Tag: Gluten Free

Spring Vegetable Soup

May 12, 2016 by pamflo

It’s been a wet and chilly spring in Boston and this hearty vegetable soup hits the spot. This can be a “clean out your refrigerator” soup, using whatever veggies you have on hand. I love adding a small hunk of parmesan rind to my soups. It adds a subtle umami flavor to a dish. Umami, a savory taste that means “delicious” in Japanese, is considered the fifth taste, along with sweet, salty, bitter and sour flavors. Some foods where umami occurs […]

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

Grilled Zucchini Salad

May 5, 2016 by pamflo

I’m a fan of making zucchini noodles as a healthy substitute for pasta, but it was time to branch out and try a new dish. Zucchini is actually a fruit, with its beautiful yellow blossoms that are edible. Usually eaten as a vegetable, zucchini is high in fiber, potassium and vitamin C. The peak season for zucchini is June through late August. The most delightful part of this salad is the pomegranate molasses, a thick tart syrup that’s drizzled on the grilled […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Drizzle, Gluten Free, Grill

Braised Lamb Shanks

April 14, 2016 by pamflo

Braising is a perfect activity for a rainy day. It’s a combination of dry and wet heat cooking. The meat is typically seared over high heat until browned, and then cooked slowly in a flavorful liquid over low heat. This low and slow cooking breaks down the tough connective tissue. The meat takes on the flavors of the braising liquid it’s bathing in. The key ingredients are a good drinking wine, chicken or vegetable broth, fresh herbs and a variety of vegetables. This […]

Categories: Cooking Tips, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals, Vegetables • Tags: Braise, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low and Slow Cooking, Sear

Roasted Salmon with Harissa Glaze

April 7, 2016 by pamflo

Salmon is a regular item on my weekly dinner rotation. However, it was time to break out of my Asian marinade routine, and this harissa glaze was the perfect change. Although fish night is not a favorite meal in my house, salmon is an important part of a nutritious diet and has many health benefits. Salmon is a heart healthy protein and provides a significant source of omega-3 fatty acids. The key to moist and juicy salmon, is to cook it until it’s […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Rice/Grains, Seafood • Tags: Bake, Boil, Dairy Free, Glaze, Gluten Free

Chocolate Espresso Meringues

March 31, 2016 by pamflo

Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, sweet and flavorful, these meringues hit the spot. Filled with shards of bittersweet chocolate and expresso powder – with enough for a good jolt, these cookies make the perfect snack. Espresso powder is intensely dark, concentrated coffee granules, and perfect for baking. Coffee accentuates the richness of the chocolate, and enhances the overall flavor of baked goods. Instant espresso is usually found at specialty stores or on-line. If it’s not available, use instant […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Dairy Free, Dessert, Eggs, Gifts, Gluten Free, Snack • Tags: Bake, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Whip

Tuna Ceviche

March 24, 2016 by pamflo

A few weeks ago, my family and I had the pleasure of spending time in Grand Cayman, a beautiful tropical island. We did many wonderful things we rarely do, swim with stingrays, snorkel, jet ski, and even eat some raw fish. All of the local ingredients on the island were so fresh that I was definitely not going to pass on trying some tuna ceviche. Fresh ceviche is an island specialty made with local tuna or conch, local herbs and vegetables. Ceviche is made […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Seafood, Side Dish • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, No Cooking

Fudgey Date Bars

March 17, 2016 by pamflo

Always in search of a healthy treat, I was inspired by this fudge recipe that uses dates as a base and provides its sweetness. Both the coconut oil and almond butter have a dual purpose by providing great flavor and the “glue”, without any flour. This fudge recipe involves no cooking and is easy to prepare. It’s just a quick trip through the food processor, a few hours of chilling, and it’s ready to serve. This is a great breakfast option, instead of […]

Categories: Bars, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Desserts, Gluten Free • Tags: Chill, Gluten Free, Whiz

