Category Archives: Healthish

Spicy Chicken Chili

January 13, 2022 by pamflo

Spices are the secret to making a super flavorful chili! Using dried spices can add so much flavor, texture and heat to a dish. Dried ground spices usually have a shelf life of 6 months and whole spices will last up to a year, so ensure that your spices are fresh. If they don’t smell strong, it’s time for a new bottle. Store your dried spices in a cool dry place. This chili recipe has a variety of dried spices to […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Game Day, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Simmer

Candied Walnuts

December 23, 2021 by pamflo

If you’re in need of a festive gift idea, these candied walnuts are a simple and healthier version of glazed nuts. The nuts are roasted in a combination of maple syrup and honey as a substitute for granulated sugar. In addition to giving these caramelized nuts as a gift, you can toss them into a salad, mix with your favorite popcorn, add to your oatmeal or just snack on them. These candied walnuts are also a perfect compliment to a […]

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

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Lemon Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

November 23, 2021 by pamflo

Roasting Brussels sprouts changes them from raw, sharp vegetables to sweet and nutty nuggets. Brussels sprouts are high in fiber, antioxidants and vitamins. My Brussels sprouts are simply roasted with olive oil, salt, pepper and then finished with freshly grated parmesan cheese, lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. I roasted the sprouts until they were just charred on the outside and tender on the inside. Simple, easy and delicious! A perfect side dish for the holidays. The leftover sprouts will […]

Categories: Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Side Dish • Tags: Roast

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

Whole Roasted Cauliflower

November 4, 2021 by pamflo

These humble heads of white florets can be transformed into a tender, creamy and delicious addition to an entree or center stage with other fun side dishes. Cauliflower is a great source of antioxidants and fiber, as well as an excellent replacement for grains. This recipe is easy to make and will convert even a non-cauliflower eater. The cauliflower heads will bake for about an hour or so and once they have cooled you can slice into steaks, coat with […]

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

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Fennel and Carrot Soup

October 28, 2021 by pamflo

Raw fennel has a similar taste to anise, but don’t let that intimidate you. Fennel is a flavorful addition to salads, soups and savory dishes, and just happens to be a good source of vitamin C. Cooking fennel slowly in olive oil or butter, mellows and sweetens the flavor. Smooth and silky, you’ll find this soup quite tasty. The process of sweating the vegetables or cooking until softened and the moisture is released, brings out the subtle flavors. Consider serving the […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Soup, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Sauté, Simmer, Whiz

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Pears Poached in White Wine

October 21, 2021 by pamflo

Poached pears are an easy, delicious and elegant dessert. The pears can also be added to a salad or served alongside a cheese platter. Always use wine that you’re willing to drink. A sweeter white wine works for this recipe such as Chardonnay or a Riesling. Firm pears like Anjou or Bosc are the best type to poach, as they hold their shape. You’ll peel the pears leaving the stem intact, but also slice a 1/2 inch off of the […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Poach

Salmon and Mango Ceviche

October 14, 2021 by pamflo

Although this post comes at the tail end of mango season in the United States, hopefully you can find imported mangoes in your market as it’s the highlight of this ceviche recipe. The mango is an aromatic fruit that is part of the cashew family and a solid source of antioxidants, fiber and vitamin C. Mangoes have immune boosting properties and are beneficial for digestive health. You can use any type of fresh salmon that you like, but make sure […]

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

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Quinoa Stuffed Delicata Squash

October 7, 2021 by pamflo

There are many winter squash options at the markets now. They’re harvested in the fall and if stored in a cool dry spot, they’ll last for a while. Delicata squash, with its pale yellow, cylindrical shape is a perfect vessel for stuffing. The skin is delicate and eatable. When purchasing squashes make sure they’re firm and free of bruises. Squash brimming with a scrumptious filling, is a beautiful dish to serve. The squash can be roasted ahead of time and then […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Rice/Grains, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Simmer

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Mustard Maple Glazed Salmon Skewers

September 30, 2021 by pamflo

The combination of two kinds of mustard, maple syrup and fresh lemon juice makes a delectable sauce for the salmon. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, many vitamins and minerals and an outstanding source of protein. Both farm-raised and wild salmon work well for this recipe. I used metal skewers for threading the salmon cubes but if you use wooden skewers they’ll need to be soaked for 30 minutes in water, so they don’t burn in the […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Seafood • Tags: Roast

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Simple Chilled Tomato Soup

September 9, 2021 by pamflo

Although fall is in view, this chilled soup is a throwback to summer and you can use the remainder of the beautiful ripe tomatoes. This is a refreshing tomato soup that is light and simple to make. It’s actually a twist on a Greek salad, but re-invented as a soup. The fresh oregano adds an earthy, peppery flavor. If you’re unable to find it you can substitute fresh thyme or basil leaves. A good blender, Cuisinart, or immersion blender is […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Soup, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté, Whiz

