Lentil Vegetable Shepard’s Pie. Vegan. GF.

by Filed Under: Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gluten Free, St. Patrick's Day, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

Lentil Vegetable Shepard's Pie. Vegan.

Lentil Vegetable Shepard’s Pie. Vegan.

This post was slated for earlier in the week but somehow it got bumped by other posts.  I was excited to share this recipe because not only is it totally customizable – it was so easy and can be prepped a day ahead of time and then baked/broiled prior to serving making it a great weeknight meal.  I haven’t made Shepard’s Pie in years.  Plus I was able to make vegan versions for us and carnivore versions for the rest of my family.  Okay now onto it…
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— Knead to Cook

Super Seed Power Bread. Vegan. Gluten Free.

by Filed Under: Appetizers, Breads, Breakfast, Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gluten Free, Holiday, Nuts, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free 6 Comments

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Super Seed Power Bread. Vegan. Gluten Free.

Super Seed Power Bread. Vegan. Gluten Free.

Super Seed Power Bread.  Vegan. Gluten Free.

I have tried and created many seeded bread recipes before but never shared on my blog for one reason or another. Then my husband got me Heather Crosby’s book YumUniverse as a Christmas gift and I tried her recipe and it was perfection!  I modified it slightly but kept the true basis of her recipe and I have to agree with her – it is heavenly!  She is a wonderful inspiration with her book chronicling her plant-based journey after many stomach issues.  Her book is a wonderful tool, not just a cookbook, on food storage, prep and everything you need to know about transitioning to a plant-based diet.   I highly recommend.  *This is not a sponsored post.  

This bread was easy enough to prepare although I needed some ingredients I didn’t have on hand. Nothing hard to find but also not something I had in my pantry. This also needs to be prepared a day in advance prior to baking.  Once baked and cooled, I was addicted.  I don’t eat bread but wow…. it was so good!  Just think of it toasted with a bit of almond butter or jam.

Working from my kitchen table snacking on a piece while my carpets are all being cleaned (much needed after holiday traffic). You can also tell when I adore a recipe because I take too many pics of it for a blog post.  I captured it all step-by-step for you!  Okay on to this fabulousness….

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— Knead to Cook

The Green Hemp Protein Smoothie. Vegan.

by Filed Under: Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, No bake/cooking required!, Smoothies, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free 5 Comments

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It’s that time of year again, right?  You vow to eat more veggies, less sugar.  You commit to being healthier.  That “D” word is thrown around like crazy.  The intention ~admirable.  But I’m going to let you in on a little secret.  It isn’t a diet, it’s a lifestyle.  That’s what the commercials, the ads and everyone won’t say!  Honestly, there is no magic pill, diet, cleanse or what have you.  I know, I was 33 lbs heavier 3.5 years ago than I am right now.

I don’t really like to share my raw images but I did a few weeks ago, if you follow me on Instagram.  It some how added some validity to my journey, the food I blog about and recipes I create. Most followers of my IG account just assumed that I always looked this way.  And how would anyone know, right?  I felt overweight and unhappy.  In hindsight, I ate too much sugar and food.  One interesting note:  I trained then the same as I do today.  Make sure you actually read that – my training hasn’t changed from 33 lbs ago however my running has gotten faster due to the weight loss.  I hit a point that I was sick and tired of feeling that way so I decided to start on my journey to change.  I went from hardcore carnivore to the person sitting here typing this blog post today – a plant-based vegan.  I realize extreme to some but this has been an ongoing metamorphosis over 3.5 years.  I happily celebrate my vegan 1 year anniversary this month and have never felt better in my life.

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— Knead to Cook

Curried Potato Spinach Soup. Vegan. Gluten Free.

by Filed Under: Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gluten Free, Indian-inspired., Potatoes, Running/Races, Soups, Vegan, Wheat Free 1 Comment

Curried Potato Spinach Soup.

Curried Potato Spinach Soup.

