Beverage | Zest For Cooking

Red Sangria

June 18, 2020 by pamflo

The best part of making sangria whether it’s red or white is showcasing the beautiful seasonal fruit. This time of year, the fruit options are unlimited with peaches, plums, cherries, and melons ripe for the picking. For my wine choice, I selected a Spanish Rioja which is a blend of grapes varieties. You could use a Grenache, Tempranillo or Pinot Noir, pick something that is big, fruity and you would enjoy drinking on its own. I added thinly sliced citrus, […]

Categories: Alcohol, Beverage, Boozy, Cocktail, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free • Tags: No Cooking

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Watermelon, Blueberry and Tequila Slushy

August 22, 2019 by pamflo

This slushy blender cocktail is perfect for a steamy summer evening. Instead of using ice, freeze the watermelon cubes ahead of serving. Place the cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. There is an abundance of peak produce at the farmers’ markets now, and in addition I purchased local raw honey to use as a sweetener. A simply syrup works as well. To make a simply syrup, simmer equal parts water and sugar […]

Categories: Alcohol, Beverage, Boozy, Cocktail, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free • Tags: Whiz

Blueberry and Cashew Smoothie

June 13, 2019 by pamflo

Blueberries are low in calories, high in fiber and help reduce the risk of chronic disease. Studies show that blueberries can improve heart and brain health, as well. Cashews have a sweet, buttery taste and are an excellent source of several vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These healthy and delicious ingredients come together in this smoothie with the addition of mint leaves and a squeeze of lime juice. We’re on the cusp of blueberry season in Massachusetts, but feel free to […]

Categories: Beverage, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Drinks, Fruit, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Smoothies/Shakes • Tags: Whiz

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Creamy Cashew Latte

April 4, 2019 by pamflo

I was completely on-board when Bulletproof coffee was all the rage as a replacement for breakfast, and to boost energy and endurance by adding grass-fed unsalted butter and coconut (or MCT) oil. I also added cinnamon and vanilla extract before whizzing my energizing beverage in a high speed blender. This creamy cashew latte is lower in calories, dairy free, and a very satisfying alternative. I roasted unsalted cashews and used a couple of dates as a natural sweetener. I brewed […]

Categories: Beverage, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Nuts • Tags: Toast, Whiz

Holiday Spritz

December 20, 2018 by pamflo

For the last few years, I’ve posted a cocktail recipe in preparation for the holidays. This year my friend and cocktail-mixing expert, Katherine Steiger, wrote a guest post for my blog. Enjoy the holiday season! Every year for Thanksgiving I make a very elaborate cocktail with multiple steps and a long list of ingredients. That’s a great tradition for November, where everything is a sprint to the one day main event. The December holidays are more of a marathon, with […]

Categories: Alcohol, Beverage, Boozy, Cocktail, Holiday Ideas

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Pumpkin and Apple Smoothie

November 1, 2018 by pamflo

Pumpkin purée is low in calories, high in nutrients and readily available. It is a great source of potassium, fiber and Vitamin A. Don’t mistakenly purchase pumpkin pie filling which is spiced and already sweetened. Canned pumpkin is cooked and pureed pumpkin flesh, nothing more. I usually grab a few extra cans this time of year for soups/chilis, pancakes/waffles, as an addition to oatmeal, and of course baked goods. I thought it might be fun to make a fall inspired pumpkin […]

Categories: Beverage, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar, Smoothies/Shakes, Vegetables • Tags: Whiz

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Horchata

August 9, 2018 by pamflo

If you’ve spent anytime in Cape Cod you know that the village of Hyannis is a bustling spot in the summer months. There is a family owned, rustic cafe off the beaten path called Spoon and Seed that serves breakfast and lunch. At some point it was a hidden gem, but with a two hour wait on a weekend morning, the word is out. There is no shortage of delicious items on the menu, especially the horchata served over ice […]

Categories: Beverage, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Rice/Grains • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

Strawberry Lime Agua Fresca

July 3, 2018 by pamflo

It’s turning out to be a hot and steamy start to the summer in Boston! This wonderfully refreshing drink will cool you off. Since I can’t seem to get enough of the perfectly ripe strawberries, I thought it might be fun to use them in a beverage. Agua frescas are a popular drink throughout Mexico and are simply fresh fruit blended with lime juice, a bit of sweetener and water. This is a perfect non-alcoholic option for the holiday. Happy […]

Categories: Beverage, Dairy Free, Drinks, Fruit, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Whiz

Pomegranate Prosecco Cocktail

December 28, 2017 by pamflo

A sparkly, festive cocktail seems like the perfect way to close out another delicious year of blogging. The fresh orange juice in this cocktail recipe balances the tartness of the pomegranate juice. On another note, I want to say thank you to all my followers. I really appreciate your comments, questions, food photos and “likes”. I continue to welcome your feedback, thoughts and ideas. I look forward to more great food and drink recipes in 2018. Happy New Year to all! […]

Categories: Beverage, Cocktail, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Cocktail, Holiday Ideas

White Wine Sangria

July 13, 2017 by pamflo

The best part of making sangria whether it’s red or white is showcasing the beautiful seasonal fruit. This time of year the fruit options are unlimited with peaches, plums and melon ripe for the picking. For my wine choice, I selected a fruity, floral, Moscato and added thinly sliced citrus and fresh berries. I also added a few tablespoons of a mint simple syrup. This sangria is a perfect summer happy hour drink for a backyard party with your friends. […]

Categories: Beverage, Cocktail • Tags: No Cooking

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Watermelon Margarita Slushy

June 29, 2017 by pamflo

Need a fun cool drink for the upcoming holidays? This watermelon margarita is unsurpassed with in season watermelon and in slushy style to cool you down. This bright red, elongated sweet fruit paired with tequila and fresh lime juice, make the perfect summery beverage. I included a recipe for making a simple syrup, which is a sweetener made with equal parts water and granulated sugar. It can sweeten many recipes without the grit of the sugar. Make a large amount of this […]

Categories: Beverage, Cocktail, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free • Tags: Whiz