Just as freezing food properly is important for ensuring its quality and safety, so is thawing it correctly. In this blog post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about thawing food.
The best basic tomato sauce to always have in your freezer
With this tomato sauce in your freezer, you’ll always have a delicious, healthy, and heartwarming meal on hand—even on your busiest days. This dish comes together quickly and is perfect for making ahead of time.
Freezing Food Safely – Here's What to Keep in Mind
In this blog, you’ll learn everything you need to know about safely freezing food: how long your food will keep, the best ways to freeze it, which foods you should never freeze, how to organize your freezer most efficiently, and how to maintain it. You can read all about it here…
65 Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables for September
In this blog post, you’ll find an overview of the fruits and vegetables that are at their best in September. Whether you’re looking at taste, environmental impact, or price, these products are currently head and shoulders above the rest on store shelves. It would be a shame not to take advantage of them.
Quick Salad with Watermelon, Arugula, and Halloumi
This is a quick and easy salad with watermelon, arugula, and halloumi. The dish is finished with toasted pine nuts and a dressing made from balsamic vinegar and honey. This salad is perfect if you don't have much time to cook but still want to serve a healthy and delicious meal.
Tarts with Apricot Filling and Chocolate
Treat yourself to these delicious little cakes filled with apricots and topped with a crispy layer of chocolate. They're quick and easy to make at home, yet they look incredibly chic and festive right away.
Garden Party Recipe – Vegetable Casserole with Summer Vegetables
This festive dish made with seasonal vegetables is a hit at any summer garden party. With a rich variety of colors, flavors, and textures, it’s sure to be the highlight of the evening. Plus, it’s a healthy dish that serves up a generous portion of vegetables in a super delicious way.
20 Recipes Featuring August's Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables
Here you'll find 20 delicious recipes featuring August's seasonal fruits and vegetables. Let the summery flavor combinations and vibrant colors inspire you to serve healthy, homemade meals all summer long.
Wow, 3 Years of Zoë’s Healthy Life + Banana Muffin Recipe
Wow, my food blog is turning 3, and I’m truly incredibly proud of everything I’ve been able to experience over the past few years and all the wonderful things I’ve learned thanks to this dream that came true. I’m celebrating with a new and festive treat. These chocolate banana muffins are easy to make, but most of all, they’re super delicious! Have fun cooking!
7 recipe ideas for an unforgettable summer dinner with friends—that you can prepare ahead of time!
Planning to cook a little dinner for your friends? In this blog, you’ll find 7 recipe ideas to make your evening a success (without the stress). All the dishes can be prepared in advance, so you’re guaranteed stress-free prep and a worry-free dinner. Thank me later. 🙂
Summer Sandwiches with Arugula, Strawberries, and Goat Cheese
When the weather is nice, you should enjoy it to the fullest—and one way to do that is with a summery dish like this one. This meal will instantly give you summer vibes and put a smile on your face. We’re making sandwiches (because they’re so quick and easy to make), topped with strawberries (because they’re so sweet and deliciously refreshing). On top of that, we add arugula with its slightly nutty flavor. The goat cheese adds a fresh note to the dish and keeps things interesting. The whole thing is seasoned with fleur de sel because it tastes just a bit more refined than regular salt. And pepper—because, well… that’s what you use to season any good dish.
All About Strawberries—Where They Come From and Why We Love Them So Much
In this blog, you’ll get an overview of everything you really want to know about strawberries—the world’s most widely consumed berry (because, well, if you really want to categorize them, they’re a berry)—why strawberries taste the way they do and why we love them so much, when they taste best, and how you can incorporate strawberries into your dishes.
Mocktail with ginger and fresh herbs
Drinking enough water is important for your health. This affects, among other things, your concentration and energy levels. Drinking enough water can even help put you in a better mood. And with this recipe for a mocktail with ginger and fresh herbs, it can be really delicious, too.
Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables for July + What You Can Cook With Them
In this article, you’ll find an overview of the seasonal vegetables and fruits for the month of July. If you click on the underlined ingredients, you’ll be taken to a recipe that features these summer vegetables or fruits. That way, you can get started right away and capture that wonderful summer feeling in a dish.
