Tag: Simmer

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

Farro and Arugula Salad

October 27, 2016 by pamflo

A few of the outdoor Boston Farmer’s Markets are coming to a close for the season. I wanted to make a dish that incorporated some of the remaining beautiful fresh produce. The credit for this tasty salad goes to New York chef Charlie Bird. Farro can be bland on it’s own, but in this recipe it’s slowly simmered in fresh apple cider with a bay leaf. My version of this dish has just a few embellishments, feel free to alter it as […]

Categories: Appetizer, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Rice/Grains, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer

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

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

Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup

December 10, 2015 by pamflo

Butternut squash is a great source of dietary fiber and potassium. Turmeric, known as a medicinal spice, has powerful anti-inflammatory qualities. Coconut adds the healthy fat and provides a good source of energy. Fresh ginger aids in digestion and alleviates gastrointestinal distress. Sweet, hearty and nutritious, this soup is a bowl of complete goodness. There are many ways to make butternut squash soup, but the combination of vegetables, herbs and spices makes this soup one to be repeated. 1 large butternut squash- […]

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

Italian Wedding Soup

October 29, 2015 by pamflo

There is a slight chill in the air, evoking memories of the snowiest winter that even the heartiest Bostonians can’t forget. However, it has been a beautiful fall with mild weather and colorful foliage. I felt the urge to unearth my soup pot and put it to work. Wedding soup actually means the “marriage” of meat and greens. There are so many wonderful versions of this soup, and feel free to vary it as you wish. I made a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, Side Dish, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Bake, Simmer

Linguini with Tomatoes, White Wine and Clams

August 13, 2015 by pamflo

When I was a child, I fondly remember digging for clams at low tide around the Cape Cod jetties. It was a highlight of our vacation and a vivid memory of mine. We’d steam the clams and eat them dipped in melted butter, as soon as they opened. Linguini and clam sauce is one of my favorite shellfish dishes. I add chopped tomatoes and spinach, along with the traditional minced garlic, red pepper flakes, white wine and parsley. Just a reminder […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Lunch Ideas, Seafood, Side Dish • Tags: Boil, Dairy Free, Simmer

Summer Minestrone Soup

June 18, 2015 by pamflo

There are many ways to make a delicious soup. The success of a soup is in the depth of flavors. I prefer recipes that have fewer ingredients, but this soup is worth the effort. The first layer of flavor is the pancetta, cured and salted pork belly. Olive oil is a good substitute for those who do not want to use pancetta. Another layer of flavor is the aromatics, vegetables used as a base flavor including (but not limited to) celery, carrots, […]

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

Pan-Roasted Chicken with Chickpeas

March 5, 2015 by pamflo

The word schmaltz is derived from the yiddish language and it is the key ingredient in making matzo balls. What is schmaltz you ask? It is rendered chicken fat. It’s what gives this savory dish its delicious depth of flavor. Schmaltz along with the harrisa, garlic and onion, make this dish a scrumptious weeknight treat. Harrisa is a spicy blend of chili peppers. The recipe calls for harrisa paste, which if you can’t find, you can easily make your own paste with equal […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Pan-roast, Simmer

Celery and Leek Soup

February 26, 2015 by pamflo

Only 10 calories in one stalk…of celery that is. I can’t help but associate celery with dieting, after 7 years of working for the Weight Watchers organization. Although celery is not one of the most popular vegetables, it actually aids in digestion and reduces inflammation. The slow simmer of the celery, onions and leeks make this soup a winter winner. It’s warm and comforting, with a drizzle of olive oil and some crispy bits of bacon. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Gluten Free, Sauté, Simmer

Farro and Oatmeal Porridge

February 19, 2015 by pamflo

Most mornings I make myself a smoothie for breakfast. On very cold mornings, I’m not always craving an icy drink, but instead I’m craving a creamy, steamy bowl of warmth. On these (too many!) snowy days, this bowl of porridge is the ultimate comfort food. The topping options are many. My porridge is topped with toasted coconut flakes, slivered almonds, cinnamon and unsweetened almond milk. Consider other types of nuts or nut butters, dried or fresh fruit, chia seeds or pepitas. […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Nuts, Rice/Grains, Snack • Tags: Dairy Free, Simmer

Vanilla Bean Hot Chocolate

February 12, 2015 by pamflo

73! That might be the average temperature in Florida at this time of year, but it’s also the amount of snow (in inches) that Boston received in the last 3 weeks. The first thing that comes to mind on these chilly, snowy days, is a luscious, creamy cup of hot chocolate. This recipe happens to be dairy-free and absolutely delicious! 2 cups unsweetened almond milk 1 can coconut milk (I like the Native Forest Unsweetened Organic Coconut Milk) 1 vanilla […]

