Smoothies/Shakes | Zest For Cooking

Blueberry and Cashew Smoothie

June 13, 2019 by pamflo

Blueberries are low in calories, high in fiber and help reduce the risk of chronic disease. Studies show that blueberries can improve heart and brain health, as well. Cashews have a sweet, buttery taste and are an excellent source of several vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These healthy and delicious ingredients come together in this smoothie with the addition of mint leaves and a squeeze of lime juice. We’re on the cusp of blueberry season in Massachusetts, but feel free to […]

Categories: Beverage, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Drinks, Fruit, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Smoothies/Shakes • Tags: Whiz

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Pumpkin and Apple Smoothie

November 1, 2018 by pamflo

Pumpkin purée is low in calories, high in nutrients and readily available. It is a great source of potassium, fiber and Vitamin A. Don’t mistakenly purchase pumpkin pie filling which is spiced and already sweetened. Canned pumpkin is cooked and pureed pumpkin flesh, nothing more. I usually grab a few extra cans this time of year for soups/chilis, pancakes/waffles, as an addition to oatmeal, and of course baked goods. I thought it might be fun to make a fall inspired pumpkin […]

Categories: Beverage, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar, Smoothies/Shakes, Vegetables • Tags: Whiz

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Cauliflower “Fried” Rice

January 26, 2017 by pamflo

Cauliflower seems like a boring white food, but don’t overlook it because it’s loaded with anti-inflammatory properties. Cauliflower is popular now masquerading in other dishes, such as a base for pizza dough. It was time to try cauliflower as a substitute for carbohydrates. It’s really good as faux “fried” rice! This vegetarian cauliflower dish is a warm and comforting bowl of goodness as is, but I could see adding a protein for a complete meal. Both pre-cut cauliflower and the pre-cut mixed vegetables can be […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Smoothies/Shakes, Vegetarian • Tags: Sauté

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Almond Joy Smoothie

March 10, 2016 by pamflo

“Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t. Almond Joy’s got nuts, Mounds don’t”! That’s the Hershey’s jingle from the 1970’s. The Almond Joy candy bar, an American classic, is a fantastic combination of almonds, coconut and chocolate. This smoothie recipe is a fusion of these flavors in a delicious and healthy beverage. 12 ounces coconut milk (I use the unsweetened, full-fat Native Forest brand) Option: The serving size of this full-fat coconut milk is 1/3 cup (about 3-4 ounces). Feel free […]

Categories: Beverages, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Lunch Ideas, Smoothies/Shakes, Vegetarian • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Whiz

Watermelon Granita

August 20, 2015 by pamflo

Ripe, juicy watermelon, nothing could be more satisfying on a hot and steamy summer day. Cut into triangles, cut into cubes, served any way, watermelon is refreshing. I thought it might be fun to make a granita with the watermelon. It reminds me of the Italian ices from the old fashioned ice cream trucks. You can also make an adult version that contains rum or tequila. 1/4 of a whole seedless watermelon Juice of a lime 1-2 tablespoons honey Mint leaves Rum or tequila (optional) […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Dessert, Fruit, Gluten Free, Smoothies/Shakes • Tags: Dairy Free, Freeze, Gluten Free, Whiz

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

November 7, 2013 by pamflo

Delicious pumpkin pie flavors in a smoothie and gluten free! Pumpkin purée is low in calories and high in nutrients. It is a great source of fiber, Vitamin A and iron. I’m a smoothie junkie and always looking for new ideas. After a little experimenting I came up with a creamy pumpkin smoothie, reminiscent of pumpkin pie. I added spinach but this is optional. It does turn the beautiful orange smoothie to a dull green, but adds vitamin K and iron! […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Gluten Free, Smoothies/Shakes • Tags: Almond milk, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Pumpkin, Smoothie, Vanilla extract, Whiz

Zesty Raspberry Seltzer

July 23, 2013 by pamflo

It has been a hot summer — how about some refreshing homemade seltzer! Yum. This recipe is from one of my favorite cafes, The Flour Bakery. 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries 1 cup vanilla sugar 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice 1 1/4 cups soda water for each drink In small saucepan, combine the raspberries, vanilla sugar and 1 cup of water and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Smoothies/Shakes • Tags: Boil, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lemonade, Raspberry

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Crazy for Coconut Smoothie

March 5, 2013 by pamflo

Coconut has many healthy properties. The milk is made from the meat of a mature coconut. It is a healthy saturated fat with antioxidant properties and is shown to fight against many diseases. Coconut is rich in phosphorus and magnesium, as well as lauric acid. Coconut is one of a few foods that contain lauric acid, which is shown to promote immune health and lower risk of heart disease and strokes. It is one of the best sources of medium-chain […]

Categories: Gluten Free, Smoothies/Shakes • Tags: Almond milk, Coconut milk, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lauric acid, Paleo, Whiz

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Super Duper Green Smoothie

October 20, 2012 by pamflo

This recipe is adapted from a cutely named smoothie called “Smarty Pants”, that I had numerous times at a Cape Cod smoothie shop. It is packed with nutrients and tastes delicious. Green smoothies take some time getting used to, but really are a great substitute for a salad (liquid form) or a good way to start your day. Feel free to come up with your own version…add chia seeds or flax seed, vary your greens, use almond milk instead of […]

Categories: Gluten Free, Smoothies/Shakes • Tags: Almond milk, Collard greens, Dairy Free, Flax, Gluten Free, Paleo, Smoothie, Whiz