Category Archives: Nuts

Roasted Pecan Crusted Salmon

November 8, 2018 by pamflo

Looking for a quick and easy dinner idea? Salmon is a great source of lean protein and filled with omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to reduce inflammation and lower your blood pressure. Salmon is also a good source of potassium and vitamin B12, plus research shows it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. In this recipe, I topped my salmon filet with a maple mustard glaze and then coated the fish with chopped pecans. The combination of the […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Seafood • Tags: Bake

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Sautéed Yellow Zucchini with Pistachios and Mint

October 4, 2018 by pamflo

What does sauté mean? It’s a method of cooking food over high heat in a little bit of hot fat. This is a great way to cook vegetables while still maintaining their flavor and texture. Choose a wide bottom pan so the vegetables aren’t overcrowded. A quick sauté in olive oil is my choice for this recipe, but a combo of olive oil and butter add a nice depth of flavor. Coconut oil is a good option. This is an easy […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Nuts, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

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Summer Charcuterie Platter

August 30, 2018 by pamflo

Shopping at your local farmers market is the best way to connect to what is fresh and seasonal. It supports the local farmers and minimizes the impact on the earth, with less distance to travel to your plate. With the amazing array of produce and no cooking required, I assembled fresh fruits and vegetables paired with cheese and meat, accompanied by crispy crackers…and a glass of rosé wine! There is an unlimited choice of the freshest fruits and vegetables in […]

Categories: Appetizer, Fruit, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking

Nutty Vanilla Protein Balls

July 26, 2018 by pamflo

I’m working hard to reduce the amount of sugar in the foods I cook and consume, especially desserts. Although using protein powder and no sweetener might seem a bit outrageous, these protein balls are a perfect quick, healthy breakfast or snack. They require no cooking, although a food processor is needed to thoroughly blend the ingredients. Did I say no sweetener 🙂 I’m a fan of using collagen protein powder and I like the Bulletproof Brand. It’s dairy free, gluten […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Nuts, Paleo, Seeds, Snack

Zucchini and Lemon Pasta Salad

March 22, 2018 by pamflo

Adding lightly roasted zucchini really seems to elevate a dish. With a little imagination, the zucchini half-moons might remind you of eating candy! This is a delightful meal with a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice and fresh basil. Perfect for an easy lunch, or perhaps you serve it with a protein for a hearty dinner. It’s impressive that there are many brands of gluten-free pasta. It takes a little experimenting to find a brand where you like both […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Rice/Grains, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

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Sweet and Savory Glazed Nuts

November 16, 2017 by pamflo

If this isn’t the year you’re hosting Thanksgiving and lucky enough to be a guest, maybe you’re in need of a hostess gift idea. These are an easy and healthier version of glazed nuts. I’ve provided recipes for both lightly sweetened glazed walnuts and spicy savory cashews, but you can use a variety of nuts if you choose. Both recipes use honey or maple syrup as sweetener instead of sugar. Turmeric, a plant that’s part of the ginger family, has curcumin […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gifts, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Nuts • Tags: Roast

Homemade Gluten-Free Bread

November 9, 2017 by pamflo

With the holidays approaching, this is an easy, delicious gluten-free bread to bake and share. There is something very satisfying about baking your own bread, gluten-free or not! Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Many people are required to remove gluten from their diets for health reasons and others just choose to eliminate it. Many commercially made gluten-free breads are filled with too many ingredients, including added sugar and refined carbohydrates. Wheat flour and yeast are the […]

Categories: Breads, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Nuts • Tags: Bake, Whip

Maple Pecan Ice Cream

September 28, 2017 by pamflo

This is a creamy, luscious custard-style ice cream sweetened with maple syrup in place of white sugar. An easy stove-top custard is made first with heavy cream, milk, maple syrup and egg yolks, and then chilled before churning in your ice cream maker. The toasted maple pecans add an abundance of flavor so that you don’t even miss the sugar. With no stabilizers or preservatives to mask the flavors, there is really no substitute for homemade ice cream. Plan ahead […]

Categories: Dessert, Ice Cream, Low Sugar, Nuts • Tags: Boil, Churn, Toast

Farro and Arugula Salad

October 27, 2016 by pamflo

A few of the outdoor Boston Farmer’s Markets are coming to a close for the season. I wanted to make a dish that incorporated some of the remaining beautiful fresh produce. The credit for this tasty salad goes to New York chef Charlie Bird. Farro can be bland on it’s own, but in this recipe it’s slowly simmered in fresh apple cider with a bay leaf. My version of this dish has just a few embellishments, feel free to alter it as […]

Categories: Appetizer, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Rice/Grains, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer

Grilled Zucchini Salad

May 5, 2016 by pamflo

I’m a fan of making zucchini noodles as a healthy substitute for pasta, but it was time to branch out and try a new dish. Zucchini is actually a fruit, with its beautiful yellow blossoms that are edible. Usually eaten as a vegetable, zucchini is high in fiber, potassium and vitamin C. The peak season for zucchini is June through late August. The most delightful part of this salad is the pomegranate molasses, a thick tart syrup that’s drizzled on the grilled […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Drizzle, Gluten Free, Grill