Almond Joy Smoothie

March 10, 2016 by pamflo

“Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t. Almond Joy’s got nuts, Mounds don’t”! That’s the Hershey’s jingle from the 1970’s. The Almond Joy candy bar, an American classic, is a fantastic combination of almonds, coconut and chocolate. This smoothie recipe is a fusion of these flavors in a delicious and healthy beverage. 12 ounces coconut milk (I use the unsweetened, full-fat Native Forest brand) Option: The serving size of this full-fat coconut milk is 1/3 cup (about 3-4 ounces). Feel free […]

Categories: Beverages, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Lunch Ideas, Smoothies/Shakes, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Whiz

Roasted Beet Tahini

March 3, 2016 by pamflo

I recently attend a thought-provoking and informative conference in California. It was a nutrition and culinary conference, jointly organized by the Harvard School of Public Health and The Culinary Institute of America (CIA). A highlight was that the event was held at the scenic and beautiful CIA campus in Napa Valley. The conference brought together healthcare and culinary professionals to share information about food and health. As part of a hands-on healthy baking workshop, we made a similar beet dip to go with our freshly baked focaccia bread. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Snack, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Roast, Whiz

Steamed Cauliflower with Olives and Capers

February 25, 2016 by pamflo

Having heard the requests from my blog readers, I’m posting another cauliflower recipe. The whole roasted cauliflower post is a hugely popular recipe and this will be a close second (find that recipe at http://wp.me/p3Fs85-lu). An array of Mediterranean flavors elevates this dish to more than just steamed cauliflower. This recipe makes a flavorful side dish or a hearty lunch. 1 head of cauliflower (about 1 pound) 1/2 cup pitted olives, coarsely chopped 1 tablespoon salt-packed capers plus more for garnish, rinsed and drained Juice […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Sauté, Steam

Avocado Mash

February 18, 2016 by pamflo

Creamy and satisfying, avocado is a great part of any meal. Although high in calories, avocados provide a good dose of healthy fat, potassium, fiber and a variety of vitamins. When shopping for avocados, consider buying a few in different stages of ripeness, and avoid avocados that have soft spots and discoloration. Avocados are best when stored at room temperature. Wash the outside of the avocado before cutting, as not to transfer any bacteria from the skin to the inside. The flesh turns […]

Categories: Appetizer, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Snack, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, No Cooking

Oven-Roasted Tahini Broccoli

February 4, 2016 by pamflo

One of my most popular blog posts is about roasting a whole head of cauliflower. Planning another cauliflower post, I was surprised to learn in a recent article, that we’re in the midst of a cauliflower shortage. High in demand and low in availability, the prices have skyrocketed. I thought, why not try this recipe with broccoli instead of cauliflower. Broccoli is part of the cabbage family and a good source of both vitamin A and C. Tahini, a paste made […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Gluten Free, Seeds, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Roast

Scrambled Egg and Avocado Tacos

January 28, 2016 by pamflo

Don’t underestimate the wakeup call that hot sauce can provide in the morning. Honestly, I never considered hot sauce for breakfast, but it turns out that the tangy sauce pairs perfectly with the creamy eggs. I’m often asked if I have any go-to “secret” ingredients in my pantry. Indeed I do, and Sriracha is one of them. This delicious recipe is not only for breakfast, as it also can be a great late afternoon snack. The combination of the blistered tortilla, steamy scrambled […]

Categories: Appetizer, Breakfast Ideas, Eggs, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Snack • Tags: Char, Gluten Free, Scramble

Spicy Tomato Soup

January 21, 2016 by pamflo

We threw an impromptu birthday dinner for my son and some friends, and I thought tomato soup and grilled cheese fit the bill. This is Barbara Lynch’s recipe from her beautiful Stir Cookbook. The soup gets better as the flavors meld, so I always increase the recipe and we devour the leftovers. Although the crème fraîche is optional, I strongly recommend it. The flavor is similar to a mild sour cream and completes the dish. You can make your own by adding […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Soups/Stews, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Simmer, Whiz

