Category Archives: Snack

Toasted Sesame Tahini Cookies

April 23, 2020 by pamflo

Seeds of Collaboration (SoCo) is a company that produces delicious tahini and has a social mission as well. Their mission is seeding a healthy change in kitchens and communities. They believe economic collaboration is a way to build bridges. SoCo supports MEET – Middle East Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow – a non-profit in full partnership with MIT since 2004, that connects young Israeli and Palestinian students using the common language of technology and entrepreneurship. Every SoCo jar sold helps fund an Israeli-Palestinian student […]

Categories: Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Dessert, Gluten Free, Seeds, Snack • Tags: Bake

Spicy Glazed Cashew Nuts

November 26, 2019 by pamflo

If this isn’t your year to host the holidays and are lucky enough to be a guest, maybe you’re in need of a hostess/host gift idea. This is an easy and healthier version of glazed nuts, using maple syrup or honey as a substitute for granulated sugar. Turmeric, a plant that’s part of the ginger family, has curcumin as the main active ingredient. Turmeric has significant health benefits ranging from anti-inflammatory properties to providing antioxidants. Research shows that the curcumin […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar, Nuts, Snack • Tags: Roast

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Sweet Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

November 7, 2019 by pamflo

Please don’t throw away those pumpkin seeds! Roasted pumpkin seeds are an easy, healthy snack and a great source of protein, fiber and magnesium. They’re crunchy and have a mild, nutty flavor. Soaking and rinsing the seeds in cold water will help remove the stringy flesh. Simply combine the seasonings and drizzle over the seeds, baking at a low temperature. The seeds are ready when browned and crispy.

Categories: Appetizer, Chocolate, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar, Seeds, Snack • Tags: Roast

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Savory Herb Popcorn

September 12, 2019 by pamflo

There are many ways to make popcorn; using an air popper, in a paper bag in the microwave and on the stove top. Personally, I think the best popcorn is made on the stovetop and believe it or not, in a wok with coconut oil! It’s fun to watch the little kernels turn into a white, fluffy snack and is a solid dose of fiber as well. This savory popcorn makes a great snack. Blend the herbs as you wish, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Snack, Spices, Vegetarian • Tags: Pop

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Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

January 31, 2019 by pamflo

In honor of my 300th Zest for Cooking post, I’ve created a spicy cauliflower recipe. Over the years, my cauliflower recipes have been some of the most popular. With the 2019 Super Bowl only days away, it seems timely to post a healthy recipe option and a great dish for your vegetarian guests as well. Combining sriracha and your favorite hot sauce is the secret sauce in these tasty, fiery bites. Sriracha, the iconic hot sauce that originated in Thailand, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Game Day, Gluten Free, Healthish, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

Peanut Butter Banana Muffins – Gluten Free

August 23, 2018 by pamflo

As we head for September, I’m ready to get back to baking. Always in need of a healthy, easy snack option, these muffins take a combination of some favorite pantry ingredients like bananas, peanut butter and dark chocolate and unite them in a portable treat. This is the type of recipe that can easily handle substitutions. Try blueberries or chopped nuts in place of the dark chocolate chips. Coconut oil or ghee can be used in place of the unsalted […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Muffins, Snack • Tags: Bake

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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

Chocolate Buckwheat Waffles

February 15, 2018 by pamflo

These gluten free waffles are fantastic and I just couldn’t wait to share the recipe. Buckwheat flour, despite having wheat in its name is gluten-free, rich in protein and has a slightly nutty flavor. Buttermilk is used in this recipe to make a lighter batter which results in a more tender waffle. You can make your own buttermilk with both regular and non-dairy milks like almond, soy or coconut. To make your alternative buttermilk, substitute equal parts milk of your […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Chocolate, Dessert, Gluten Free, Snack • Tags: Bake

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Double Chocolate Baked Donuts

November 20, 2017 by pamflo

Decadent and easy, you might never know these divine double chocolate donuts are grain free. All you’ll need is a standard donut pan to make this fun and easy dessert (or breakfast treat)! Coconut flour is a very good substitute for all-purpose flour in gluten-free baking. It has the ability to absorb liquid and provides a perfect substitute for all-purpose flour in many gluten-free baked goods. Often the challenge in gluten-free baking is finding the correct proportion and balance of ingredients […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Dessert, Donuts, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar, Snack • Tags: Bake, Glaze

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Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

October 19, 2017 by pamflo

The Paleo diet is one of the most searched diets on the internet, and is about eliminating gluten, dairy, grains and refined sugar. It can be considered a restrictive way to eat but for people battling celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, autoimmune issues or just prefer a low inflammatory diet, it’s a great option. These delicious muffins take advantage of a variety of fall spices, and use almond and coconut flour in place of white flour. Pumpkin puree is high in […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Muffins, Paleo, Snack • Tags: Bake

Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies

September 14, 2017 by pamflo

These cookies are delicate and delicious. They are made with a combination of almond and chickpea flour, which adds a nutty sweetness. An added bonus is the protein that both flours contribute to this gluten-free cookie. No heavy equipment is required, just a bowl, a rubber spatula and your hands to create this delightful treat. The dry ingredients are sifted through a fine mesh strainer, adding air and helping to create rise without the use of eggs or a chemical […]

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

Truffle Parmesan Potato Chips

August 10, 2017 by pamflo

Potato chips have always been one of my favorite snack foods, so I thought why not make my own twist on this classic snack. I added truffle salt and grated Parmesan cheese to the warm chips, for a boost in flavor. It turns out that a sprinkle of truffle salt is not only perfect for my chips, but is delicious on foods such as steak or even grilled cheese. The secret to crispy potato chips are maintaining the temperature of […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: Fry

