Tag: Whiz

Strawberry Gazpacho

June 11, 2020 by pamflo

Red, sweet and juicy, strawberries are ripe for the picking! There are many ways to enjoy these beautiful fresh berries, but I like the idea of a simple, fresh soup that involves no cooking. Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C, folate, and potassium. Although the strawberries provide a light sweetness, this is a wonderful savory dish. I added lightly toasted slivered almonds for a little crunch.

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Soup, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

Zucchini Pesto Pappardelle

May 14, 2020 by pamflo

Pappardelle shaped “noodles” made with zucchini are a great pasta substitute, and combined with a fresh, tangy pesto you would hardly realize that you’re not eating grains. I gave my spiralizer a short vacation and made zucchini ribbon “noodles” for this light dish. A wide vegetable peeler or a mandolin both work to create these pappardelle style noodles. To prevent the zucchini from become watery, place the ribbons in a colander and lightly salt. Let the ribbons sit for about […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthish, Pasta/Pizza, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Bake, Whiz

Spicy Tomato Soup

February 27, 2020 by pamflo

A food stylist is a culinary professional who prepares food for photography, video or film. It’s actually a hard job making food photogenic! The top food stylists come to a photoshoot with a variety of techniques, even if it requires using non-edible materials to achieve the best results. This tomato soup photo is from an intensive food styling class I took in NYC. It was really fun to learn the techniques involved in producing a beautiful food photo. That being said, […]

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

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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.

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

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Baba Ganoush

November 14, 2019 by pamflo

Baba ganoush is a Mediterranean dip similar to hummus, but its base is roasted or grilled eggplant instead of chickpeas. Eggplant, a vegetable in the nightshade family, is high in fiber and nutrient dense. The beautiful purple globe eggplants make really good baba ganoush! It’s an easy dip to prepare with just a few ingredients, and is simple to dress up with smoked paprika, pomegranate seeds and a drizzle of olive oil, as garnish. As with hummus, sesame paste or […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Seeds, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Whiz

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Watermelon, Blueberry and Tequila Slushy

August 22, 2019 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, Beverage, Boozy, Cocktail, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free • Tags: Whiz

Watermelon and Tomato Gazpacho

July 11, 2019 by pamflo

The delightful flavors of watermelon, ripe tomatoes and cucumbers come together to create this sweet and savory chilled soup. With the added tang of a lime and the heat of a jalapeño, this is the perfect dish for a hot and steamy summer night! This soup can be served smooth or chunky. If you want a combination of both, puree the soup completely in a blender or food processor, and then add the extra finely diced watermelon and cucumbers. If […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: No Cooking, 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, Drinks, Fruit, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Smoothies/Shakes • Tags: Whiz

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Creamy Cashew Latte

April 4, 2019 by pamflo

I was completely on-board when Bulletproof coffee was all the rage as a replacement for breakfast, and to boost energy and endurance by adding grass-fed unsalted butter and coconut (or MCT) oil. I also added cinnamon and vanilla extract before whizzing my energizing beverage in a high speed blender. This creamy cashew latte is lower in calories, dairy free, and a very satisfying alternative. I roasted unsalted cashews and used a couple of dates as a natural sweetener. I brewed […]

Categories: Beverage, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Nuts • Tags: Toast, Whiz

Grilled Mushroom Eggs “Benedict”

December 27, 2018 by pamflo

Preparing for a holiday brunch? Here is an easy and delicious dish to add to your menu. Although this recipe doesn’t have a classic hollandaise sauce, it has an avocado sauce that is a healthier version for sure! Instead of toast or an english muffin, I filled a big portobello mushroom with bacon, a poached egg and topped it with an easy avocado puree. Over a bed of lettuce or topped with fresh chopped herbs this is a perfect breakfast.

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Vegetables • Tags: Grill, 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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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, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Popsicles • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

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, Rice/Grains • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

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

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, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Muffins, Paleo • Tags: Bake, Whiz

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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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Summer Corn Chowder

September 7, 2017 by pamflo

As the summer comes to a close, this soup is a perfect way to celebrate corn on the cob which is at its peak. At many of the farmers markets, you’ll find both white and yellow corn on the cob piled in nice big stacks. When shopping for corn, the husks should be bright green and wrapped tightly against the kernels. I sometimes take a tiny peek by peeling back the husk an inch or so, to make sure the […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Soups/Stews, Vegetarian • Tags: Simmer, Whiz

Honeydew and Cucumber Gazpacho

August 31, 2017 by pamflo

I was totally inspired by this fantastic vegan gazpacho while traveling recently in Missouri. This fun, hip restaurant in St. Louis had a fruit based gazpacho on their menu. The light, flavorful cantaloup gazpacho was garnished with toasted, chopped pistachio nuts and an optional dollop of tangy greek yogurt. Not home even 24 hours, I re-created the soup with honeydew melon and cucumber, and a garnish of lightly salted crunchy chickpeas. This dish involves no cooking and makes a scrumptious […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetarian • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

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Zucchini Pappardelle with Pesto

August 24, 2017 by pamflo

Zucchini pappardelle is a great pasta substitute, and combined with a fresh, tangy pesto, you hardly realize that you’re not eating any grains. I gave my spiralizer a short vacation and made zucchini ribbon “noodles” for this light summer dish. A wide vegetable peeler or a mandolin both work to create these pappardelle style noodles. To prevent the zucchini from become watery, place it in a colander and lightly salt it to withdraw some of the water. After coating the […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Vegetarian • Tags: Bake, Whiz

Watermelon Margarita Slushy

June 29, 2017 by pamflo

Need a fun cool drink for the upcoming holidays? This watermelon margarita is unsurpassed with in season watermelon and in slushy style to cool you down. This bright red, elongated sweet fruit paired with tequila and fresh lime juice, make the perfect summery beverage. I included a recipe for making a simple syrup, which is a sweetener made with equal parts water and granulated sugar. It can sweeten many recipes without the grit of the sugar. Make a large amount of this […]

Categories: Beverage, Cocktail, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free • Tags: Whiz

Dutch Baby Breakfast Pancake

July 21, 2016 by pamflo

I can honesty say that I’ve never had a dutch baby pancake before, so this was a first. This treat is a yummy cross between a pancake and a popover. I couldn’t wait until the puffy, light and beautiful pancake was done. I was tempted to add bacon as it’s a classic American breakfast ingredient, but I liked the simplicity of the fried eggs and avocado. You can even add smoked salmon or salad greens. The options are unlimited! It’s best eaten […]

Categories: Appetizer, Breakfast Ideas, Eggs, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish • Tags: Bake, Whiz

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Tag: Whiz

Strawberry Gazpacho

Zucchini Pesto Pappardelle

Spicy Tomato Soup

Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup

Baba Ganoush

Watermelon, Blueberry and Tequila Slushy

Watermelon and Tomato Gazpacho

Blueberry and Cashew Smoothie

Creamy Cashew Latte

Grilled Mushroom Eggs “Benedict”

Pumpkin and Apple Smoothie

Spiked Watermelon Mint Popsicles

Horchata

Strawberry Lime Agua Fresca

Healthy Chocolate Breakfast Muffins

Almond Milk Granita

Summer Corn Chowder

Honeydew and Cucumber Gazpacho

Zucchini Pappardelle with Pesto

Watermelon Margarita Slushy

Dutch Baby Breakfast Pancake