Chobani has kindly sent their new flavors my way, without compensation. All opinions expressed are my own original thoughts…now back to my regularly scheduled CHO!
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— Knead to Cook
Archives for June 2013
Zoku Pink Lemonade & Greek Yogurt Popsicles.
I caved! I admit it. Every single time I’ve been in Williams Sonoma or Sur la Table I have eyed the Zoku pop maker. I hate gadgets but this one, I truly believe, I would use… really! I’m so hyper focused on eating clean and feeding my family better foods, less processed without ingredients I can’t pronounce this fit the bill. I really don’t like store-bought ice creams or treats and prefer my family eat better. So this weekend I had a coupon for Williams Sonoma and I opted to purchase a triple Zoku maker. My youngest has taken over, like a mad scientist, working her magic with different combinations. She has had a blast with it and of course, healthier ingredients that she can pronounce! That being the point. This was her first batch. I love her creativity and excitement in the kitchen!
— Knead to Cook
Triple berry pie.
It’s berry season!!! This, in my mind, is a BIG reason to celebrate. Everyone in my family can seriously just eat and eat berries without ceasing. Today, on our way home from swim practice I thought we would swing by our favorite berry farm to see what goodies they had to sell. My youngest and I were quite pleased to find black, red and blue berries. I have to admit, we started eating them on the way home… lack of restraint for certain. So then my mind started racing… a berry buckle, cobbler, tart… no let’s make a pie! Triple berry sounded lovely. I rushed off to the store and bought my very special Irish butter and organic cream (needed for whipping later) and I got to work. Now I have to admit, I have been eating and preparing cleaner dishes for my family however there are just some recipes that I cannot “healthify” (yes I know, not a real word) but there are just some recipes that you don’t tinker with, plain and simple. This recipe for crust is very old and I cherish it. It is certainly indulgent but not something you eat everyday – it’s just that…. a summer treat. Perfect for the 4th of July too!
I love the rustic looking crust. Not perfect but unique to itself. It smells heavenly and now I better go and whip up some fresh whipped cream for topping this beauty.
— Knead to Cook
Oatmeal Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Actually these cookies are NOT a “big mistake” – I just loved the plate and couldn’t resist.
I’ve been eating very clean for the past 8 months. I’ve been searching and creating recipes that are better tasting, healthier options not only for me but for my family. These cookies are healthier than your average oatmeal chocolate chip cookie – but are packed with flavor. These are made with Greek yogurt and coconut oil, which adds protein and healthy fats to your snack. They are moist and oh so good! I made about 38 cookies with one batch – I make smaller cookies, and they are mostly gone. My kids right up to my father (75 years old) loves them.
— Knead to Cook
Vegetable Pasta Salad with Balsamic Dijon Dressing.
This pasta salad reminds me of summer. Light, packed with veggies and would make the perfect lunch, dinner or side with some grilled chicken, pork, fish or steak. My kids love to snack on it before swim meets. Packed with vegetables and I used whole wheat pasta to bump up the nutritional value. You can use whatever veggies you have on hand – it is also perfect to make for a picnic or party. I like making this ahead of time to let the dressing have time to flavor all of the components and make it even tastier. Perfect weeknight meal too!
— Knead to Cook
Blueberry Pineapple Oatmeal Smoothie.
We are in the throngs of swimming in our house. That means late night meets and early morning practices. I’ll admit, it takes a toll. My kids rolls out of bed in the morning exhausted and not wanting to eat breakfast. This is the perfect way to get them packed with protein, vitamins and minerals without them really paying that much attention to it. These serve as a great pre or post workout meal, snack, lunch etc. Add a handful of spinach or kale for more added punch (I promise you won’t taste it!). Adapt whatever fruit you have on hand and make it your own.
— Knead to Cook
Banana Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cupcakes. {dairy free}
These are the easiest and one of the healthiest ways of enjoying one of summer’s most treasured treats… ice cream! BUT, these are healthier, dairy-free, and packed with so much protein! Three ingredients. Takes only about 2 minutes to make – the worst part is waiting for them to freeze!
— Knead to Cook
Homemade roasted tomato garlic pizza sauce.
It’s our little family tradition. Friday nights are normally laid back, time to regroup and have pizza together, watch a movie and spend some time letting the craziness of the week go. Decompression is good! Now that summer is here, we’ve moved our pizza-making outdoor to the grill. I really despise canned tomatoes, there are some brands I will use if I must, but prefer to use fresh tomatoes. I love roasting them for hours low and slow to bring out the flavor but sometimes you don’t have hours. With that in mind, here is my quick roasted tomato pizza sauce recipe. Adjust the seasonings, garlic etc. to your taste – we, in our house, love garlic and aren’t afraid so I load it up!
— Knead to Cook
Pineapple Mint Lassi Popsicles.
Typically a beverage, I turned this pineapple mint lassi into a popsicle. A refreshing treat indeed! The fresh sweetness of the pineapple and the zing of fresh mint from my garden make these a treat both kids and adults will love. I also added chunks of fresh pineapple to my popsicle molds for even more tasty goodness. These cool treats boast protein, thanks to the Greek yogurt, so they also have muscle building benefits along with great vitamin impact. Your kids won’t even know this is good for them!
— Knead to Cook
