Archives

Blueberry Cornmeal Crostata

May 28, 2020 by pamflo

The approaching summer means blueberry season is almost here! Blueberries are believed to have the highest levels of antioxidants of any fruit. Although blueberries are healthiest when eaten raw, this rustic cornmeal fruit tart is a fun way to eat cooked blueberries and simple to make. The dough is similar to a cookie dough and just needs to be at room temperature to shape. This is an easy dessert that can be made in advance, just assemble the crostata and […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dessert, Fruit, Pies/Tarts • Tags: Bake

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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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Double Chocolate Expresso Cookies

December 19, 2019 by pamflo

A couple of years ago I entered a holiday cookie recipe contest on-line through the LA Times. I submitted this cookie recipe and although I didn’t win, it was fun to participate and see all the other cookie recipe submissions. These double chocolatey, ooey-gooey, decadent cookies are a family favorite and don’t contain any flour! I added instant expresso for added punch, as well as dark chocolate chunks. Although these cookies are gluten free, they are super flavorful and provide […]

Categories: Chocolate, Cookies, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar • Tags: Bake

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Double Chocolate Veggie Muffins

October 31, 2019 by pamflo

These are delicious muffins and you’d hardly know they contain vegetables, and in a small consumer taste test nobody knew! I really like the combination of shredded zucchini and mashed avocado as the base for the batter. I also like that it’s a low sugar treat and a solid breakfast idea. My muffins are dairy and free of gluten, as I substituted gluten-free flour for regular all-purpose. You don’t actually taste the zucchini in baked goods, but it provides moisture, […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Low Sugar, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

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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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Flourless Double Chocolate Pecan Cookies

March 28, 2019 by pamflo

I was so nervous the first year I traveled to New York City to attend cooking classes at the International Culinary Center, although back in 2008 the ICC was known as the French Culinary Institute. The two intense days of cooking school was a very generous birthday gift. I was the only attendee from Boston with almost all of the students coming from New York and all the participating chefs were highly regarded. My first class was taught by the […]

Categories: Chocolate, Cookies, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gifts, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Nuts

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Almond Chocolate Chip (No Cook) Oat Bars

March 7, 2019 by pamflo

There is a vast array of snack bars, protein bars and crunchy snack items on the market. I love making my own snack bars since I can choose my ingredients and know there are no stabilizers or added sugar. These bars couldn’t be easier to make as they don’t even require cooking, just a trip to the freezer. Almond butter is the base of the bar, and the oats keep the bars together along with maple syrup. I added lightly […]

Categories: Bars, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar, Snack • Tags: No Cooking

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Fudgy Olive Oil Brownies

December 13, 2018 by pamflo

What is olive oil doing in a brownie recipe, you ask? Other than creating a dairy free dessert, it adds a bright fruity flavor to your brownies. I used freshly brewed Columbian coffee as the liquid, added in a speckling of extra-dark chocolate chips and topped with large flaky sea salt. Powdered sugar and dark chocolate drizzle are optional. These brownies make a beautiful dessert or a great holiday gift. Coffee enhances the flavor of the chocolate, but no stuffing […]

Categories: Chocolate, Cookies/Brownies, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gifts • Tags: Bake

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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, Low Sugar, Smoothies/Shakes, Vegetables • Tags: Whiz

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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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Horchata

August 9, 2018 by pamflo

If you’ve spent anytime in Cape Cod you know that the village of Hyannis is a bustling spot in the summer months. There is a family owned, rustic cafe off the beaten path called Spoon and Seed that serves breakfast and lunch. At some point it was a hidden gem, but with a two hour wait on a weekend morning, the word is out. There is no shortage of delicious items on the menu, especially the horchata served over ice […]

Categories: Beverage, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Nuts, Rice/Grains • 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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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 • Tags: No Cooking

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Paleo Coconut Caramel Bars

July 12, 2018 by pamflo

I love to inspire people in the kitchen and so I don’t often talk about recipe failures. However, I make many with all the experimenting that I do! The first round of making this recipe was a complete failure. The thing about baking is that it takes focus, attention to detail and respect for the right proportion of ingredients. It’s also why baking is so enjoyable too! This recipe is free of grain, dairy and refined sugars and instead uses […]

Categories: Bars, Chocolate, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Nuts, Paleo • Tags: Bake, Simmer

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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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Blueberry Cornmeal Tart

June 14, 2018 by pamflo

As I close in on almost 5 years of blogging, I’m re-visitng some of my most popular posts. With blueberries in season you should try this delightful and easy cornmeal tart. Blueberries are considered a super “brain” food, as studies show these blue beauties help with cognitive function and can boost memory. This rustic tart is fun and the cornmeal crust is much more forgiving then regular pie dough. The dough is similar to a cookie dough and just needs to […]

Categories: Dessert, Fruit, Low Sugar, Pies/Tarts • Tags: Bake

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Healthy Chocolate Breakfast Muffins

May 31, 2018 by pamflo

Looking for a breakfast treat that’s healthy, not too sweet and easy to make? These flourless, dairy free chocolate muffins are just the right combination of sweet and savory. These muffins contain amazing fudgy chocolatey-ness from good quality cocoa powder. Maybe chocolate is not a popular item on your breakfast menu, if that’s the case you can skip the sprinkle of dark chocolate chips. Avocado and coconut milk add the moisture and dates act as a natural sweetener. With so […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Chocolate, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Muffins, Paleo • Tags: Bake, Whiz

Almond Milk Granita

May 24, 2018 by pamflo

Almond granita served with an expresso shot and a brioche bun is a popular breakfast in Italy. Very sophisticated, right?! Why not make some of your own. A granita or these icy flakes are created when you scrape the mixture while it’s in the process of freezing. Usually a granita is made from a liquid, sugar and flavorings. I used blanched almonds which have their skins removed, filtered water, a little maple syrup, both almond and vanilla extract and cinnamon. […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Ice Cream, Low Sugar • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

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Strawberry Pavlovas

May 3, 2018 by pamflo

These pillowy, puffed meringues topped with slivered strawberries are a perfect celebration of spring. Although meringues have only a few ingredients, they require specific steps in order to achieve the crispy texture that makes them a perfect vehicle for whipped cream or lemon curd, and of course fresh berries. Here is a quick summary of the steps with more details below. The egg whites are furiously whipped until they form stiff peaks. Separate your eggs while they’re cold, and beat […]

Categories: Cookies, Dessert, Fruit, Gifts, Gluten Free • Tags: Bake, Whip

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Archives

Blueberry Cornmeal Crostata

Toasted Sesame Tahini Cookies

Double Chocolate Expresso Cookies

Double Chocolate Veggie Muffins

Carrot and Apple Muffins

Flourless Double Chocolate Pecan Cookies

Almond Chocolate Chip (No Cook) Oat Bars

Fudgy Olive Oil Brownies

Pumpkin and Apple Smoothie

Peanut Butter Banana Muffins – Gluten Free

Horchata

Watermelon Slices with Whipped Vanilla Ricotta

Nutty Vanilla Protein Balls

Paleo Coconut Caramel Bars

Balsamic Berry Parfait with Whipped Mascarpone Cream

Blueberry Cornmeal Tart

Healthy Chocolate Breakfast Muffins

Almond Milk Granita

Strawberry Pavlovas