Category Archives: Desserts

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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Cashew Butter and Honey Cookies

May 11, 2023 by pamflo

My all time favorite cookie is the sesame tahini cookies, which you can find in the zestforcooking archives. I have to say that these delicious cashew butter cookies come in at a very close second! The combination of the cashew butter and honey is just irresistible. For mostly decorative purposes, these cookies similar to peanut butter cookies, usually have fork tine marks or criss-cross marks imprinted on the top of the raw cookie dough. Nut butter doughs are usually thick […]

Categories: Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gifts, Holiday Ideas, Nuts • Tags: Bake

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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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Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

March 9, 2023 by pamflo

Ooey-goey, soft in the middle and crispy on the outside, the ultimate sweet treat! This is by far the best chocolate chip cookie recipe, it’s simple, delicious and makes about 3 dozen cookies. The dough freezes beautifully, so you can have fresh, warm chocolate chip cookies whenever you have a craving. Sometimes it’s a simple step that creates an outstanding cookie like using both white and brown sugar or using top quality chocolate chips. These cookies make superb ice cream […]

Categories: Chocolate, Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake

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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

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

Nutty Chocolate Bark

December 15, 2022 by pamflo

In preparation for the holidays I’m making one of my favorite desserts, nutty chocolate bark. 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 process takes time and a bit of skill, but ensures a shiny finish and a longer shelf life. Candies, like truffles, dipped chocolates and bars of chocolate require tempering to create their signature taste and texture. Some simple candy recipes […]

Categories: Chocolate, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar, Nuts, Snack • Tags: Melt

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Peanut Caramel Crunch Bars

December 1, 2022 by pamflo

Making candy at home takes a bit of effort, however, it’s rewarding and satisfying. All you need is a candy thermometer, a sturdy aluminum or copper saucepan, and some focus. It is important to have your tools and ingredients ready to go, because the candy comes together rather fast. The addition of light corn syrup prevents the sugar from crystalizing. The candy lasts for a couple of weeks, makes a great gift and is truly delicious. These flaky, mildly sweet […]

Categories: Bars, Candy, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Gifts, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Nuts • Tags: Candy

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Cocoa Dusted Almonds

November 22, 2022 by pamflo

These outrageous cocoa dusted almonds are oven roasted, lightly sweetened and covered in cocoa powder. If this isn’t your year to host the holidays, maybe you’re in need of a hostess/host gift idea. These almonds make a fun gift and it’s easy to double the recipe. The secret to this delicious treat is in the quality of the cocoa powder and good quality cocoa powder elevates your desserts. When baking, you should always use unsweetened cocoa powder as it allows you […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gifts, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Nuts, Snack • Tags: Roast

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Flourless Almond Butter Pecan Cookies

November 10, 2022 by pamflo

Almond butter is the delicious paste that comes from grinding almonds into a nut butter. It is the glue, along with an egg, that binds these flourless cookies together. Almonds are high in antioxidants, low in carbohydrates, and a source of healthy fat and protein. You can use natural almond butter, commercial almond butter or you can make your own almond butter. There will be a difference in the texture so you’ll want to put some muscle into making a […]

Categories: Cookies, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Nuts • Tags: Bake

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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

Honey Roasted Figs

September 15, 2022 by pamflo

Late summer into early fall is fig season in New England. Figs don’t ripen after they’re picked, so buy them at their peak when they’re soft, round and about to burst. Minor bruises or tears are usually harmless, but avoid buying dry, cracked figs. Figs are deliciously sweet with a slight hint of honey and are a good source of calcium and potassium. These roasted figs can be served with a savory dish like chicken or pork. They can also be […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Snack • Tags: Roast

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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

Blueberry Avocado Popsicles

July 21, 2022 by pamflo

These yummy popsicles are filled with blueberries, creamy avocado, dates, a hint of lime and a secret surprise of almond butter. They’re so refreshing on these hot summer days! I experimented with two types of popsicle molds, plastic and silicon and prefer the silicon molds. Rather than submerging the mold in hot water to release the pops, you can simply peel back the silicone. The silicon molds come with 10 popsicle slots, bags for storage and wooden popsicles sticks. The mold has […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar, Popsicles • Tags: Freeze, Whiz

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Almond Tuile Cookies

June 30, 2022 by pamflo

There’s a popular ice cream shop in Cape Cod called the Polar Cave. The ice cream is delicious, but the “made to order” warm waffle cones are outstanding. The freshly baked waffle cones perfume the air as you’re waiting in line to enter the store. I wanted to create a lighter version of this experience at home and a thin, toasty almond cookie did the trick. These cookies are light, airy, gluten free and make a delightful dessert. The warm […]

Categories: Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Nuts • 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

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

Strawberry Rhubarb Polenta Crisp

May 5, 2022 by pamflo

Fresh strawberries can easily be transformed into a bubbly, fragrant and beautiful dessert. Strawberries paired with thinly sliced rhubarb stalks provide some extra tartness to this delicious crisp. Rhubarb is high in antioxidants, vitamin K and a natural laxative. A lightly sweetened crumbly topping made with quick cooking polenta, adds a nice crispy texture to each bite. I find the best way to enjoy this crisp is serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh chilled […]

Categories: Crisp, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake

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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

Almond Coconut Meringues

April 7, 2022 by pamflo

Light, airy, melts in your mouth and gluten free! Meringues are surprisingly simple to make. The secret to crispy meringues are whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks. You can either use a standing mixer with the whip attachment or a hand mixer. When I was in cooking school we had to whip the whites by hand — it builds muscle! The key steps are to whip room temperature egg whites with a pinch of cream of tartar until slightly […]

Categories: Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake, Whip

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Desserts

Decadent Chocolate Veggie Muffins

Cashew Butter and Honey Cookies

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Popcorn

Coconut Macaroons with a Chocolate Drizzle

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Homemade Peppermint Patties

Raspberry Almond Clafoutis

Nutty Chocolate Bark

Peanut Caramel Crunch Bars

Cocoa Dusted Almonds

Flourless Almond Butter Pecan Cookies

Chunky Apple Walnut Muffins

Honey Roasted Figs

Banana Oat Bites

Blueberry Avocado Popsicles

Almond Tuile Cookies

Nutty Oat Bars

Morning Glory Muffins

Strawberry Rhubarb Polenta Crisp

Date and Almond Butter Fudge Bars

Almond Coconut Meringues