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Chocolate Bark

December 22, 2015 by pamflo

In preparation for the holidays, I thought I would re-post chocolate bark, a decadent holiday gift idea. 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 ensures a shiny finish, and a longer shelf life. This process takes time and a bit of skill. This bark recipe doesn’t require tempering and is so addicting that it will get eaten before it’s chopped! Un-tempered chocolate […]

Categories: Bars, Chocolate/Candy, Dairy Free, Dessert, Fruit, Low Sugar, Nuts, Snack • Tags: Dairy Free, Melt, Sprinkle, Stir

Pistachio Lemon Zest Cookies

December 3, 2015 by pamflo

This weekend, the Boston Globe magazine featured an article about pastry chef, Joanne Chang and her Flour Bakery empire. She’s a force to be reckoned with, in the pastry world. I had the opportunity to meet her years ago when she was a chef instructor at my culinary program, and I’ve been a huge fan ever since. She recently published her third cookbook, a low sugar baking book. I made the absolutely delectable Lemon-Polenta Pistachio cookies. The recipe calls for only […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Dessert, Low Sugar, Nuts, Snack • Tags: Bake

Almond Tuiles

July 23, 2015 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. I thought a thin, toasty almond cookie would do the trick, and it did. You can serve the cookies with ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet or sorbet. That is if you don’t […]

Categories: Cookies/Brownies, Dessert, Gluten Free, Nuts, Snack • Tags: Bake, Gluten Free, Shape

Almond Coconut Meringues

March 26, 2015 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 until they’re a little creamy, slowly add the sugar, and then stabilize the whites […]

Categories: Chocolate/Candy, Cookies/Brownies, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Nuts, Snack • Tags: Bake, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Whiz

Chopped Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad

March 19, 2015 by pamflo

After two months of hibernating indoors with such a cold and snowy winter, I finally went for a walk outdoors and actually heard the birds chirping. With the thought of spring arriving soon, I made this fresh crunchy salad. Feel free to mixed it up, use almonds, pistachios or pepitas and tart dried cherries as a substitute for the cranberries. Yum! SALAD: 1 cup walnuts, chopped 1 pound brussels sprouts, trimmed, halved and thinly sliced 1 pound Tusan or curly kale […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Greens, Nuts, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Gluten Free, Toast, Whiz

Farro and Oatmeal Porridge

February 19, 2015 by pamflo

Most mornings I make myself a smoothie for breakfast. On very cold mornings, I’m not always craving an icy drink, but instead I’m craving a creamy, steamy bowl of warmth. On these (too many!) snowy days, this bowl of porridge is the ultimate comfort food. The topping options are many. My porridge is topped with toasted coconut flakes, slivered almonds, cinnamon and unsweetened almond milk. Consider other types of nuts or nut butters, dried or fresh fruit, chia seeds or pepitas. […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Nuts, Rice/Grains, Snack • Tags: Dairy Free, Simmer

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Spiced Popcorn with Pecans and Raisins

January 30, 2015 by pamflo

The Northeast has been pummeled this week with snow, and even more snow expected! It’s the perfect excuse to get into the kitchen and cook up something tasty. Who doesn’t love popcorn, especially mixed with toasted nuts and warm spices. You can pop your own popcorn or use a store bought brand. If you’re entertaining for the Super Bowl, considering serving this yummy treat. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Toss 5 cups popped popcorn with 2 cups pecans and set aside. […]

Categories: Dessert, Gluten Free, Nuts, Snack • Tags: Bake, Gluten Free

Cocoa Dusted Almonds

December 18, 2014 by pamflo

Outrageous! Oven roasted, lightly sweetened almonds covered in cocoa powder. It’s a great gift idea and easy to double the recipe. The secret to this delicious treat, is in the quality of the cocoa powder. Good cocoa powder elevates your desserts. Many markets sell professional quality cocoa powder. I use Valrhona or Callebaut ground cocoa. Ghiradelli is a good choice too. For those wanting a sugar substitute, feel free to use xylitol instead of the powdered sugar. 2 cups whole […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Nuts, Snack • Tags: Bake

French Chocolate Bark

December 19, 2011 by pamflo

I thought I would give you another idea for holiday gifts. A fun and festive recipe is Ina Garten’s French Chocolate Bark. It is delish, easy to make and a beautiful gift. Most professional chocolate is “tempered” which requires it to be brought to a certain temperature. This ensures a shiny finish, and a longer shelf life. It takes time and a little skill. This bark recipe does not require you to temper the chocolate. Un-tempered chocolate can “bloom” or turn […]

Categories: Chocolate, Cooking Tips, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gifts, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar, Nuts • Tags: Melt

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Nuts

Roasted Pecan Crusted Salmon

Sautéed Yellow Zucchini with Pistachios and Mint

Summer Charcuterie Platter

Nutty Vanilla Protein Balls

Zucchini and Lemon Pasta Salad

Sweet and Savory Glazed Nuts

Homemade Gluten-Free Bread

Maple Pecan Ice Cream

Farro and Arugula Salad

Grilled Zucchini Salad

Chocolate Bark

Pistachio Lemon Zest Cookies

Almond Tuiles

Almond Coconut Meringues

Chopped Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad

Farro and Oatmeal Porridge

Spiced Popcorn with Pecans and Raisins

Cocoa Dusted Almonds

French Chocolate Bark