Category Archives: Breakfast Ideas

Pumpkin Apple Muffins

October 12, 2023 by pamflo

Fall is in the air, and what better way to embrace the season than with these delightful pumpkin apple muffins! Bursting with the rich essence of pumpkin and the natural sweetness of chopped apples, these muffins are perfect for breakfast, snack or dessert. The addition of molasses adds a deep, caramel-like note, while the use of maple syrup ensures just the right amount of sweetness without the need for excessive sugar. Bursting with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar, Muffins, Snack • Tags: Bake

Blueberry Cashew Smoothie

July 6, 2023 by pamflo

Blueberries are low in calories, high in fiber and help reduce the risk of chronic disease. Studies show that blueberries can also improve heart and brain health. The cashews not only lend a velvety texture but also provide a dose of healthy fats and essential minerals, while the juicy blueberries infuse a burst of natural sweetness. These healthy and delicious ingredients come together in this smoothie with the addition of mint leaves, a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch […]

Categories: Beverage, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Smoothies/Shakes • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

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Decadent Chocolate Veggie Muffins

May 25, 2023 by pamflo

Perfectly moist, wonderfully nutritious and bursting with chocolaty goodness, these muffins offer a guilt-free treat that will satisfy your sweet cravings while adding a generous dose of hidden veggies.The combination of shredded zucchini and mashed avocado are a perfect 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 […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Chocolate, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

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Asparagus and Shallot Frittata

April 27, 2023 by pamflo

A warm, custardy vegetable frittata is easier to make than you think and a great brunch idea for Mother’s Day. To perfect your frittata, use either a non-stick oven safe skillet or a well seasoned cast iron pan. After sautéing your vegetables until almost fully cooked on the stove top, add your whisked eggs to the pan and place it in the oven to finish cooking. Don’t over bake the frittata, remove it from the oven when it’s barely set […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

Coconut Quinoa Granola

March 23, 2023 by pamflo

At the recommendation of a foodie friend, I recently had an outstanding breakfast cereal bowl at a hip LA restaurant called Urth Caffé. Even the name is fun. I’m not sure that I could recreate that scrumptious cereal bowl, but here is a solid recipe for some delicious granola. We enjoyed that breakfast so much that we went early again the next morning before flying home. Serve this crunchy granola over yogurt with a smattering of fresh berries, over ricotta cheese […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Nuts/Seeds, Snack • Tags: Bake

Raspberry Almond Clafoutis

January 19, 2023 by pamflo

A clafoutis is a classic French dessert made by pouring a sweet egg batter, similar to pancake batter, over fresh fruit. When the clafoutis is done the top gets golden brown and crisp, especially with a sprinkling of powdered sugar, while the inside is soft and custard-like. Although a clafoutis is typically made with cherries or summer stone fruit, I made my clafoutis for a family holiday brunch with raspberries and slivered almonds. A clafoutis is a perfect sweet treat […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Eggs, Side Dish • Tags: Bake

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

October 20, 2022 by pamflo

Pumpkin purée is low in calories, high in nutrients and readily available. It’s a great source of potassium, fiber and vitamin A. Don’t mistakenly purchase pumpkin pie filling which is spiced and already sweetened. Canned pumpkin purée is nothing more than puréed pumpkin flesh. I usually grab a few extra cans this time of year for soups, pancakes/waffles and baked goods. I added spinach to my smoothie which does turn the beautiful orange pumpkin flesh to a dull green, but adds vitamin […]

Categories: Beverage, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Drinks, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Low Sugar, Nuts • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

Chunky Apple Walnut Muffins

September 22, 2022 by pamflo

Apple season is in full swing! These incredibly moist, chunky muffins are a perfect way to bake with the amazing variety of apples that are available. My favorite baking apples are Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Granny Smith and Cortland. My muffins are dairy and gluten free, as I substituted gluten-free flour for regular all-purpose flour. With a combination of applesauce and coconut oil, I could cut back on the amount of granulated sugar used. Although adding chopped walnuts are optional, they add […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar • Tags: Bake

Banana Oat Bites

August 18, 2022 by pamflo

Using only 5 ingredients, these banana oat bites are easy, delicious and quick to make. These cookies are on the healthier side with no added sugar and perfect with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack. Make sure to use a very ripe banana, as the banana along with the dates provide the sweetness. The cookies are bound together with oats and I used old fashioned oats for a chewier cookie, but quick oats work too.

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Cookies, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Snack • Tags: Bake

Nutty Oat Bars

June 9, 2022 by pamflo

Crunchy on the outside but soft in the middle, sweet and nutty, and honestly a terrific and satisfying snack or breakfast! Many bars are either too sweet or not sweet enough, crumble when cut or too mushy. Nutritious and flavorful, this is the perfect bar. High in protein and calcium, amaranth is a gluten-free grain and an important food source in South America and Mexico. If amaranth is hard to find, sesame seeds or quinoa are a good substitute. Don’t […]

Categories: Bars, Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Nuts/Seeds, Snack • Tags: Bake

Sweet Potato Toast

May 26, 2022 by pamflo

Sweet potato toast is a delicious breakfast, fun snack or just a great substitute for a slice of bread! You’re going to carefully cut the sweet potatoes into even slices, roughly 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick, using a sharp knife or a mandoline. Then coat the slices in olive oil, add a pinch of salt and bake the slices in the oven until lightly browned and slightly softened. Choose the orange skinned potatoes as they are sweeter and less starchy and […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