Oven-Baked Nectarines with Oatmeal and Almond Crumble
Whether for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert, this dish is sure to put a smile on your face. The sweet flavor of the nectarines and strawberries is a real treat. The soft texture of the warm fruit is a nice change from what we’re used to, and it also creates an interesting contrast with the crumble. The oats and almonds are a heavenly combination. They also help keep you feeling full longer, so you won’t get hungry right away.
Summer Salad
This salad is perfect for this lovely summer weather. It doesn’t require an oven, and you don’t have to put a pan on the stove. With a short list of ingredients and a little love, you can serve up a delicious meal.
DIY Student Snack – A Healthy Snack While Studying
During exams, a quick and healthy snack is always a welcome treat. This recipe gives you the perfect mix to make the classic “student muesli” yourself!
Perfect for the season: 25 seasonal vegetables for May
Here is an overview of the 25 most important seasonal vegetables for May. By using seasonal produce, you’ll always be cooking with ingredients that are at their best right now. And you’ll definitely taste the difference in your dishes!
Heaven on Earth – Oven-Baked Breakfast Dish (with Berries and Chocolate)
Heaven on earth: an oven-baked breakfast dish with berries and chocolate. This has quickly become one of my favorite breakfasts. It’s nutritious, indulgent, and absolutely delicious. They always say that a good start is half the battle. Well, with this breakfast, you’ve already kicked off your day on the right foot. Blueberries and raspberries are delicious, fresh, and sweet—and they’re also a source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. In short, starting your day with this is (surprise!) a healthy start to what could be an amazing day. 😉
HOMEMADE pizza, but with a little something extra
This homemade pizza combines what you love about your favorite stew with the cozy, Italian vibe of a pizza. Chickpeas might not be the most obvious choice for a pizza topping, but in this dish, their flavor and texture really add something special. It’s the kind of dish that elegantly brings together the best of both worlds in an original new creation.
Perfect for the season: 30 seasonal vegetables for April
“And above all, look at the whole world around you with sparkling eyes, because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” (Roald Dahl) I wish you a month in which the sight of the starry sky amazes you, the rays of the spring sun warm your skin, and you enjoy the wind blowing through your hair. A feeling so intense that, in your thoughts, you’d want to be nowhere else but in that early spring sunshine. Let your mind wander among the flowers in the grass, the scent of the blossoms on the trees, and all the wonders that nature reveals to you.
Something original for Easter brunch—blueberry parfait
This parfait tastes like a dessert but can also be served for breakfast. The dish gives you a summery feeling, but it’s sure to win everyone over at Easter brunch, too. A healthier take on the classic ice cream recipe.
Vegan Oatmeal Cookies with Almonds and Dates
These cookies don’t take long to make, and you don’t need many ingredients. Yet they’re a sophisticated treat and the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or a good book. The crunch of the chocolate chips provides a nice contrast to the cookies’ predominantly soft texture. The flavor unfolds in layers. First, you taste the almonds and dates, which together deliver a caramel-like, toasty flavor. Then the oats come to the forefront with their woody flavor. Finally, you taste the bittersweet, vanilla-like notes of the chocolate. This brings the cookies together beautifully, as almonds and chocolate also pair very well.
Perfect for the season: 30 seasonal products for March
Perfect for the season: 30 seasonal products for March. March is the month when spring arrives and the green buds on the branches give nature a fresher look. The fact that the sun rises a little earlier in the morning and stays up longer in the evening literally makes the days feel brighter. Here and there, pink and white blossoms peek out hopefully. The cheerful singing of the birds follows the same melody. The Easter flowers can no longer contain their enthusiasm and make their entrance with a beautiful field of yellow blossoms. Each day is a little less dark and a little less heavy; brighter days are on the way.
Luxury asparagus rolls with spinach cream
Luxurious asparagus rolls with spinach cream—my birthday menu. This is a festive meal with flavors that pair exceptionally well and complement each other beautifully. The presentation immediately gives the dish a luxurious look.
Chocolate, Raspberry, and Peanut-Filled Tartlets – Valentine's Day Recipe
Valentine's Day is next week, and it's a wonderful opportunity to show your favorite people just how much you love them. If you're still looking for an original and personal gift to charm someone with, these chocolate, raspberry, and peanut-filled cupcakes are sure to be a hit.