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Grilled Peaches

September 2, 2021 by pamflo

The late summer peaches are sweet, juicy and just perfect to eat, but also great for grilling. After cutting the peaches in half and removing the pit, coat the peaches lightly with olive oil. Grill the peaches cut side down in a grill pan or outdoor grill, for about 3-4 minutes. When you see distinct grill marks and the natural sugars start to caramelize, the peaches are ready. Serve these sweet peaches with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. […]

Categories: Desserts, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Ice Cream • Tags: Grill

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Figs Baked with Brie and Walnuts

August 26, 2021 by pamflo

Late summer into early fall is the start of fresh fig season. You can find figs at your local farmer’s market or at your supermarket. Figs don’t ripen after they’re picked, so buy them at the peak of ripeness when they are soft, round and about to burst. With smooth skin, and sweet, juicy flesh, fresh figs are the perfect healthy snack. Figs are high in calcium, magnesium, and fiber. I halved the figs and baked each with a piece […]

Categories: Appetizer, Cheeses, Crowd Pleaser, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Nuts • Tags: Bake

Grilled Romaine Salad

August 12, 2021 by pamflo

Romaine lettuce is the hero of a Caesar salad, mild tasting with sturdy leaves and a thick rib down the center. Perfect for grilling! Many variations of Caesar salad are still popular on restaurant menus today. The lettuce can be grilled in a grill pan or on your outdoor grill. I grilled the romaine hearts on the stove-top and dressed the leaves with a tangy citrus Caesar dressing. Anchovy paste adds that “umami” flavor to the dressing, but Worcestershire sauce or […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dressing, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads • Tags: Grill

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Potato and Egg Salad

August 5, 2021 by pamflo

Summer outings, BBQ’s, and elegant picnics aren’t complete without potato salad. This recipe is an easy and lighter alternative to the goopy, mayo-laden version. This dish is so delicious with creamy steamed Yukon gold potatoes and soft boiled eggs mixed with a tangy mustard vinaigrette. Yum! Topped with some fresh chopped chives and a smattering of chopped dill pickles, this is a great summer dish.

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Salads, Side Dish • Tags: Boil, Steam

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Halloumi Caprese Salad

July 29, 2021 by pamflo

I’m participating in a fun virtual global cooking class that provides a box of diary ingredients for each class. The last class was a tour of Greece along with a nutrition presentation and cooking demonstration. My box of Greek inspired dairy products came with a block of halloumi cheese. Having never had halloumi cheese, I did a bit of research to find out that grilling the cheese, which I did on the stove top in a grill pan, is the […]

Categories: Appetizer, Cheeses, Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads • Tags: Grill

Yakitori-Style Chicken Thighs

July 22, 2021 by pamflo

Classic Japanese yakitori chicken is skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled over a fire. Hesitating to fire up the grill because it’s been so hot and humid this summer, I baked these easy and delicious chicken skewers in the oven at a high temperature instead. I used boneless skinless chicken thighs, but boneless breasts work too. There is an added step of boiling down the sauce to the point that it coats the back of a spoon, this intensifies the […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Bake, Simmer

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Sautéed Corn Salad with Tomatoes and Feta

July 8, 2021 by pamflo

Sautéing corn kernels in a combination of olive oil and butter adds tremendous flavor to this salad. It’s simple, delicious and a perfect dish for these steamy summer nights. I added fresh avocado, jalapeño pepper, tomatoes, fresh basil and a sprinkle of feta cheese. My son finished the salad before I had the chance to dress it! It was so flavorful that it didn’t need dressing. I just finished it with a pinch of sea salt and a generous squeeze […]

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

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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

Summer Fish Stew

June 24, 2021 by pamflo

Wow, the combination of the fennel, white wine and dill make this a fantastic, flavorful stew. The fish is simmered slowly in a combination of white wine and water, on a low heat which helps retain its tenderness. Sliced raw fennel adds a sweet licorice flavor, but if you sauté, roast or grill it, it softens the licorice flavor. Served with hearty greens, this is an easy weeknight meal. Pick a firm white fish with a delicate flavor. I tried […]

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

Salad Niçoise

June 10, 2021 by pamflo

This beautiful salad originated in the French city of Nice and is traditionally made with hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, Niçoise olives, and tuna or anchovies. You can be as creative with the ingredients as you like! I added sliced cucumbers and grilled artichokes. It takes a little time in the preparation of each item, but you can cook the green beans, potatoes and eggs ahead of time. It’s a great dish for a potluck dinner or feeding a crowd. I recommend […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dressing, Eggs, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Seafood, Vegetables • Tags: Boil, Steam

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Healthish

Spicy Chicken Chili

Candied Walnuts

Lemon Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Pumpkin Maple Oatmeal

Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Fennel and Carrot Soup

Pears Poached in White Wine

Salmon and Mango Ceviche

Quinoa Stuffed Delicata Squash

Mustard Maple Glazed Salmon Skewers

Simple Chilled Tomato Soup

Grilled Peaches

Figs Baked with Brie and Walnuts

Grilled Romaine Salad

Potato and Egg Salad

Halloumi Caprese Salad

Yakitori-Style Chicken Thighs

Sautéed Corn Salad with Tomatoes and Feta

Watermelon Dessert Pizza

Summer Fish Stew

Salad Niçoise