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Cocoa Dusted Almonds

November 22, 2022 by pamflo

These outrageous cocoa dusted almonds are oven roasted, lightly sweetened and covered in cocoa powder. If this isn’t your year to host the holidays, maybe you’re in need of a hostess/host gift idea. These almonds make a fun gift and it’s easy to double the recipe. The secret to this delicious treat is in the quality of the cocoa powder and good quality cocoa powder elevates your desserts. When baking, you should always use unsweetened cocoa powder as it allows you […]

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

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Maple Roasted Carrots with Pistachios

November 17, 2022 by pamflo

The Thanksgiving buzz is in full swing! It starts when cooking magazines arrive at my house with photos of gleaming turkeys and perfectly plated sides. For the years that I hosted the Thanksgiving feast, my preparations typically started in October. I would make and freeze turkey stock, bake breads and make ice cream. Although I’m not hosting this year, I miss the menu planning and holiday hustle. This is a beautiful carrot dish that takes no advanced planning and is […]

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

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Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

October 20, 2022 by pamflo

Pumpkin purée is low in calories, high in nutrients and readily available. It’s a great source of potassium, fiber and vitamin A. Don’t mistakenly purchase pumpkin pie filling which is spiced and already sweetened. Canned pumpkin purée is nothing more than puréed pumpkin flesh. I usually grab a few extra cans this time of year for soups, pancakes/waffles and baked goods. I added spinach to my smoothie which does turn the beautiful orange pumpkin flesh to a dull green, but adds vitamin […]

Categories: Beverage, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Low Sugar, Nuts, Smoothies/Shakes • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

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Sheet Pan Chicken

October 6, 2022 by pamflo

Sheet pan meals are simple to prepare, easy to cleanup and delicious. This sheet pan bake is very flavorful and includes a full meal with proteins, vegetables and a starch. I love fingerling potatoes for their shape and creamy texture, yet russet potatoes are a good choice too. You can really use any protein that you want, nevertheless I prefer bone-in chicken thighs for their distinctive taste. Any type of sausage would work if you’re not a chorizo fan, although make […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Bake

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Nutty Oat Bars

June 9, 2022 by pamflo

Crunchy on the outside but soft in the middle, sweet and nutty, and honestly a terrific and satisfying snack or breakfast! Many bars are either too sweet or not sweet enough, crumble when cut or too mushy. Nutritious and flavorful, this is the perfect bar. High in protein and calcium, amaranth is a gluten-free grain and an important food source in South America and Mexico. If amaranth is hard to find, sesame seeds or quinoa are a good substitute. Don’t […]

Categories: Bars, Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Nuts/Seeds, Snack • Tags: Bake

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Millet Maple Porridge

February 17, 2022 by pamflo

Millet is a healthy whole grain that is naturally gluten-free and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It has a mild nutty flavor, cooks in about 30 minutes and is a unique breakfast option. When cooking millet as a breakfast cereal, the ratio of liquid to grain is higher as this hearty grain expands when cooked. I used two cups of liquid, a combination of almond milk and water, to a 1/2 cup of the millet. Quinoa, amaranth […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Grains, Healthish • Tags: Simmer

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Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

January 20, 2022 by pamflo

This chia seed pudding recipe is as simple as it gets. There is no cooking involved and the pudding has only 6 ingredients. These small seeds pack a big nutrient punch. They’re gluten free, a great source of protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. Although the chia seeds are flavorless this is where your choice of milk and toppings will make all the difference. I like the way the chia seeds swell and thicken when immersed in liquid. Thick and […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Seeds, Snack • Tags: No Cooking

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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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Double Chocolate Baked Donuts

December 10, 2020 by pamflo

Decadent and easy, you will 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 alternative 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 to […]

Categories: Chocolate, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Donuts, Gifts, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Bake

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Maple Pecan Ice Cream

October 29, 2020 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 first made 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: Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Gluten Free, Ice Cream, Low Sugar, Nuts • Tags: Simmer, Toast, Whiz

