Melt | Zest For Cooking

Easy Chocolate Cups

June 20, 2019 by pamflo

Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and minerals such as magnesium, zinc and iron, and has been shown to have many health benefits. Studies show that chocolate can help reduce inflammation in the body and it’s a mood booster too! There are many good quality brands of chocolate on the market, but be sure to use chocolate containing between 65 and 80 percent cacao. Most professional chocolate is “tempered”, which is the process of melting, cooling and then reheating the […]

Categories: Candy, Chocolate, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar, Nuts/Seeds • Tags: Chill, Melt

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Decadent Chocolate Truffles

February 7, 2019 by pamflo

Sadly, many of the small private Massachusetts colleges are closing. Unusual that I mention this in a blog post, but I really enjoyed the many semesters I spent years ago at Newbury College in their culinary program. It was a big undertaking with classes running every Saturday from 9am-6pm, and a baby and a three year old at home with my husband. I learned so much though and came home with goodies every weekend. I loved the pastry classes although […]

Categories: Boozy, Chocolate, Dessert, Gifts, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Melt

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Chocolate Dipped Figs

September 27, 2018 by pamflo

Let’s talk a little about figs — Black Mission, Brown Turkey, Green Kadota and Calimyrna figs are the varieties that are commonly available. Although not local to New England, the season for figs starts in the spring and goes through October. I used Black Mission figs for this simple but delicious treat. Figs are a unique seeded fruit with a sweet jammy flavor and soft chewy texture. A great source of fiber and nutrients, they’re delicate with a short shelf […]

Categories: Chocolate, Dessert, Fruit, Gifts, Gluten Free, Low Sugar • Tags: Melt

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Holiday Chocolate Bark

December 21, 2017 by pamflo

Chocolate bark is an easy and delicious dessert for a party, a perfect hostess gift or a treat just for you. A timely snow storm provided a free day for some fun projects. In additional to making some decadent dark chocolate bark, I also learned how to make a boomerang Instagram video 🙂 Most professional chocolate is “tempered”, which requires it to be brought to a certain temperature. This ensures a shiny finish, a firm bite and a longer shelf […]

Categories: Chocolate/Candy, Gifts, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar • Tags: Holiday Ideas, Melt

Molten Chocolate Cake

February 11, 2016 by pamflo

Welcome to my new blog design. I really hope this format helps you enjoy reading my posts even more. Zest For Cooking will now be mobile-friendly, as well as easier to navigate and search recipes. Thanks so much for your continue support, comments and feedback. I can’t wait to hear more from my followers. Please note my new blog address is now www.zestforcooking.com As the snow falls lightly but steadily, I’m in my cozy kitchen baking away. There’s nothing as wonderful […]

Categories: Cakes, Chocolate/Candy, Cooking Tips, Dessert, Gifts • Tags: Bake, Melt, Whip

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Chocolate Bark

December 22, 2015 by pamflo

In preparation for the holidays, I thought I would re-post chocolate bark, a decadent holiday gift idea. It’s a fun and festive recipe, delicious and easy to make. Most professional chocolate is “tempered”, which requires it to be brought to a certain temperature. This ensures a shiny finish, and a longer shelf life. This process takes time and a bit of skill. This bark recipe doesn’t require tempering and is so addicting that it will get eaten before it’s chopped! Un-tempered chocolate […]

Categories: Bars, Chocolate/Candy, Dairy Free, Dessert, Fruit, Low Sugar, Nuts, Snack • Tags: Dairy Free, Melt, Sprinkle, Stir

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

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

April 9, 2015 by pamflo

“There is no love sincerer than the love of food” –George Bernard Shaw. This was the quote in yesterday’s Boston Globe Food section. A popular chef who was being interviewed, stated that you can often feel the love that goes into preparing a dish. This rings true especially around the holidays. There’s something very satisfying about knowing that the meal you’ve prepared, brought together the friends and family around your table. After a few big holiday meals, I’ve been craving a […]

Categories: Chocolate/Candy, Dessert, Fruit, Gluten Free • Tags: Gluten Free, Melt

French Chocolate Bark

December 19, 2011 by pamflo

I thought I would give you another idea for holiday gifts. A fun and festive recipe is Ina Garten’s French Chocolate Bark. It is delish, easy to make and a beautiful gift. Most professional chocolate is “tempered” which requires it to be brought to a certain temperature. This ensures a shiny finish, and a longer shelf life. It takes time and a little skill. This bark recipe does not require you to temper the chocolate. Un-tempered chocolate can “bloom” or turn […]

Categories: Chocolate, Cooking Tips, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gifts, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar, Nuts • Tags: Melt