Perfect for the season: February's 24 seasonal products
A new month means a fresh array of flavors, featuring all the seasonal produce February has to offer. This post will bring you up to speed on all the wonderful things nature has in store for us right now. Enjoy them to the fullest!
My Wish for You in 2024 + a Great Announcement
I wish you all the best for the coming year. A laugh and a tear. Delicious food and a “good morning” from a passerby. The sun warming your face and raindrops washing away your worries. A spontaneous little dance of joy and a hug from a loved one. The wind in your hair and the view of the starry sky—which make you realize what a wonderful adventure life really is.
Appetizers for the Holidays
Holiday Appetizers The holidays are just around the corner, and this is the time of year when many people head into the kitchen and roll up their sleeves to spoil their loved ones with a delicious meal. We’re therefore all too… when it comes to the main course and dessert on our Christmas menu…
Edible Gift: Oatmeal Cookies with Cranberries and Chocolate
Edible Gift: Oatmeal Cookies with Cranberries and Chocolate The year is drawing to a close, and the holidays are just around the corner. That means cramming for exams, but also spending quality time with your loved ones. Gifts are often part of that festive spirit, and if you still haven’t decided what to give for Christmas, then…
Perfect for the season: December
It snowed today, and yesterday, too. December couldn’t have gotten off to a better start. Just last week, I was thinking about how incredibly nice it would be if it snowed again this year. So I was really happy when I was studying by the window yesterday and suddenly saw the first snowflakes swirling down from the sky. It’s such a beautiful example of how the seemingly simple things can make us so intensely happy.
Quick Salad with 6 Ingredients
A salad that takes just 10 minutes to make and is made with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Isn’t that great? And if you don’t have them, it’s high time to head to the store because you’ll definitely want to make this dish! 😉
Perfect for the season: November
November’s flavor profile evolves along with it. By using seasonal produce, you always get the most flavorful ingredients at the best price. And, just as important, they’re much easier on the environment. Here’s a list of all the ingredients November has to offer.
Apple Pie with Oatmeal
A heartwarming meal with a rich flavor profile featuring hints of cinnamon and apple. An oatmeal whose aroma fills your home with a cloud of coziness and whose taste takes you on an autumn walk through the woods, where the red, yellow, and orange leaves create a stunning palette of colors.
Quick Lunch: Vegetable Wrap
Quick Lunch: Veggie Wrap Here I am again, with a little recipe. A lot has changed in my life over the past few months. I’ve made some choices, done some happy dances, and said my goodbyes. I’ve set out on a different path—where, over the past year, I’ve so often felt that my life…
The Most Beautiful Spot in Luxembourg
The most beautiful spot in Luxembourg. A month ago, I was surrounded by the stunning natural scenery of Germany and Luxembourg. That meant beautiful walks, challenging hikes, breathtaking views, and visits to charming little towns. With this video, I can share a glimpse of all the splendor that nature has to offer with you as well.
Hiking in Germany & Luxembourg, Part 2
A month ago, I was surrounded by the beautiful natural scenery of Germany and Luxembourg. This led to lovely walks, strenuous hikes, breathtaking views, and visits to charming little towns. Here are two wonderful walks we took during the second week of our hiking vacation.
4 Beautiful Hikes You MUST Do When You're in the Bitburg Area
A month ago, I was out in the beautiful countryside of Germany and Luxembourg. That meant lovely walks, challenging hikes, breathtaking views, and visits to charming little towns. 😉 In this post, you’ll find some photos capturing the atmosphere, a description of each walk, and a map showing the hiking route.
Last-minute Mother's Day gift
Homemade dishes are always especially appealing, but if you can also point out that they’re good for you, that makes your gift even more special. You can definitely mention that this dish is healthy. This breakfast tastes like dessert, but you’re actually getting a nice serving of fruit. Isn’t that wonderful? You might be better off not mentioning that this recipe is also super easy and doesn’t take much time—but that’s definitely a plus for you! 😉
Right on trend for the season: August edition
I'm back from a wonderful vacation in Germany and Luxembourg. I'll be writing a fun post about it soon, so stay tuned. For now, I'm sharing a blog staple: the seasonal produce list. These are August's flavor highlights.