Curried Potato Spinach Soup. Vegan. Gluten Free.

New Year, new me?  Ha. Not so much. I’m not a big fan of resolving things. Every day I try to be a better person. Ignore nonsense.  Be more organized. Patient. Do more kind acts for others.  And I try with my eating to be mindful of my choices.  And finally push my fitness.  Happily I  made it through the holidays shredding a few LBs.  Overall, a win-win.

This year I am vowing (not resolving) to make menus and stick with them.  That way my food bill stays in check and I stay on task.  I cook for me – a vegan, my husband – a budding vegan but claims to be vegetarian, my oldest who is gf and dairy free and my father and youngest daughter who are both carnivores.  Making food choices that can be modified each night can be a struggle but I really despise playing diner making many dishes for everyone so simplification is key!

Here is this week’s menu prominently displayed on my chalkboard wall in my kitchen. All items will be customized per each person’s dietary needs.  Remember to always have a leftover day so you don’t waste any food that may get “lost” in the back of the fridge.

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This soup was on the menu for Saturday and it turned out great.  It’s inspired by a famous vegan restaurant in NYC named Candle.  It has a wonderful warmth of spices.  Perfect to make on a rainy or snowy day.  Makes a ton so you can freeze some for future use.
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— Knead to Cook

Lottie’s Oat Banana Peanut Butter Bread. Vegan. Gluten Free.

by Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fruit, Gluten Free, Holiday Baking Ideas, Quick Bread, Running/Races, Snacks, Vegan, Wheat Free 8 Comments

 

Lottie's Oat Banana Peanut Butter Bread. GF. Vegan.

Lottie’s Oat Banana Peanut Butter Bread. GF. Vegan.

Happy 2015!

It’s been an exciting, unhealthy (thanks to the flu), holiday season.  My youngest got sick on Christmas Eve.  Missed church and stayed home.  Sick on Christmas and then recovered nicely.  Apparently, she shared her sickness gift with me.  Sunday I ran and felt very “off”.  Tired 7 miles got done, however, I felt like I was dragging.  Monday I had a flaming sore throat and planned to go to the doc on Tuesday. However, I woke up with a raging fever on Tuesday and off to the doc I went.  I got a rx for Tamiflu and stayed in bed.  Great way to end 2014.  One day in bed. The next I felt pretty good.  Hubs and I hit up the grocery store.  Got ready for NYE dinner. Low key and early to bed for me.

Yesterday we planned on spending the day in New York City and that’s just what we did.  Despite not getting to meet up with everyone on my list – I did have lunch with my buddy, Lottie from runningonveggies.  We’ve become fast friends who text, lunch and just share our love of all things vegan food related and running.  I just adore her!  She was so thoughtful to bring this delectable bread for my family and I asked if I could share it with you all. She agreed!  I hope you love this as much as we do!  I can’t stop eating it.

Lottie (then genius behind this recipe) and me doing a little sale shopping post lunch.

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Now onto the good stuff…  the recipe!

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— Knead to Cook

Multi Bean Garlicky Vegan Chili.

by Filed Under: Beans, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gluten Free, Mexican, Running/Races, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free 2 Comments

Multi Bean Garlicky Vegan Chili

Multi Bean Garlicky Vegan Chili

Multi Bean Garlicky Vegan Chili.

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas with family and friends.  I can’t believe how long it takes to prepare and how quickly it seems to flash by.  Our Christmas was filled with a faith, family and lots of good food.  Today was my official first day back in the kitchen post 4th finger surgery.  I’m healing well and back to running. More on that below.  Today started out quite rainy and dismal.  Did my longest recovery run this morning, which was quite a feat.  Errands with my husband.  Then home to make a big pot of chili.  My youngest was sick over Christmas and has shared her sore throat with me. I’m bound and determined to fight this so this chili is packed with lots of garlic.  My Italian girl remedy for everything that ails me!