Grilled Pizza

June 15, 2017 by pamflo

Despite the cool wet spring in New England, I was ready to fire up the outdoor grill. Although this charred and crispy bread is more like a garnished flatbread than a pizza, it can be topped with all sorts of fresh and seasonal fruits, vegetables and meats. The stunning red and bizarre shaped heirloom tomatoes are just starting to show up at the market. With the addition of some arugula leaves, sliced prosciutto and shredded mozzarella cheese, I had a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Lunch Ideas, Pasta/Pizza, Sandwiches, Snack • Tags: Grill

Huevos Rancheros

June 8, 2017 by pamflo

Huevos Rancheros is a fiery and flavorful Mexican breakfast dish often made with fried eggs, a spicy chili salsa and served over corn tortillas. The tomato based salsa can be as mild or spicy as you can tolerate. For the peppery kick, I used canned chipotle chilies and pureed the sauce for a smooth salsa, but keeping the sauce chunky is an option as well. This dish is a great choice for a quick, casual breakfast. You can also consider […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Eggs, Snack • Tags: Fry, Sauté

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Coconut Banana Pancakes

March 30, 2017 by pamflo

I had the good fortune to spend time in Puerto Rico, enjoying the beautiful sites, the warm weather and delicious food. On foot, we roamed a local neighborhood in search of a casual cafe with their own homegrown produce. The Las Vistas Cafe is an open-aired patio which is part of the proprietor’s home, with breathtaking views of the ocean. Gladys, the owner, greeted us with the warmth of a grandmother, as she did with all her guests. The first […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Snack • Tags: Griddle

Kandy Sweet Potato Wedges

March 23, 2017 by pamflo

I couldn’t resist buying this fragrant spice blend with a name like Kandy. This Sri Lankan dried spice mix is a combination of cinnamon, ginger, fennel, coriander, star anise, fenugreek, black pepper, clove, mace and cardamom. I used it on a whim, coating thick sweet potato wedges with the Kandy spice, extra-virgin olive oil and sea salt. The aroma in the kitchen was almost reminiscent of Thanksgiving. Fenugreek was the only herb in the spice combination that I didn’t recognize. After […]

Categories: Side Dish, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

Caramelized Citrus Slices

January 19, 2017 by pamflo

Fresh produce is limited in the New England winter months, with the exception of citrus. The variety of citrus options are outstanding. Craving a satisfying healthy dessert, I made these caramelized citrus slices. Experiment with different fruit, like tangerines, grapefruit and an assortment of oranges. After refrigerating, serve the lightly caramelized slices and the accumulated juices over greek yogurt with a sprig of mint for an easy, light dessert or snack. 4 oranges, a variety of types (I used cara cara, navel and blood oranges) […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Snack • Tags: Broil

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Beet Chips

September 29, 2016 by pamflo

The beets were calling my name at the Farmer’s Market this week. I’m the only one in my house that will eat beets, or so I thought. These beet chips were gone before I could photograph them! They were so scrumptious that I made more of the beet chips, and then I moved onto making sweet potato chips. Now I’ll have to make a lot more chips, if I want some to eat some and not share! Many of the root […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

Blueberry Muffins

September 1, 2016 by pamflo

Packed with antioxidants and nutrients, blueberries are in season for only a short time. If you buy fresh blueberries, either wild or cultivated, and can’t use them all, freeze them. Gently wash and pat berries dry, pick through to remove the stems and squashed ones. Place the berries on a sheet tray in one layer, and place in the freezer. Once frozen, store in a zip-lock freezer bag until ready for baking. They can be used right from the […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dessert, Muffins, Snack • Tags: Bake

Israeli Chopped Salad

August 11, 2016 by pamflo

Raw. Simple. Fresh. A perfect salad for a hot summer night, as a side dish or a quick lunch. An Israeli salad is defined as a finely chopped salad of raw vegetables, tossed with a simple dressing. Middle Eastern restaurants serve variations of this salad in pita pockets, on it’s own or to accompany falafel, a deep-fried chickpea fritter. Traditionally, the salad contains tomatoes, Kirby or Persian cucumbers, onion and peppers. I added carrot and radishes and skipped the onion and pepper. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Snack, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: No Cooking

Fresh Cherry Granita

July 28, 2016 by pamflo

This photo was taken at the bustling Pike Place Market in Seattle, where these yellow-skinned Mt. Rainier cherries are bright and fresh. Although both Bing and Rainier varieties are in season now, Rainier cherries aren’t always easy to find on the east coast, Bing cherries are perfect for this recipe. Beautifully deep red, tart and juicy, cherries are filled with antioxidants which can help reduce inflammation. Cherries naturally contain melatonin that can be a sleep aid. This hot steamy northeast […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Snack • Tags: Freeze

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Snack

Toasted Sesame Tahini Cookies

Spicy Glazed Cashew Nuts

Sweet Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Savory Herb Popcorn

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Peanut Butter Banana Muffins – Gluten Free

Nutty Vanilla Protein Balls

Chocolate Buckwheat Waffles

Double Chocolate Baked Donuts

Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies

Truffle Parmesan Potato Chips

Grilled Pizza

Huevos Rancheros

Coconut Banana Pancakes

Kandy Sweet Potato Wedges

Caramelized Citrus Slices

Beet Chips

Blueberry Muffins

Israeli Chopped Salad

Fresh Cherry Granita