Category Archives: Healthish

Maple Roasted Carrots with Pistachios

November 17, 2022 by pamflo

The Thanksgiving buzz is in full swing! It starts when cooking magazines arrive at my house with photos of gleaming turkeys and perfectly plated sides. For the years that I hosted the Thanksgiving feast, my preparations typically started in October. I would make and freeze turkey stock, bake breads and make ice cream. Although I’m not hosting this year, I miss the menu planning and holiday hustle. This is a beautiful carrot dish that takes no advanced planning and is […]

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

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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Cioppino (Seafood Stew)

November 3, 2022 by pamflo

Cioppino or Brodetto di Pesce, is a delicious rustic Italian stew brimming with fresh seafood cooked in a tomato broth with wine, garlic and herbs. This hearty stew is traditionally served with grilled bread rubbed with garlic. Although there are many ingredients in this seafood stew, the dish comes together quite quickly. This dish can be a simple soup with just the fresh seafood cooked in broth and tomatoes, or you can use the ingredients to build a rich flavorful stew. […]

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

Roasted Delicata Squash with Lemon Tahini Sauce

October 27, 2022 by pamflo

There are many winter squash options available at the markets now. Squash is harvested in the fall and if stored in a cool dry spot, they’ll last for awhile. When purchasing squash make sure they’re firm and free of bruises. Delicata squash is oblong in shape, has pale yellow skin with a green stripe and delicate yellow flesh. There’s no need to peel the squash before you chop it, because once the squash is cooked you can eat the skin. Tahini […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

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

Farro Risotto with Winter Squash

October 13, 2022 by pamflo

Many of the outdoor farmers markets stay open into early November with beautiful fall fruit and vegetables. The winter squash elevates this dish and you can choose any type you like, although butternut squash is my favorite. You’ll roast the squash in the oven and then add the puréed flesh to finish your dish. Farro is a hearty wheat-based grain that has a rich, nutty flavor. It is a good source of fiber and protein. Look for the pearled farro or […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Grains, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté, Simmer

Blistered Green Beans

September 29, 2022 by pamflo

Although green beans are available almost all year round, they’re at their peak in the northeast. When purchasing green beans look for beans that are tender, long and firm. They should “snap” when broken. I prefer a two step process when cooking green beans. The first step is blanching, which is a quick dip of about 3-4 minutes in rapidly boiling salted water. Step two is placing the green beans into an icy water bath to halt the cooking process. Blanching […]

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

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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Loaded Hummus Platter

September 8, 2022 by pamflo

Smooth, creamy and lemony with a hint of garlic and a few splashes of hot sauce, that’s my favorite kind of hummus. I topped my hummus with olives, capers, cucumbers, tomatoes, chickpeas, feta cheese and a drizzle of good olive oil. I’ve included my favorite homemade hummus recipe but please feel free to use your favorite store-bought brand instead. I served my loaded hummus platter with crackers and a crisp Chardonnay. Seeds of Collaboration (SoCo) is a company that produces delicious […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans/Legumes, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Seeds, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

Peach, Tomato and Feta Salad

September 1, 2022 by pamflo

This peach, tomato and feta salad is a refreshing and delicious summer side dish or perfect light lunch. It’s a fun combination of stone fruit and heirloom tomatoes, requires no cooking and is a great way to serve the super ripe end of summer produce. I added feta cheese, fresh basil and a very simple vinaigrette. You can change up the flavor of the vinaigrette by using different vinegars but use good quality olive oil. Champagne vinegar, sherry vinegar or white […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Salads, Side Dish • Tags: No Cooking

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

Sautéed Corn and Tomato Salad

August 4, 2022 by pamflo

Corn on the cob has no substitute, and it’s especially delicious at its peak on the east coast in August. However, making a quick and simple salad using the kernels is a great idea too. You could grill the corn while it’s still on the cob and then remove the kernels, or remove and sauté the raw kernels on the stove top as I did. Fresh heirloom tomatoes and fragrant basil leaves are the perfect combination with the corn. Top […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

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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Quick Dill Pickles

July 14, 2022 by pamflo

Quick pickles or refrigerator pickles are simply vegetables that are pickled in a brine made from vinegar, water, salt, and sometimes sugar. The cucumbers and carrots sit in the pickling brine in the refrigerator for 24 hours and then are ready to enjoy. The pickled vegetables are good for about a week in the refrigerator. The beauty of this quick pickle recipe is that it uses less salt, and has no sugar added. Kirby cucumbers are crunchy, have a firm […]

Categories: Brine, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: Boil

Fresh Strawberry and Radish Salsa

June 23, 2022 by pamflo

We’re in the peak of strawberry season with juicy, beautiful farm stand berries available almost everywhere! High in vitamin C, plump, red and delicious, strawberries make a great snack or addition to any meal. Make sure to pick berries that are bright red with a stem firmly attached, washing just before using. This fresh fruity salsa with radish and avocado is simple to prepare and requires no cooking. I served my zesty salsa with grilled swordfish but it can top […]

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

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White Gazpacho

June 16, 2022 by pamflo

Cool, refreshing and healthy, this cold soup requires no cooking! Even if you’re not a gazpacho fan, this soup is zesty and really delicious. This gazpacho is a twist on a Spanish classic and provides a nice break from a traditional tomato-based gazpacho. This beautiful creamy soup is usually made with a combination of grapes, cucumbers, garlic, blanched almonds and bread. I leave out the bread and include cilantro, a splash of sherry vinegar and plenty of lime juice. It […]

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

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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

Skillet Eggplant Parmesan

June 2, 2022 by pamflo

Looking for a healthier version of eggplant parmesan, check out my skillet recipe! Deep purple and glossy with a unique texture and flavor, who doesn’t love eggplant. Nutrient dense and antioxidant rich, eggplant is part of the nightshade family, along with peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes. There is no replacement for battered and fried eggplant, smothered with sauce and cheese, however, this lighter version is a close second. I skip the step of battering the eggplant and just sauté the slices in […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

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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

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Healthish

Maple Roasted Carrots with Pistachios

Flourless Almond Butter Pecan Cookies

Cioppino (Seafood Stew)

Roasted Delicata Squash with Lemon Tahini Sauce

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Farro Risotto with Winter Squash

Blistered Green Beans

Chunky Apple Walnut Muffins

Honey Roasted Figs

Loaded Hummus Platter

Peach, Tomato and Feta Salad

Banana Oat Bites

Sautéed Corn and Tomato Salad

Blueberry Avocado Popsicles

Quick Dill Pickles

Fresh Strawberry and Radish Salsa

White Gazpacho

Nutty Oat Bars

Skillet Eggplant Parmesan

Sweet Potato Toast

Morning Glory Muffins