Category Archives: Dairy Free

Late Summer Ratatouille

September 14, 2023 by pamflo

As the sun’s rays start to mellow and the days grow shorter, late summer is the perfect time to savor the bounty of the season with a roasted vegetable ratatouille. This dish captures the essence of late summer’s harvest by combining the flavors of sun-ripened tomatoes, tender eggplant, zucchini and squash, vibrant bell peppers and fragrant herbs. Roasting the vegetables infuses them with a deep flavor and a delightful way to showcase the produce. Let the vegetables roast until the […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

Simple Fish Stew

September 7, 2023 by pamflo

This delightful recipe combines tender fish fillets with aromatic fennel, fragrant garlic and the subtle elegance of white wine. Fennel, known for its distinct licorice undertones, brings a unique twist to this dish. Beyond its remarkable flavor, fennel boasts an impressive array of nutritional benefits including a source of vitamin C, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The anise-like notes of fennel meld perfectly with the rich undertones of garlic, while the white wine lends a delicate acidity that elevates the dish. […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Seafood, Soups/Stews • Tags: Simmer

Chilled Cucumber Soup

August 31, 2023 by pamflo

With this chilled soup, the crispness of cucumbers meets the vibrant tang of lime juice, while the subtle sweetness of honey complements the fresh aroma of basil. Elevating the experience is the velvety richness of cashew butter, lending a luscious creaminess that’s both satisfying and indulgent. No cooking is required and after a few hours in the fridge, this cucumber soup will be so creamy, cool, bright, and refreshing that you won’t be able to resist going back for seconds. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Soup, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

Watermelon Gazpacho

August 17, 2023 by pamflo

The delightful flavors of watermelon, ripe tomatoes and cucumbers come together to create this sweet and savory chilled soup. Enhanced with a hint of smoky paprika and a touch of sherry vinegar, this gazpacho boasts a depth of flavor that perfectly balances the sweet and savory elements. The paprika infuses a subtle, earthy undertone, while the sherry vinegar lends a gentle acidity that brightens up every spoonful. The velvety consistency of blended watermelon and tomatoes is enlivened by the refreshing […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

Summer Corn Chowder

July 27, 2023 by pamflo

Indulge in the delicious flavors of summer with this vibrant and refreshing corn chowder, enriched with the creamy goodness of coconut milk. Bursting with the season’s sweetest corn, this dairy-free twist on the classic chowder is perfect for those seeking a lighter chowder. When shopping for corn, the husks should be bright green and wrapped tightly against the kernels. I sometimes take a tiny peek by peeling back the husk an inch or so, to make sure the kernels are […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Soup • Tags: Simmer

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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Strawberry Nut Crumble

June 29, 2023 by pamflo

Strawberries are an iconic summer treat – sweet, juicy and a little tart. Fresh strawberries can be easily transformed into a bubbly, fragrant and beautiful dessert. This crumble is gluten free, diary free and a perfect way to enjoy strawberry season. As the strawberries bake and release their natural juices, they form a luscious, fruity filling that pairs harmoniously with the nutty crumble topping. Serve your crumble warm with an ice cream of your choice. Don’t be surprised if it […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Game Day, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar, Nuts, Pies/Tarts • Tags: Bake

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Homemade Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips

June 8, 2023 by pamflo

This delectable recipe offers a twist on the classic potato chip by infusing it with the unmistakable tang of vinegar. By utilizing vinegar powder, you can achieve a mouthwatering balance of salty and acidic flavors, creating a snack that is both addictive and easy to make. The delicate balance of salt and tangy vinegar creates a mouthwatering explosion of flavors that will make your homemade chips rival any store-bought variety. The secret to a crispy potato chip is maintaining the […]

Categories: Chips, Cooking Tips, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Game Day, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Snack • Tags: Fry

Zesty Lemonade

June 1, 2023 by pamflo

Introducing a delightful twist on the classic lemonade: an irresistibly tangy and refreshingly lemony concoction that will invigorate your taste buds! This vibrant lemonade recipe features two different types of homemade simple syrup. One infused with the aromatic essence of lemon zest and the other with the natural sweetness of golden honey. With its zesty kick and subtle floral undertones, every sip of this lemonade is a burst of sunshine. Serve the chilled lemonade over ice, it’s a harmonious blend […]

Categories: Beverage, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Drinks, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar • Tags: Simmer

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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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Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad

May 18, 2023 by pamflo

This spicy cucumber salad is a deliciously tangy and refreshing dish that packs a punch! Thinly sliced cucumbers are tossed in a tangy dressing made with rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey and chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick. The best substitute for chili garlic sauce is sriracha or sambal oelek. In a pinch, red chili flakes will work. The sesame seeds add a nutty crunch that complements the cool and refreshing cucumbers perfectly. This salad is vegan, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seeds, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking

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Oven Roasted Salmon with Chimichurri