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Morning Glory Muffins

May 19, 2022 by pamflo

There’s a great little place in Marston Mills on Cape Cod called Morning Glory Cafe. Although the cafe has a broad variety of breakfast and lunch items, their morning glory muffins are not to be missed. This is my best shot at creating a similar style muffin and I have to admit that these are really delicious! Whole wheat flour or a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour do the trick, but I used white whole wheat flour which […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Healthish, Muffins, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

Date and Almond Butter Fudge Bars

April 21, 2022 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. Large and plump, Medjool dates are a perfect natural sweetener for bars, smoothies and baked goods. Dates are a stone fruit that are high in fiber and a rich source of antioxidants. Choose dates that are shiny, unbroken, and not too firm. Both the coconut oil and almond butter have a dual purpose of providing great […]

Categories: Bars, Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas • Tags: No Cooking

Huevos Rancheros

March 10, 2022 by pamflo

Huevos Rancheros is a fiery and flavorful Mexican breakfast dish often made with fried eggs, a spicy chili salsa and served over corn tortillas. The tomato based salsa can be as mild or spicy as you desire. For the peppery kick, I used canned chipotle chilies and pureed the sauce for a smooth salsa, but keeping the sauce chunky is an option as well. This dish is a great choice for a quick, casual breakfast. Consider adding black or refried […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Eggs, Healthish • Tags: Fried

Millet Maple Porridge

February 17, 2022 by pamflo

Millet is a healthy whole grain that is naturally gluten-free and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It has a mild nutty flavor, cooks in about 30 minutes and is a unique breakfast option. When cooking millet as a breakfast cereal, the ratio of liquid to grain is higher as this hearty grain expands when cooked. I used two cups of liquid, a combination of almond milk and water, to a 1/2 cup of the millet. Quinoa, amaranth […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Grains, Healthish • Tags: Simmer

Easy Egg Muffins

January 27, 2022 by pamflo

These egg muffins are easy to make and are like mini breakfast soufflés! They are the perfect healthy breakfast or a quick, delicious snack. Feel free to make them with any vegetables that you have on hand and jazz them up with jalapeños, sausage or bacon. I used a couple of sweet bell peppers, onions, leftover steamed broccoli and topped the egg muffins with shredded mozzarella cheese. Generously spray the muffin tin with non-stick spray or coat with butter or […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Eggs, Healthish, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

January 20, 2022 by pamflo

This chia seed pudding recipe is as simple as it gets. There is no cooking involved and the pudding has only 6 ingredients. These small seeds pack a big nutrient punch. They’re gluten free, a great source of protein, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Although the chia seeds are flavorless this is where your choice of milk and toppings will make all the difference. I like the way the chia seeds swell and thicken when immersed in liquid. Thick and […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Chocolate, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Seeds, Snack • Tags: No Cooking

Blueberry Muffins

January 6, 2022 by pamflo

Packed with antioxidants and nutrients, fresh blueberries are perfect for these muffins. However, if fresh blueberries are unavailable frozen berries will work as well. When you buy fresh blueberries and can’t use them all, freeze them. Gently wash and pat berries dry, pick through to remove the stems and squashed ones. Place the berries on a sheet tray in one layer, and place in the freezer. Once frozen, store in a zip-lock freezer bag until ready for baking. The blueberries […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Muffins, Snack • Tags: Bake

Pumpkin Maple Oatmeal

November 11, 2021 by pamflo

On cold mornings, I’m craving a creamy, steamy bowl of warmth and this bowl of porridge is totally satisfying, especially with the addition of pumpkin puree. Canned pumpkin is cooked and pureed pumpkin flesh, nothing more. It’s flavorful, nutrient dense and packed with vitamins and minerals. There are many options for topping your oatmeal. My porridge is topped with toasted pecans, plump blueberries and oat milk. Consider other types of nuts, dried or fresh fruit and your favorite milk. It’s […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Simmer

Watermelon Dessert Pizza

July 1, 2021 by pamflo

It’s steamy hot in Massachusetts right now, and here is a refreshing dish requiring no cooking. This is a fun riff on a dessert “pizza” with the watermelon slices resembling slices of pizza. It’s as easy as whipping the ricotta with vanilla extract, honey, a pinch of cinnamon and slathering it on thick, juicy slices of watermelon. It’s a beautiful light dessert or a creative brunch dish. Festive and perfect for the July 4th holiday!

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas • Tags: No Cooking

Jerusalem-Style Everything Bagels

May 6, 2021 by pamflo

These crusty, slightly sweet bagels are found all over the city of Jerusalem on street carts, sold by many of the cultures that make up this beautiful city. American style bagels require a brief boil in water before baking to retain their shape, but these bagels do not. The bagels will rise twice before baking and are generously coated with everything spice or just sesame seeds, if you wish. This recipe is from the Sababa cookbook, written by the talented […]

Categories: Breads, Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Breakfast Ideas

Pumpkin Apple Muffins

Blueberry Cashew Smoothie

Decadent Chocolate Veggie Muffins

Asparagus and Shallot Frittata

Coconut Quinoa Granola

Raspberry Almond Clafoutis

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Chunky Apple Walnut Muffins

Banana Oat Bites

Nutty Oat Bars

Sweet Potato Toast

Morning Glory Muffins

Date and Almond Butter Fudge Bars

Huevos Rancheros

Millet Maple Porridge

Easy Egg Muffins

Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

Blueberry Muffins

Pumpkin Maple Oatmeal

Watermelon Dessert Pizza

Jerusalem-Style Everything Bagels