Knead to Cook

Food & fitness obsessed girl.

Archives for January 2020

Tahini Medjool Date Cookies. Vegan. Gluten free.

by Filed Under: Brunch, Cookies, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Holiday, Holiday Baking Ideas, Snacks, Vegan, Wheat Free

I was seeking & searching for a unique cookie. Bill was sick last weekend with bronchitis. We had a winter storm. I was tired of being stuck in the house so my go-to was reading alternating with baking. I found this recipe on Feasting with Fruit. I tweaked a bit and they were truly heavenly. Everyone loved them. A little bit savory with a hint of sweetness from the Medjool dates. The perfect combination.

This recipe made a lot of cookies, which was great for the week! I used a tiny scoop so it made about 36 cookies or so.

Ingredients:
2 cups of rolled oats
1/2 cup of oat flour
1/2 cup of almond meal
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp of salt
1 cup of tahini
1/2 cup of maple syrup
2 tsp vanilla extract or 1 tsp of almond extract
12 Medjool dates, pitted and roughly chopped
Sesame seeds for rolling, optional

Method:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line your baking sheet with a silpat or parchment paper.
Mix all of the dry ingredients together in a bowl.
Then in a separate bowl, mix your tahini through extract of choice.
Add the wet ingredients to dry and blend. Then proceed to add the dates.
Scoop out the cookie dough and roll into your sesame seeds and then place on to your baking sheet.
Bake for 11-12 minutes or until golden around the edges. Remove and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
I put under my cloche for one week or until devoured.

Hope you enjoy this recipe!

— Knead to Cook

Easy Sheet Pan Fried Rice and Tofu. Vegan. GF.

by Filed Under: Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free

I saw this Katie Lee recipe somewhere online and knew immediately that I had to try it. Of course, I opted to tweak by my taste preference and the result was unbelievably tasty. I cannot believe how easy this recipe was and she once again, blew it out of the water! I made it in one bowl and baked it a bit longer because we love crispy rice… heaven. Turns out the leftovers were equally tasty. This one will be on repeat for sure!

Ingredients:
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons liquid aminos
2 tablespoons of hot chili or hot olive oil (I have a spicy olive oil I used)
2 tsp of toasted sesame oil
1 tbl of chili paste
5-6 cloves garlic, minced 
One 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated 
2 cups cooked or leftover rice 
2 extra firm blocks of tofu (I used Wildwood), drained and cut in cubes
1 small bag of frozen veggies (I used a veggie/lentil blend from Whole Foods)

Method:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Line your sheet pan with a sheet of parchment.
Into a bowl, add all of your ingredients and stir well.
Spread your mixture into one even layer on your pan.
Bake for 12 minutes covered with foil.
Then remove foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the rice is toasted up and crispy.

Enjoy!

— Knead to Cook

Overnight oat chia protein pudding. Vegan. GF.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free

Hey there kids! I hope your 2020 has been starting off nicely. I’ve been on an organizing tirade and have managed to clean out so much of my house. Once that was done, I went back to work with a very heavy schedule. So this week I’ve been meaning to shoot and schedule to share this recipe. It’s been my go-to for about 4 months now. I’ve tinkered with different amounts but this version is perfection. Adjusting the milk is key if you prefer it looser or thicker. See notes below.

Ingredients:
2 tbl of rolled oats – I use organic and gluten free
2 tbl of black chia seeds
2 tbl of Vega Sport vanilla protein
1 – 1.25 cup(s) or more of your favorite plant-based milk, unsweetened

Method:

This recipe is incredibly easy but you must follow the correct order or the chia will adhere to the bottom of your jar and will be like cement! I add the ingredients as I have listed. Once the milk is in there I place the lid on and shake really well. Allow to sit on the counter for a few minutes. Occasionally give the jar(s) a shake to mix up the chia – it sinks before it becomes gelatinous. Once you see it thickening up – around 4-5 minutes, give one more good shake and put in the fridge. I make 4 at a time and leave in the fridge all week. I eat one a day for breakfast. I top with fresh berries, pomegranate seeds and my homemade nut butter. Whatever you wish.

*The milk amount is quite subjective. I’ve made it really thick or looser… it just depends on your preference. Start with a cup and move up from there if you prefer.