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— Knead to Cook

Vegan peppermint bark.

by Filed Under: Brunch, Candy, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Holiday, Holiday Baking Ideas, Nuts, Party Foods, Snacks, Vegan Leave a Comment

Vegan Peppermint Bark.

Vegan Peppermint Bark.

Hi everybody!  I’ve missed blogging so much and cooking up goodies in the kitchen. I found out on black Friday that my finger required another, yes #4, surgery. After the shock of what my doc had just said, I thought long and hard about it. Got a second opinion. Decided to move forward and get it done before the end of the year.  Just to be done with this journey.

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— Knead to Cook

Flourless Elvis Muffins. Vegan and Gluten Free.

by Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gluten Free, Holiday, Holiday Baking Ideas, Muffins, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free 3 Comments

Flourless Elvis Muffins. Vegan and Gluten Free.

Flourless Elvis Muffins. Vegan and Gluten Free.

I have plenty of versions of gf and vegan muffins. I tweak and morph the recipes and I just love these.  All made in the food processor, which is super awesome during the craziness of the holiday.  These are totally Elvis-inspired.  Banana as the base.  Peanut butter creaminess and if you wish, chocolate for the trifecta!  I made half a batch with and half without for my family.  They are insanely moist and impossible to eat just one.  Be warned.  These also make the best holiday gift for friends or anyone you need a special little treat for. I hope you enjoy!  Now to get back to my pot of African peanut soup that I’m making for dinner.

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— Knead to Cook

Vegan Gingerbread Protein Smoothie.

by Filed Under: Beverages, Breakfast, Brunch, Cookies, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gluten Free, Holiday, Running/Races, Smoothies, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

Vegan Gingerbread Protein Smoothie.

Vegan Gingerbread Protein Smoothie.

I’ve been so inspired by the flavors of the season this year.  I came up with this recipe on a long run I did last weekend.  I gave it a few attempts and settled in on this recipe to share – heavenly.  It is so reminiscent of a gingerbread cookie that it will have children and adults clambering.  Not all smoothies require kale or spinach, although it kills me not to add it.  I tested out VegaOne’s new protein powder that will be released in January and it was heavenly in this beverage.  This is perfect to curb a sweet attack.  Post workout refueling.  Dessert.  Breakfast… whatever you have in mind.  Plus it’s vegan and adds a nice dose of iron through the black strap molasses, which is a great benefit for a vegan diet.  If you aren’t vegan – use whatever dairy you wish.  Almond or cashew milk work great for vegans.  I hope you give this recipe a try… I also topped it with some crushed gingersnaps which made it even more fun for kids (or adults that are kids at heart).

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— Knead to Cook

Peppermint Black Bean Brownies. Vegan and Gluten Free.

by Filed Under: Brownies, Brunch, Cakes, Candy, Cookies, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gluten Free, Holiday, Holiday Baking Ideas, Party Foods, Running/Races, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free 7 Comments

Peppermint Black Bean Protein Brownies. Vegan and Gluten Free.

Peppermint Black Bean Protein Brownies. Vegan and Gluten Free.

I feel like my kitchen switches from pumpkin over to peppermint in a matter of days.  The tree is up.  Cards are mailed.  Presents purchased and now it’s time to start baking pepperminty good treats. Actually, healthy vegan and gluten free treats that are protein-packed for recovering muscles.  Swimming is underway and my voracious daughter craves protein-packed snacks before and after practices plus after running and cycling we all need protein.  These are great for on-the-go eating.  Plus, they are healthy and no one will know the better.

Now I know there are like a million and one black bean brownie recipes out there but these are just a decadent little bites packed with mint flavor.  Go big or go home and I went big with the flavor.  Plus I just received some new VegaOne protein powder that I wanted to give a whirl in a not-so-traditional smoothie recipe and it worked perfectly!!!  Ohhhh I may need to step away from the brownies or go for another run.  Ha!

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— Knead to Cook