Knead to Cook

Food & fitness obsessed girl.

Archives for December 2015

Raw Gingerbread Bites. Vegan. GF.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Cookies, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Holiday, Holiday Baking Ideas, No bake/cooking required!, Nuts, Party Foods, Running/Races, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free 4 Comments

Raw Gingerbread Bites. Vegan. GF.

Raw Gingerbread Bites. Vegan. GF.

I wanted to share this recipe that I love to make for Christmas dessert.  I’ll be honest – I prefer to serve a variety of small treats after Christmas brunch/dinner instead of a lot of heavier pies and cakes.  At this point in the month, I feel like small bites are much more appreciated.  Gingerbread is a must, of course, and perfect for my husband who is allergic to chocolate.  Gingerbread is quintessentially Christmas.   Naturally sweetened, vegan and gluten free.  Plus, protein-packed.

These are really easy to make and just need about 20 minutes to set up in the fridge or freezer.  I also store in the fridge to keep them firm.  My other tip is to use really fresh Medjool dates.
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— Knead to Cook

Peppermint Baked Donuts. Vegan. GF.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Holiday, Holiday Baking Ideas, Running/Races, Snacks, Vegan, Wheat Free 2 Comments

Peppermint Baked Donuts. Vegan. GF.

Peppermint Baked Donuts. Vegan. GF.

Have you succumbed to the craziness of the holiday yet?  I’m thankfully done with my list and wrapped up as of last Sunday.  Next up, I do need to plan our holiday menu, which for some reason I’m not that excited about.  Sadly, because I am a food blogger.  Life has been throwing us a lot, and I mean A LOT of curveballs both good and bad in the past few weeks and I’ll blame that for my distractions.  However, gift-giving here has been much easier or less exciting.  As our girls get older, they want money or gift cards – which makes the whole process a bit lackluster.  I would have to agree with them however.  I have nothing on my birthday or Christmas list. I guess I’ve finally hit the age that I realize moments and people are the most cherished of gifts and not disposable items.  Now I officially sound like my father – ha!

So no more waxing poetic…

I wanted to create a fun baked peppermint donut this week.  I however got distracted (the reason for that will be revealed possibly this weekend) and neglected the cacao powder in the recipe.  So these are white peppermint donuts with a chocolate glaze and crushed peppermint pieces.  My girls loved them.  Perfect with a cup of hot cocoa or for breakfast on Christmas  morning.  Easy to make.  Vegan. Gluten free.

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— Knead to Cook

Peppermint Cacao Energy Bites. Vegan. GF.

by Filed Under: Brunch, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gift ideas, Gluten Free, Nuts, Party Foods 4 Comments

Peppermint Cacao Energy Bites. Vegan. GF.

Peppermint Cacao Energy Bites. Vegan. GF.

Despite having a huge tree in my living room, I’m still not believing that December is upon us.  I’ve been doing some Christmas shopping and I thought I better get a jump on some festive treats to have around the house.  I’m not a big cookie or cake fan but bites… they are so easy and pack a nutritional punch on-the-go plus great for my girls before or after practice or after school.  I just love these and they come together in no time.

These are great frozen – enhancing that pepperminty flavor.  These also make a great holiday treat to make for friends or co-workers.

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— Knead to Cook

Lucy Let’s Go Blog Post: Gingerbread Granola. Vegan. Gluten Free.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Holiday, Holiday Baking Ideas, Lucy Let's Go Post, Sponsored, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

Gingerbread Granola. Vegan. Gluten Free.

Gingerbread Granola. Vegan. Gluten Free.

Okay ready or not, December is here and gift-giving season is upon us!  With December comes the deluge of cookies and treats that flood our offices, homes and parties.  I wanted to create a seasonal recipe that would be perfect for gift-giving to friends, hostesses, running group friends, to your mail carrier or hairstylist.  Plus, this makes a wonderful breakfast idea on Christmas morning.
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— Knead to Cook

Vegan Cheesy Sage Potato Bake.

by Filed Under: Brunch, Gluten Free, Potatoes, Sauces, Sponsored, Vegan, Vegan proteins 4 Comments

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When you think of holiday menu planning I’m quite certain potatoes make the cut.  Potatoes are one of the most versatile and economical foods available all over the world.  Not only are potatoes a wonderful staple, they are packed with valuable nutrients.  This dish serves as the perfect side for dinner but equally as appetizing for breakfast, lunch or on your brunch buffet. This dairy and gluten free bake is the perfect accompaniment.

Potatoes also contain a compound known as alpha-lipoic acid, which aids in the conversion of  glucose into energy.  Food is fuel for the body.  Think of it as your gas that propels you in all of your endeavors.  The skin of potatoes contains Quercetin, a powerful anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant capabilities that protect the body’s cells from free radical damage. The iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium and zinc in potatoes contribute to the building and maintaining of bone structure and strength. The potato’s fiber, potassium, vitamin C, folate, fiber and vitamin B-6 content, coupled with its lack of cholesterol, all support heart health. #BeholdPotatoes

I wanted to take a classic recipe and put a vegan twist on it for this holiday season.  The sauce requires that the cashews are soaked to yield a creamy vegan cheesy sauce.  With that preparation complete, the remaining part of the recipe preparation is quick and baking takes just about an hour.  Serves 8-10 people.  Let’s get started.
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— Knead to Cook

Veggie and Bean Chili. Vegan. GF.

by Filed Under: Beans, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Mexican, Running/Races, Soups, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

Veggie and Bean Chili. Vegan. GF.

Veggie and Bean Chili. Vegan. GF.

The countdown is on folks.  December is here and we’re in the homestretch of 2015.   Kinda crazy to think about.  Hope you got a leg up on your holiday gift list yesterday during Cyber Monday.  Still no one is giving me a wish list here so I did pick up a few gifts online that I wanted to get.  I think we’ve finally hit the age/time when my kids just want gift cards and my husband and I really don’t need or want anything specific.

To be honest, every year at this time, post-Thanksgiving, I go into burnout mode.  I’m tired of food prep, cooking and even eating.  It’s been non-stop working on jobs and getting ready for Thanksgiving.  Yesterday I took a really easy approach to this chili and it turned out great.  It came together, minus cooking the rice, in 5 minutes.  Yes!  I hope you enjoy this one as much as we did.  Plus, I think everyone needs a break from Thanksgiving leftovers at this point and rainy/chilly days always make me crave a nice big bowl of chili.
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— Knead to Cook