fresh mint leaves | Ingredients

Lime Fizz Cocktail

July 28, 2022 by pamflo

This tangy cocktail gets its fizz from a bottle of dry sparkling wine. With vermouth and fresh lime juice, it’s everything a summer cocktail should be – light, citrusy and perfect for happy hour or paired with a summer meal. A simple syrup is made using equal parts water and sugar. You’ll heat the ingredients on the stovetop just until the sugar dissolves. This recipe makes extra simple syrup which can be made ahead of time and stored in the […]

Categories: Alcohol, Boozy, Cocktail, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free • Tags: Cocktail

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Watermelon Tequila Slushy

July 7, 2022 by pamflo

This slushy blender cocktail is perfect for a steamy summer evening. Instead of using ice, freeze the watermelon cubes ahead of serving. Place the cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. There is an abundance of peak produce at the farmers’ markets now, and in addition I purchased local raw honey to use as a sweetener. A simply syrup works as well. To make a simply syrup, simmer equal parts water and sugar […]

Categories: Alcohol, Boozy, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Drinks, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Whiz

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Spicy Shrimp and Farro Bowl

March 17, 2022 by pamflo

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 semi-pearled farro as the cooking time is less than cooking the whole grain. You can make a large batch of farro as it’s a great addition to soups, salads and hot cereal. Sambal oelek is a spicy Indonesian paste made with hot red chili peppers, vinegar and salt and it adds a fantastic spicy kick […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Grains, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seafood, Side Dish • Tags: Sauté, Simmer

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Grilled Watermelon Slices

June 25, 2020 by pamflo

Celebrate and savor watermelon season by grilling thick, sweet slices! Whether you fire-up your grill or use a grill-pan, grilled watermelon is healthy and delicious. Simply cut your watermelon into thick slices leaving the rind on. Grilling watermelon changes the texture of the fruit, brings out its natural sweetness and adds a subtle smoky flavor. I grilled lime halves alongside the watermelon. With a pinch of sea salt, fresh mint leaves and a squeeze of the smoky lime juice, you […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dessert, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Grill

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Watermelon, Blueberry and Tequila Slushy

August 22, 2019 by pamflo

Categories: Alcohol, Beverage, Boozy, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free • Tags: Whiz

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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, Fruit, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Nuts, Smoothies/Shakes • Tags: Whiz

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Lentil and Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

January 3, 2019 by pamflo

Happy 2019! The weather feels more seasonal in Boston with the temperature dropping this week. Start the year with this warm and comforting salad that’s easy to make. Lentils are a legume filled with fiber and protein. When combined with butternut squash, a nutrient-dense vegetable, this healthy dish will brighten the cold winter months. Green lentils tend to hold their shape better than red lentils when cooked, and are ideal for salads or mixed with other grains. This recipe is […]

Categories: Beans/Legumes, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Simmer

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Roasted Citrus Slices

November 20, 2018 by pamflo

With the holidays around the corner and the assortment of tempting foods, I thought a simple, lightly sweetened citrus recipe could be a perfect alternative. We’re on the cusp of the citrus season, so try experimenting with the wide variety of oranges, tangerines and grapefruit. Serve these lightly caramelized slices and their accumulated juices over your favorite yogurt with sprigs of fresh mint for a scrumptious dessert. If you find yourself not wanting to heat the broiler, toss the fresh […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Dessert, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar, Snack • Tags: Broil

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

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Spiked Watermelon Mint Popsicles

August 16, 2018 by pamflo

What fun I had making boozy watermelon popsicles! I made two delicious batches of the pops, one spiked with citrus vodka and a non-alcoholic version with fresh squeezed orange juice. Both popsicles were a scrumptious and refreshing summer treat! With only 8 popsicle molds, I used the extra juice to make ice cubes. I recommend using wooden popsicle sticks for the ice cubes. Although the watermelon juice separates and settles at the bottom of the pop, it doesn’t affect the […]

Categories: Boozy, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Popsicles • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

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Watermelon Slices with Whipped Vanilla Ricotta

August 2, 2018 by pamflo

I’ve been playing around with watermelon recipes these last few weeks. Grilling it, both indoors and out, and adding toppings like a spicy salsa and even coating it in dark chocolate. These recipes still need some tinkering 🙂 Now here’s a fun riff on a dessert “pizza” with the watermelon slices resembling slices of pizza. This is a refreshing and easy dish requiring just assembly, but no cooking. It’s a beautiful light dessert or a creative brunch dish. Watermelon […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dessert, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar • Tags: No Cooking

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Strawberry Lime Agua Fresca

July 3, 2018 by pamflo

It’s turning out to be a hot and steamy start to the summer in Boston! This wonderfully refreshing drink will cool you off. Since I can’t seem to get enough of the perfectly ripe strawberries, I thought it might be fun to use them in a beverage. Agua frescas are a popular drink throughout Mexico, and are simply fresh fruit blended with lime juice, a bit of sweetener and water. This is a perfect non-alcoholic option for the holiday. Happy […]

Categories: Beverage, Dairy Free, Drinks, Fruit, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Whiz

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Balsamic Berry Parfait with Whipped Mascarpone Cream

June 28, 2018 by pamflo

Summer has arrived and with the celebration of July 4th around the corner, here is a delicious, savory “patriotic” parfait. With a quick and easy stove-top balsamic glaze for the sweet berries and freshly whipped homemade cream, this is a delectable dessert for entertaining and celebrating. This delightful treat is best served in a clear glass alternating layers of the cream and balsamic berries. Top the parfait with chopped fresh mint. Balsamic Berry Parfait with Whipped Mascarpone Whipped Print Recipe […]

Categories: Dessert, Fruit, Gluten Free, Low Sugar • Tags: Boil, Whip

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Zest For Cooking

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Archives

Lime Fizz Cocktail

Watermelon Tequila Slushy

Spicy Shrimp and Farro Bowl

Grilled Watermelon Slices

Watermelon, Blueberry and Tequila Slushy

Blueberry and Cashew Smoothie

Lentil and Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

Roasted Citrus Slices

Sautéed Yellow Zucchini with Pistachios and Mint

Spiked Watermelon Mint Popsicles

Watermelon Slices with Whipped Vanilla Ricotta

Strawberry Lime Agua Fresca

Balsamic Berry Parfait with Whipped Mascarpone Cream