Archives for October 2014

Smoked Paprika Roasted Pumpkin Seeds.

October 8, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Appetizers, Brunch, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Party Foods, Vegan, Vegetarian, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

Smoked Paprika Roasted Pumpkin Seeds | by: Knead to Cook

Smoked paprika roasted pumpkin seeds.

A few weeks ago I discovered what I thought were two watermelons growing rogue in my garden turned out to be pumpkins – they looked very much like a striped watermelon that soon turned a lovely orange color. I was fearful that they weren’t going to last that long due to the onset of the hot weather so we cut them open, harvested the seeds and roasted the pumpkin flesh to freeze.

I had this post ready to go a few weeks ago and opted to share it today as I’m unable to prep food. If you don’t follow me on IG – on Monday the doc decided to remove my pins from my finger (that were scheduled to be removed Friday) because my body was starting to reject them. The process was supposed to be relatively easy and only take a few minutes once I had a ring block numbing my finger. 50 minutes later and a very messy situation, I left bandaged like I had surgery due to the aggressiveness required to remove these slick pins. Sigh. It’s over. They are out and I couldn’t be happier but the residual pain is a bit much. I go back Friday for a check-up and hopefully a release to run and be myself again. (Fingers crossed – pun intended) For now I rest, a lot, and try to heal.

Onto my recipe…. I know it seems early to be prepping pumpkin seeds but my family already devoured these. They never last long in my house. This recipe can be adjusted to sub out the smoked paprika to your favorite spice but the cooking technique remains the same. I soak my nuts to help them become easily digestible and thought I could try that with these. It worked and they turned out perfectly.
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— Knead to Cook

Balsamic Black Bean Tempeh.

October 7, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Italian-inspired, Running/Races, Salads, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

Balsamic Black Bean Tempeh | Knead to Cook

Balsamic Black Bean Tempeh.

I created this recipe while on my bike ride with my husband on Sunday. It was a freezing ride and I needed to take my mind off the windchill and tap into my creative side with this new delicacy that the good folks at Smiling Hara Tempeh sent me. I’ve never had black bean tempeh and was very excited to experiment with it. My mind kept going to more of a Mexican themed dish but I wanted to divert from that and attempt this at a new angle. Italian! Garlic. Balsamic. Deep intense flavors was the way I wanted to go… and did.

To lighten up this dish, I served the tempeh over a bed of fresh organic arugula, roasted red pepper slices, pear slices and pumpkin seeds. I then drizzled balsamic over the top to finish this dish off. Super easy lunch or dinner that comes together very quickly.

My friends Smiling Hara Tempeh are on a mission that I’m so happy to help out with!! They are looking to expand and make their awesome food available nationwide (currently only available in Whole Foods and Earth Fare stores in the south). I’m happily sharing their kickstarter link here if you want to help.

I’m always happy to share and promote companies with similar philosophies with food as my own. Here’s a little background on who they are.

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Sustainability permeates every aspect of our philosophy. We are committed to using only the highest quality ingredients, organically grown and sourced as locally as possible. We view the growth and profitability of our business as an opportunity to increase infrastrucure in our region. In business, as well as personally, we believe we are only as strong as the community and environment within which we exist.

Our goal is to educate the general public to the benefits of unpasteurized tempeh and bring it into the national spotlight. We are in the process creating a buzz around tempeh and forging a new trend in the health food world which will contribute to the health and nutrition of our customers, as well as the state of the local economy.

Together we have channelled our passions for community, self-sufficiency, environmental stewardship, and a health-conscious lifestyle into a vibrant and rapidly growing enterprise. Smiling Hara is a company with a mission. Welcome aboard.
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— Knead to Cook

Baked Pumpkin Mini Donuts. Vegan and Gluten Free.

October 2, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Fitness., Gluten Free, Running/Races, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian, Wheat Free 49 Comments

Pumpkin Maple Mini Donuts. Vegan and Gluten Free | Knead to Cook.

Baked Pumpkin Mini Donuts. Vegan and Gluten Free.

Are you on pumpkin overload yet? It’s everywhere! I love it all!!! As you know, my oldest is gluten and dairy free so I wanted to make her a treat she could enjoy – which I normally try to do. I had a new gluten/dairy free all purpose flour to try so I threw caution to the wind and created these.
Gluten free flours normally have a “strange” flavor. But these, with the glaze, were remarkably tasty. My true test was my teenager’s review – my oldest gf/df daughter gobbled down several mini donuts and my other teenager, post a field hockey game, requested 11 of them! She’s going through a growth spurt right now – 18 lbs in 1.5 months. HELLO – finally- the growth spurt has arrived!!

So with all that being said, you can sub out regular ap flour for the recipe if you aren’t gluten free. AND you can omit the glaze if you don’t wish to have the added sweetness and just sprinkle a cinnamon/sugar mixture over top of the wet dough prior to baking.
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— Knead to Cook

Fingerprint Jam Cookies. Vegan and Gluten Free.

October 1, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Cookies, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Holiday, Running/Races, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

Fingerprint cookies. Vegan and gluten free | Knead to Cook.

A few weeks ago I was sent a box of healthy goodies from Norm’s Farm and I knew exactly what treat I wanted to make with the jam. Fingerprint cookies are a favorite in my family. I’m all over berries and their healing powers. Food is powerful – trust me! So when the good folks at North Farms reached out to gauge my interest in elderberry products… I was all over it!!

Elderberries contain natural flavonoids. Help reduce swelling, fight against inflammation and help boost your immune system. If you suffer from an anti-inflammatory disorder like me – this is fantastic and something you need to pay attention to. Elderberries help ease flu-like symptoms, headaches, sore throats, fatigue and body aches. Some studies have also found that it help with bacterial sinus infections and bronchitis as well.

Norm’s Farms offers a wide variety of products (even Wellness syrups) that I’ve enjoyed in my smoothies as well.

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— Knead to Cook