Again, I make 4 at a time and once all the jars are empty I start over. These are the jars I use. This is the protein powder I love.

Super easy recipe. I make this in batches and it works out perfectly.

— Knead to Cook

Vegan sausage chili. Super easy!

by Filed Under: Chili, Mexican, Soups, Vegan proteins

Woo hoo I’m on a blogging roll however my pics have been quite disappointing. Hoping the sun comes out again and that I get my photography groove back… lol. My work schedule is a bit open this week and I’m not complaining. Only working 2 days this week before 3 solid weeks to follow.

Today Sydney flew back to school. We got home and ate lunch & I decided I wanted to make a big batch of chili for the week. I normally try to make one big pot of soup, lentils or something for the week. Having a nice healthy option on hand is perfect for quick lunches or dinners during the week. Meal prepping doesn’t have to be daunting!

This recipe is super forgiving and you can add or omit what you love/hate. I serve this along with some cornbread and it’s the perfect, comforting winter meal.

Ingredients:

Olive oil
Soy sausage links (I used Trader Joe’s Soy Sausage link) but whatever vegan sausage you prefer would work.
1 red onion, diced
8-10 cloves of garlic, minced (trying to keep everyone healthy here)
1 bell pepper, diced and whatever color you have on hand
2 tbl of chili powder
1 tbl of cumin
1 tbl of smoked paprika
2 tsp oregano
1 tsp salt (add more as you prefer once it’s done cooking)
1 large or 2 smaller (14 oz) cans of organic crushed tomatoes- I prefer fire roasted
3 cans of beans (I used a mix of red kidney and black), drained and rinsed
1 small can of diced chilis
3 cups of vegetable broth
2 tbl of apple cider vinegar or the juice from one lime
Cilantro for garnish


Method:

Begin by heating the oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy bottom pan. Once hot, add your soy sausage and cook until browned. Then proceed by adding onions and peppers. I cook for 4 minutes and then add the garlic. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Add the spices and stir well. Proceed to add the tomatoes, beans, chilis and broth. Stir well and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover. Allow to cook for 40 minutes up to several hours (I let it simmer for hours till dinner). Before serving add the apple cider vinegar. Taste to adjust seasoning. Then ladle in bowls and top with fresh cilantro leaves. Optional other toppings: vegan cheddar, diced red onion, green onions, fresh jalapeños or avocado cubes.

— Knead to Cook

Hearty Mung bean and lentil stew. Vegan. Gluten free.

by Filed Under: Beans, Gluten Free, Holiday, Indian-inspired., Soups, Stews, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free

Happy 2020! We’re kicking off the new year with a hearty, comforting stew that is perfect for meal prepping. Packed with fiber and protein -super satiating.

I apologize for the less than perfect images but I wasn’t expecting to love this stew as much as my entire family did and the weather has been less than desirable, cloudy and rainy, for a proper shoot. Regardless, ugly food that tastes great… I’m in for it.

Ingredients:

1 cups of mung beans
1 cup of green lentils
6 cups of veggie broth
2-3 cups of water (as needed)
6 cloves of garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion – chopped
1 can of full fat coconut milk
4 tbl of tomato paste
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
2 cups of frozen spinach

Method:

Into a larger Dutch oven, over medium heat, add your broth, mung beans and lentils. Cook uncovered for 40 minutes total. Every 10-12 minutes check and add water as needed. I added about 3 cups additionally. I wanted the soup to be more stew-like so closer to the end of cooking, I added less water.

While that’s cooking, add a drizzle of olive oil to a sauté pan and heat oven medium flame. Once hot add your onion and cook 4-6 minutes. Once golden, add your garlic and cook 2 additional minutes. Once done, turn off and add to your soup mixture once its done cooking (40 minutes).

After the 40 minutes, add your onions/garlic, coconut milk, paste and give that a good stir. Once the paste is blended well – add your frozen spinach and stir. I allowed that to cook for about 10 minutes. Taste and add salt/pepper. Serve immediately and leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freezing is also an option.

We served over brown rice with crusty bread accompaniment. It is the perfect hearty meal. It’s been on repeat as lunch and dinner for days here… cannot get enough.


Enjoy!


— Knead to Cook