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Maple Cinnamon Applesauce

October 22, 2020 by pamflo

It is a beautiful fall season in New England. We went apple picking by appointment and it yielded both tart and sweet apple varieties. The wafting smell of simmering apples made the process of peeling and coring the apples worthwhile. Serve your applesauce with yogurt or oatmeal for breakfast, as a snack with some toasted nuts or as a side dish with your main course. I kept it simple with just cinnamon sticks, a pinch of nutmeg and maple syrup […]

Categories: Appetizer, Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Snack • Tags: Simmer

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Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

October 15, 2020 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: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Healthish, Muffins, Paleo, Snack • Tags: Bake

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Red Sangria

June 18, 2020 by pamflo

The best part of making sangria whether it’s red or white is showcasing the beautiful seasonal fruit. This time of year, the fruit options are unlimited with peaches, plums, cherries, and melons ripe for the picking. For my wine choice, I selected a Spanish Rioja which is a blend of grapes varieties. You could use a Grenache, Tempranillo or Pinot Noir, pick something that is big, fruity and you would enjoy drinking on its own. I added thinly sliced citrus, […]

Categories: Alcohol, Beverage, Boozy, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free • Tags: No Cooking

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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

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Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup

January 9, 2020 by pamflo

Butternut squash is a great source of dietary fiber and potassium. Turmeric, known as a medicinal spice, has powerful anti-inflammatory qualities. Coconut adds the healthy fat and provides a good source of energy. Fresh ginger aids in digestion and can alleviate gastrointestinal distress. Sweet, hearty and nutritious, this soup is a bowl of complete nourishment! There are many ways to make butternut squash soup, but the combination of vegetables, herbs and spices makes this soup special. Butternut Squash and Coconut […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Soups/Stews, Spices, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer, Whiz

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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. Sweet Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Print Recipe Servings 1 cup Servings 1 cup […]

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

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Baked Stuffed Apples with Coconut

October 10, 2019 by pamflo

Apple season is here in full force and there is no shortage of apple varieties. The best baking apples balance both tartness and sweetness, and hold their shape during cooking. Granny Smith apples are a favorite among bakers, but Honeycrisp, Pink Lady and Cortland apples are great choices too. There are many ingredients you can use to stuff your baked apples. I decided to forgo the sugar, butter and oats, and use chopped nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, maple syrup, fresh […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dessert, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar, Nuts, Snack • Tags: Bake

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Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

September 26, 2019 by pamflo

This is a decadent recipe, with the combination of savory and sweet, and a great dish for a holiday or special occasion. Good quality thick-cut crispy bacon and pure maple syrup paired with fresh Brussels makes this recipe fantastic, even if you’re not a fan of the sprouts. Brussels sprouts have a bad reputation, because if you overcook them, your kitchen can smell like sulfur. Cook the sprouts until slightly underdone, they will still be green, a bit crunchy and slightly […]

Categories: Bacon, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

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Carrot and Apple Muffins

May 16, 2019 by pamflo

Looking for a breakfast treat that’s healthy, not too sweet and easy to make? Gluten and dairy free, these carrot muffins are just the right combination of sweet and savory. The muffins take a combination of some favorite pantry ingredients like applesauce, oats and nuts, and unites them with freshly grated carrots to create a delicious treat. The carrots provide a dose of both Vitamin A and Vitamin C. I’m not sure these delightful muffins will last very long, but […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar, Muffins, Nuts, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

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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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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Archives

Cocoa Dusted Almonds

Maple Roasted Carrots with Pistachios

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Sheet Pan Chicken

Nutty Oat Bars

Millet Maple Porridge

Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

Mustard Maple Glazed Salmon Skewers

Double Chocolate Baked Donuts

Maple Pecan Ice Cream

Maple Cinnamon Applesauce

Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Red Sangria

Toasted Sesame Tahini Cookies

Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup

Spicy Glazed Cashew Nuts

Sweet Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Baked Stuffed Apples with Coconut

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Carrot and Apple Muffins

Roasted Pecan Crusted Salmon