Tag: Whiz

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, Drinks, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Low Sugar, Nuts • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

Loaded Hummus Platter

September 8, 2022 by pamflo

Smooth, creamy and lemony with a hint of garlic and a few splashes of hot sauce, that’s my favorite kind of hummus. I topped my hummus with olives, capers, cucumbers, tomatoes, chickpeas, feta cheese and a drizzle of good olive oil. I’ve included my favorite homemade hummus recipe but please feel free to use your favorite store-bought brand instead. I served my loaded hummus platter with crackers and a crisp Chardonnay. Seeds of Collaboration (SoCo) is a company that produces delicious […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans/Legumes, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Seeds, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

Blueberry Avocado Popsicles

July 21, 2022 by pamflo

These yummy popsicles are filled with blueberries, creamy avocado, dates, a hint of lime and a secret surprise of almond butter. They’re so refreshing on these hot summer days! I experimented with two types of popsicle molds, plastic and silicon and prefer the silicon molds. Rather than submerging the mold in hot water to release the pops, you can simply peel back the silicone. The silicon molds come with 10 popsicle slots, bags for storage and wooden popsicles sticks. The mold has […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar, Popsicles • Tags: Freeze, Whiz

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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, Cocktail, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Whiz

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White Gazpacho

June 16, 2022 by pamflo

Cool, refreshing and healthy, this cold soup requires no cooking! Even if you’re not a gazpacho fan, this soup is zesty and really delicious. This gazpacho is a twist on a Spanish classic and provides a nice break from a traditional tomato-based gazpacho. This beautiful creamy soup is usually made with a combination of grapes, cucumbers, garlic, blanched almonds and bread. I leave out the bread and include cilantro, a splash of sherry vinegar and plenty of lime juice. It […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Soup, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

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Chilled Avocado Soup

May 12, 2022 by pamflo

This is a beautiful, simple avocado soup that is gluten and dairy free. The avocados are blended with sparkling water, lime juice and extra-virgin olive oil. The soup is then chilled. Although avocados are calorically dense they are a great source of healthy fats, fiber and potassium. Hass avocados have a higher percentage of oil than other varieties, making the texture more creamy. If you want to jazz up your soup, you can add toasted pumpkin seeds, additional red pepper […]

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

Pan Seared Scallops

February 3, 2022 by pamflo

Many years ago, I was a guest on a television show and was asked a few personal questions to wrap up my cooking segment. The host asked if my mother was a positive cooking influence in my life. Without filtering my thoughts, I stated that my mom was an awful cook and had ruined my joy of eating scallops…oops! Although this was true, I profusely apologized to my mom. We still laugh about it! The secret to a delicious scallop […]

Categories: Appetizer, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Pan Sauce, Seafood • Tags: Sear, Whiz

Fennel and Carrot Soup

October 28, 2021 by pamflo

Raw fennel has a similar taste to anise, but don’t let that intimidate you. Fennel is a flavorful addition to salads, soups and savory dishes, and just happens to be a good source of vitamin C. Cooking fennel slowly in olive oil or butter, mellows and sweetens the flavor. Smooth and silky, you’ll find this soup quite tasty. The process of sweating the vegetables or cooking until softened and the moisture is released, brings out the subtle flavors. Consider serving the […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Soup, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Sauté, Simmer, Whiz

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Simple Chilled Tomato Soup

September 9, 2021 by pamflo

Although fall is in view, this chilled soup is a throwback to summer and you can use the remainder of the beautiful ripe tomatoes. This is a refreshing tomato soup that is light and simple to make. It’s actually a twist on a Greek salad, but re-invented as a soup. The fresh oregano adds an earthy, peppery flavor. If you’re unable to find it you can substitute fresh thyme or basil leaves. A good blender, Cuisinart, or immersion blender is […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Soup, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté, Whiz

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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 • Tags: Simmer, Toast, Whiz

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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

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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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Tag: Whiz

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Loaded Hummus Platter

Blueberry Avocado Popsicles

Watermelon Tequila Slushy

White Gazpacho

Chilled Avocado Soup

Pan Seared Scallops

Fennel and Carrot Soup

Simple Chilled Tomato Soup

Maple Pecan Ice Cream

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