Oatmeal Cookies with Raisins
Good stories and good food go hand in hand. That’s why so many dishes show up in fairy tales. Often, the recipe remains a mystery, but since today is a holiday, I’m sharing it with you. 😉 Enjoy!
A Culinary Fairy Tale
To celebrate my blog's second anniversary today, I wrote a fairy tale. In the video below, I read it aloud.
Vlog: The Most Beautiful Spots in Bruges
Vlog: The Most Beautiful Spots in Bruges Next school year, I’m going to study Culinary Arts, a combination of hotel management and cooking. The program is in Bruges, so I’ll be spending the next few years in this beautiful part of Belgium. I’ve already traveled there a few times to start getting my bearings…
Crackers with Seasonal Vegetables
A cracker and a few seasonal vegetables—that’s all you need for a delicious lunch. This dish comes together super fast, making it ideal when you don’t have the time or energy to cook an elaborate meal but still want something special on your plate. In this recipe, the vegetables take center stage. Since we’re using seasonal vegetables, they’re at their very best, and the combination of their pure flavors creates a rich and satisfying dish.
Review of Young & Free Jewelry
This week, we're doing something completely different. Instead of a recipe, I'd like to share with you some information about jewelry that I've been a fan of for a while now.
Right on Trend: July Issue
It's the start of a new month, which means new seasonal products. Here are July's products!
Summer Drink with Grapefruit and Strawberries
We all know that drinking enough water is important. But for many people, the idea that drinking water doesn’t have to be boring at all is a fresh take. That’s why we’re going to make a delicious, refreshing drink right now. And yes, it’s alcohol-free!
Right on Trend: June Issue
We’ve entered a new month, which means plenty of new seasonal foods on our plates. With this list, you’ll be right on top of June’s must-try flavors.
Cookies with Apple, Walnuts, and Chocolate
Apple, Walnut, and Chocolate Cookies Today is Ascension Day, so many people have the day off or a long weekend. That extra free time might just make you feel more like getting into the kitchen. 😉 So today, I’d love to share a new cookie recipe with you. Baking with apples…
Pan-Fried Salmon with Vegetables
Pan-fried salmon with vegetables “But aren’t you a vegetarian?” I sometimes get asked this question when people see me eating fish. And yes, I usually eat a vegetarian diet, but every now and then I’ll have some fish. The main reason for this exception is that fish contains a number of very healthy nutrients. I pay attention to…
Vlog: Trip to Italy, Part 2
Italy Trip Vlog, Part 2 No recipe this time, but a travel vlog instead. From March 26 to April 6, I went on an end-of-year trip to beautiful Italy. While there, I tried to capture the most beautiful sights, the most impressive views, and cultural gems on camera, resulting in this video. Here are some of the highlights…
Vlog: Trip to Italy, Part 1
Italy Trip Vlog, Part 1 No recipe this time, but a travel vlog instead. From March 26 to April 6, I went on an end-of-year trip to beautiful Italy. While there, I tried to capture the most beautiful sights, the most impressive views, and cultural gems on camera, resulting in this video. Here are some of the highlights…
Chocolate-Vanilla Muffin
Chocolate-Vanilla Muffins Happy Easter! To celebrate this holiday, I’d like to share my recipe for chocolate-vanilla muffins with you. Why choose between vanilla and chocolate when you can simply combine them? With these muffins, we bring together the best of both worlds! For the chocolate layer, we use cocoa powder. Here’s…
Saborós Salad
Saborós salad. No, it’s not a gap in your cultural knowledge if this term doesn’t mean anything to you. It also has nothing to do with that latest cookbook on Indonesian cuisine that you don’t have on your shelf yet—though I don’t think you can ever have too many cookbooks. Here’s the thing: I had a…
Raspberry Smoothie
Raspberry Smoothie When the rain and snow gave way to a gentle spring sun this week, my heart leapt with joy. Especially when I noticed that those sunbeams were actually providing some warmth. For me, that was reason enough to eagerly head into my kitchen and whip up a fresh, sunny, and colorful breakfast…
Morning Yoga
Morning Yoga As you probably already know, I like to start my day with yoga. It’s often one of the first things I do when I get up. I step onto my mat, put on a YouTube video, and join in. By the way, I also really love that I…
Wrap with Grapes and Chicory
Grape and Chicory Wrap Get ready for a colorful, easy, quick, and delicious dish. This is perfect if you don’t have much time to cook but still want a nutritious meal. The grapes add a touch of sweetness and provide a good dose of potassium. Potassium is important for…
Apricot and Chocolate Cookies
Apricot and Chocolate Cookies Today is my 18th birthday, and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to share another cookie recipe with you. You can always make me happy with delicious cookies. And if they’re packed with healthy ingredients, I get even happier….