Categories: Beverages, Chocolate/Candy, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Paleo • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo, Simmer

Carrot and Fennel Soup

December 30, 2014 by pamflo

Raw fennel has a similar taste to anise, but don’t let that intimidate you. Fennel is a flavorful addition to salads, soups and savory dishes, and just happens to be a good source of vitamin C too. Slow cooking fennel in olive oil or butter, mellows and sweetens the flavor. Smooth and scrumptious, you’ll find this soup surprisingly tasty. The process of sweating the vegetables, bring out the subtle flavors. Consider serving the soup in shot glasses, with a drizzle of maple creme […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Side Dish, Soups/Stews, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Gluten Free, Simmer, Whiz

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

November 13, 2014 by pamflo

Recently, I attended an interview with Ina Garten, Food TV personality and cookbook author, about her eighth cookbook. Her interesting life story, and delicious recipes inspire me to be a better chef and food blogger. In honor of her new cookbook, I made a butternut squash soup recipe from one of her older (healthier) cookbooks. She uses curry powder, but I substituted turmeric instead. A member of the ginger family, turmeric has many disease prevention qualities and is also known for […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Soups/Stews • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Simmer

Ginger Lemon Iced Tea

July 31, 2014 by pamflo

One of my favorite summertime drinks is an Arnold Palmer, a drink with half lemonade and half iced tea. It’s usually made with freshly brewed black tea (works well with green tea too), lemonade and lots of ice. I decided to make my own version of this drink. This ginger lemon tea is twice as good as my Arnold Palmer! The spiciness of the ginger is offset by the tartness of the lemon, and then sweetened by either maple syrup or agave. […]

Categories: Beverages, Dairy Free, Gluten Free • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo, Simmer, Whiz

Shakshuka

April 24, 2014 by pamflo

A dish of soft poached eggs in a steaming, flavorful tomato broth with peppers, onions and spices. In Israel is it called shakshuka, and is traditionally served for breakfast. This delicious dish is a staple not only in Israeli, but in Tunisian, Moroccan and Egyptian cuisine. Many other cuisines have their own version of this dish. Shakshuka is usually served in a cast iron pan with bread to soak up the sauce. There are many ways to make this comforting […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Greens, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Sauté, Simmer

Coconut Macaroons

April 17, 2014 by pamflo

Calling all coconut lovers! Coconut is a great source of immediate energy, helps reduce inflammation in the body and is a heart healthy fat. These macaroons are a satisfying, gluten free, healthy snack. There are a few ways to make macaroons. This recipe is a two step process, but it guarantees a delicious cookie. Let’s Do….Organic is the brand of unsweetened coconut flakes I like. 4 large egg whites 3 1/2 cups unsweetened dried flaked coconut – also known as coconut […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Dairy Free, Gluten Free • Tags: Bake, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Simmer

Bean-less Chicken Chili

March 27, 2014 by pamflo

What is the secret to making a dish that is restaurant quality? Spices! And butter, but mostly spices! Using dried spices can add so much flavor, texture, and heat to a dish. Dried ground spices usually have a shelf life of 6 months, whole spices will last up to a year, so ensure that your spices are fresh. If they don’t smell strong, it’s time for a new bottle. Store your dried spices in a cool dry place. This chili […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Meat/Poultry, Paleo, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo, Roast, Simmer

Carrot Ginger Soup

March 6, 2014 by pamflo

It’s bright orange and certainly not boring! This carrot soup is a wonderful snack, or a great appetizer. I made this for my family the other night, and they devoured this delicious soup. You can garnish it with pepitas (pumpkin seeds), which are a good source of fiber, antioxidants and protein. It is a great soup for the end of winter (hopefully) and the start of spring. Enjoy! 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large onion, roughly chopped 5 cups carrots, […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo, Sauté, Simmer, Whiz

Black Bean and Turkey Chili

February 6, 2014 by pamflo

This hearty turkey chili is a perfect winter dish. There are two secret ingredients that make the dish wonderful, molasses and chocolate. It sounds funny, but if you’re game for trying something new, this is an easy and delicious soup! I slice up creamy avocado, add some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice to finish the dish. 2 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 large onion, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 small green bell […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Meat/Poultry, Soups/Stews • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Sauté, Simmer

Homemade Chicken Soup

January 30, 2014 by pamflo

Jewish Penicillin! Although not a cure for the common cold, chicken soup is certainly a way to ease the symptoms and make you feel better quicker. There are many recipes for chicken soup, but this one is foolproof and makes a beautiful and flavorful chicken broth. This broth is so delicious that you can drink it like a consommé. This recipe makes quite a bit of wonderful chicken soup, which I recommend freezing, because you never know when you’ll need […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Meat/Poultry, Soups/Stews • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo, Simmer

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!