in New England. Pick tomatoes that are firm to the touch and free […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Rice/Grains, Side Dish, Vegetarian • Tags: Bake

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Sheet Pan Seafood Bake

August 8, 2019 by pamflo

This flavorful and fun seafood bake is like squeezing summer all onto one pan, with flavorful shrimp, sausage, clams, and veggies all made 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. This is a perfect dish for a […]

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

Baked Tomato Gratin

August 1, 2019 by pamflo

Although it seems almost sinful to cook beautifully ripe tomatoes at the height of the summer, this dish intensifies the flavor of the tomatoes. A classic gratin is usually a dish of layered vegetables topped with cheese and buttery breadcrumbs. My version is a simple dish with large juicy tomato slices, a sprinkling of parmesan cheese, fresh herbs and a splash of balsamic vinegar. This dish is a perfect side for a hearty meal or a nice topping for a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

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Nutty Strawberry Crisp

May 23, 2019 by pamflo

Strawberries are an iconic summer treat – sweet, juicy and a little tart. Fresh strawberries can be easily transformed into a bubbly, fragrant and beautiful dessert. This crisp is a perfect way to enjoy strawberry season. A lightly sweetened crumbly topping made with a variety of chopped nuts adds a nice crispy texture to each bite. I find the best way to enjoy this crisp is by serving it warm, maybe with some frozen yogurt or ice cream of your […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Dessert, Dressing, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar, Nuts • Tags: Bake

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Tag: Bake

Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Dutch Oven Baked Bread

Heirloom Tomato Galette

Seafood Bake

Parmesan Squash Rounds

Summer Plum Crumble

Blueberry Cornmeal Crostata

Zucchini Pesto Pappardelle

Sheet Pan Pizza

Toasted Sesame Tahini Cookies

Chocolate Chip Meringues

Molten Chocolate Cakes

Scrambled Egg Stuffed Peppers

Double Chocolate Expresso Cookies

Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Double Chocolate Veggie Muffins

Baked Stuffed Apples with Coconut

Baked Stuffed Tomatoes

Sheet Pan Seafood Bake

Baked Tomato Gratin

Nutty Strawberry Crisp