Bean and Sweet Potato Stew
Bean and Sweet Potato Stew This week, Gezond Leven is hosting “Legume Week” to shine a spotlight on this incredibly versatile—yet often underappreciated—food. I’m happy to join in and share a simple—yet super delicious—recipe with you where legumes take center stage…
Kiwi Smoothie
Kiwi Smoothie This breakfast will make you feel like you’re on vacation. It lets you dream of that early Sunday morning when you watched the sun rise from your balcony, painting the sky bright pink, pastel purple, light yellow, and deep orange. Together, they form a stunning palette of colors—breathtakingly beautiful. You close your eyes and feel the pleasant warmth of…
Avocado and Salmon Wrap
Avocado and Salmon Wrap: Simple, easy, and straightforward—that’s how I’d describe this recipe. It has just 4 ingredients, yet it’s rich in flavor, texture, and color. It’s truly ideal when you’re short on time but still want to eat something delicious and healthy. The thing is, there are times when…
Cauliflower Casserole
Cauliflower Casserole Sometimes all you need is a good old-fashioned casserole. Especially when the weather outside isn’t exactly something to get excited about. That’s why I’ve rolled up my sleeves again to provide you with a healthy dose of comfort food. Because let’s be honest… nothing beats snuggling under a blanket…
Chocolate Cake
Chocolate Cake Yay, finally a new recipe! 🙌 With the holidays just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to tackle the most important part of the holiday menu: dessert! So here’s a super delicious chocolate cake: easy to make, quick to prepare, and it even has vegetables in it. But no…
Pasta Salad with Cottage Cheese
Pasta Salad with Cottage Cheese Cottage cheese has a somewhat grainy texture and a mild flavor. It’s a good source of protein, which helps keep you feeling full longer. The cheese also contains relatively high amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and selenium. Calcium and phosphorus are, among other things…
Refreshing Egg Salad (Without Mayonnaise)
Refreshing Egg Salad (Without Mayonnaise) We’re going to give the classic egg salad a refreshing twist. We’ll leave the mayonnaise in the cupboard and swap it out for skyr. But I promise you, you won’t miss it. The garam masala, curry powder, and chicory give a spicy and innovative twist to the classic egg salad….
Peanut, Banana, and Chocolate Muffins
Peanut, Banana, and Chocolate Muffins Banana, peanut, and chocolate! I don’t think I need to say anything else to convince you. Because if there’s one thing that’s certain in life, it’s that this combination is always a good idea. Especially when these three ingredients form the basis for a…
Wrap with salmon, bell peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes
Wrap with Salmon, Bell Peppers, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes The combination of pointed bell peppers with pickles, sun-dried tomatoes, and salmon might not sound as appealing as banana and chocolate, but trust me, that’s completely unfounded. The flavors are completely different, but they magically go together incredibly well. The result is a hearty and healthy meal….
Spinach and Feta Cheese Salad
Spinach and Feta Cheese Salad Spinach is rich in carotenoids, which your body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for, among other things, a strong immune system, healthy skin, and good vision. Spinach is also high in vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting. It’s also a good source of iron, which…
Oatmeal with cranberries
Oatmeal with Cranberries and Cinnamon Morning is my favorite time of day. I really enjoy getting up early and having the time to start my day calmly with some yoga. It makes me so happy when I have the time to leisurely make breakfast. And I…
Surprising Lettuce Boats
Surprising Lettuce Boats I recently saw a TV show in which several chefs competed against each other to whip up an original four-course meal. Each recipe was perfected down to the last detail and was judged by the panel on taste, texture, presentation, and originality. The food was meant to be a true experience. Although I…