Blistered Edamame

January 14, 2016 by pamflo

You can conclude many things about a person by looking at their digital photo library. I recently showed my 4 year old niece my photo library, as she likes to scroll through my photos when I’m visiting. She said “why do you have so many more pictures of food, than you have pictures of me?” Anyone that knows me, knows I’m very passionate about food, and that is evident even in my photos! This edamame recipe is quick, easy and can be as […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans/Legumes, Gluten Free, Side Dish, Snack, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Gluten Free, Seared

Chocolate Truffles

December 17, 2015 by pamflo

Friends asked for a baking lesson, and I thought it might be fun to have a truffle making class. After rolling 40 truffles, they were experts! Certainly, a fun way to spend an afternoon and a delicious gift idea as well. There is no limit to the variety of truffles you can create. The basic ingredients are heavy cream and good quality chocolate. These two ingredients combined, make ganache, the truffle filling. We added a bit of butter and expresso […]

Categories: Chocolate/Candy, Dessert, Gifts, Gluten Free, Snack • Tags: Gluten Free, Melt, Roll, Stir

Roasted Root Vegetables

November 23, 2015 by pamflo

Odd shaped and knobby, the root of the celery stalk is called celeriac. Although it’s not the most beautiful of the root vegetables, its subtle celery flavor is perfect for roasting. To prepare the celeriac, cut off both top and bottom ends so you have a flat base. With a sharp knife, cut vertical strips from top to bottom until you’ve removed all the skin. A vegetable peeler works too. When exposed to the air, the creamy flesh will turn brown, but […]

Categories: Appetizer, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Roast

Corn Biscuits

November 19, 2015 by pamflo

Buttery and sweet, the aroma in my house is reminiscent of past Thanksgiving celebrations. Baking bread is one of my favorite holiday projects, whether it be rolls, biscuits or muffins. Pastry chef, Alice Medrich’s recipe for corn biscuits is all the goodness of both biscuits and muffins in one tasty (gluten free) treat. I doubled the recipe and increased the size of the biscuits. I had in mind a turkey and cranberry biscuit sandwich for a post-Thanksgiving lunch. 1 1/3 cups (200 […]

Categories: Appetizer, Biscuits, Gluten Free, Muffins, Snack • Tags: Bake, Gluten Free

Potato Waffles

November 12, 2015 by pamflo

Crispy, crunchy and scrumptious, these waffles were devoured immediately after they were photographed! Traditional potato pancakes are a family favorite, but I wanted a twist on a potato recipe and wow, this dish was spot on. If you’re having a small crowd for Thanksgiving this is a fun dish, and the waffles can be made ahead and re-heated in the oven. Post-Thanksgiving breakfast is a great idea too, with a potato waffle topped with smoked salmon and a poached egg. I made two versions of this dish, one gluten […]

Categories: Appetizer, Bacon, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Snack, Waffles/Pancakes • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Waffles

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

October 22, 2015 by pamflo

This is a decadent recipe, and a great dish for a holiday or special occasion. Good quality butter, thick-cut crispy bacon and pure maple syrup make this recipe fantastic, even if you’re not a fan of the sprouts. Brussels sprouts have a bad reputation, because if you overcook them, your kitchen smells like sulfur. Cook the sprouts until slightly underdone, they will still be green, a bit crunchy and slightly sweet. Super nutritious and packed with vitamin K and […]

Categories: Appetizer, Bacon, Gluten Free, Side Dish, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: Gluten Free, Sauté

Sesame Peanut Bars

October 8, 2015 by pamflo

My younger son usually feels left out when I make nutty homemade energy bars, as most of the bars are made with tree nuts, and he has an allergy. Crunchy, healthy and yummy, these bars are made with sesame seeds and peanuts, a legume, not a tree nut. Sesame seeds are available in many colors such as, black, white, red and yellow, and are nutrient-dense and high in dietary fiber. These bars can be made with all white seeds, but the black sesame seeds provide […]

Categories: Bars, Beans/Legumes, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Nuts/Seeds, Snack • Tags: Bake, Dairy Free, Gluten Free

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!