May 4, 2023 by pamflo

Chimichurri, a bright herby sauce originating in Argentina, is the perfect complement to rich, buttery salmon. Although there are many variations of chimichurri, garlic and parsley are the two main ingredients. My variation of chimichurri is made with fresh mint, parsley, cilantro, tangy vinegar and fresh garlic, which adds brightness and depth to the salmon. This healthy dish is vibrant, flavorful and delicious. Serve the salmon alongside roasted vegetables and your favorite rice or grain for a satisfying meal. Whether […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Seafood • Tags: Roast

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Popcorn

April 20, 2023 by pamflo

Looking for a quick and easy snack that’s both salty and sweet? This recipe for dark chocolate covered sea salt popcorn with slivered almonds is sure to satisfy your cravings! Perfect for movie nights, game days or any time you need a little pick-me-up, this indulgent treat is a cinch to make, and impossible to resist. Simply pop some popcorn, melt some dark chocolate and toss it all together with crunchy slivered almonds, for a snack that’s both satisfying and […]

Categories: Chocolate, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Game Day, Gifts, Gluten Free, Healthish, Snack • Tags: Pop

Coconut Macaroons with a Chocolate Drizzle

April 6, 2023 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 very satisfying flourless treat. Macaroons are traditionally made with evaporated milk but these macaroons inspired by cookbook author Alice Medrich, are made with flaked coconut and warmed egg whites. This recipe is a two step process but will guarantee a delicious cookie. The exterior of the cookies will be golden and crisp […]

Categories: Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gifts, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake

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Tinned Fish Board

March 30, 2023 by pamflo

Tinned fish boards have been all the rage recently. They’re like a charcuterie board but with a mix of flavor-packed, delicious tins of fish and seafood, chips, condiments and other small bites. Conservas, or food preserved in cans or jars, are popular in Spain and Portugal. Seafood conservas can include tuna, trout, salmon, anchovies, mussels, octopus, mackerel, and many more types of fish. In the last few years, more tinned fish brands are available in specialty markets and on restaurant menus in […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Seafood • Tags: No Cooking

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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

Tuna Poke Bowl

March 16, 2023 by pamflo

This “do it yourself” poke bowl is fresh, customizable and there’s no cooking involved! Tuna is a good source of high quality protein containing many of our essential amino acids. Ahi tuna, also known as yellow-fin is the best tuna to use for this raw dish, although fresh salmon is a good alternative. Buy the freshest fish possible, sometimes referred to as “sushi-grade”. When shopping for fish it should smell fresh and briny like the sea, the eyes should be […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Seafood, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking

Winter Radish Salad

February 16, 2023 by pamflo

This radish salad is delicious and healthy and will surely brighten a winter day! Radishes are in the root vegetable family, brightly colored with crunchy flesh and a subtle peppery taste. They come in varying shapes and sizes, an assortment of beautiful colors and can be eaten raw, pickled or cooked. The best way to get super thin uniform slices is with a mandolin, a very sharp flat slicing tool. If you use a mandolin please use the safety guard […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: No Cooking

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Homemade Peppermint Patties

February 2, 2023 by pamflo

Any interest in making your Valentine a healthy treat? Me too, that’s why I love this recipe and it involves no cooking! Food that doesn’t involve cooking relies on really fresh, high quality ingredients. These divine patties are super minty and pack an intense coconut punch. Instead of corn syrup or white sugar, I use pure maple syrup. You’ll make the coconut filling, shape the filling into patties and give them a quick trip to the freezer. Once chilled, you […]

Categories: Chocolate, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gifts, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Paleo • Tags: No Cooking

Eggs Poached in Puttanesca

January 26, 2023 by pamflo

Shakshuka, soft poached eggs in a steaming, flavorful tomato broth, is a favorite dish of mine. Puttanesca is an Italian sauce invented in Naples and typically made with tomatoes, garlic, olives, anchovies, chili peppers and capers. I thought it might be fun to combine these two dishes and poach some eggs in a puttanesca-style tomato sauce, and it turned out to be a delicious dish! You can serve your puttanesca poached eggs with a crusty loaf of bread, a crisp green […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Sauces • Tags: Poach, Simmer

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Winter Citrus Salad with Avocado and Pecans

January 12, 2023 by pamflo

This winter citrus avocado salad is beautiful and bursting with flavor! It’s a salad of juicy orange slices and avocado on a bed of butter lettuce, topped with beet microgreens and toasted pecans. I just love winter citrus especially blood oranges and Cara Cara oranges. Clementines, navel oranges, tangelos and grapefruit are all great choices. Use a sharp knife to cut off the top and bottom of the peel. Then cut off the peel from top to bottom, working your […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Dairy Free

Late Summer Ratatouille

Simple Fish Stew

Chilled Cucumber Soup

Watermelon Gazpacho

Summer Corn Chowder

Blueberry Cashew Smoothie

Strawberry Nut Crumble

Homemade Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips

Zesty Lemonade

Decadent Chocolate Veggie Muffins

Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad

Oven Roasted Salmon with Chimichurri

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Popcorn

Coconut Macaroons with a Chocolate Drizzle

Tinned Fish Board

Coconut Quinoa Granola

Tuna Poke Bowl

Winter Radish Salad

Homemade Peppermint Patties

Eggs Poached in Puttanesca

Winter Citrus Salad with Avocado and Pecans