Breads - Knead to Cook

Oat Banana Chocolate Bread. Vegan. Gluten free.

August 25, 2016 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Breads, Brunch, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gluten Free, Nuts, Running/Races, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free 2 Comments

I’m working full throttle today on several recipes for a new client delivery tomorrow. I think they’re going to love this recipe. I don’t know about you, but when I have many ripe bananas and haven’t frozen them – I quickly turn my sights to banana bread or muffins. Easy grab and go breakfast for kids heading off to school, snacking after a long day or when your craving a punch of protein and chocolate… ummm me daily! Ha. The nut butter & hemp hearts add heart healthy fat & proteins to help you rebuild muscles & keep you satiated. Seriously… no better combination than banana, nut butter and chocolate… right? Okay, okay… let’s get started.

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Sugar-free banana bread. Vegan. GF.

May 18, 2016 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Gluten Free, Holiday, Holiday Baking Ideas, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free 4 Comments

I’ve been bound and determined to revamp recipes removing sugar lately. The more I study the effects of sugar, I am really focused on removing it as much as possible in my recipes especially where fruit can be used as a natural sweetener. This sugar free banana bread turned out great and my family didn’t even miss the sugary sweetness. The key, when using bananas, is to use them when they are very ripe state so that the natural sugars take over and sweeten your recipe. This banana bread is fairly easy to make. I did add the sliced bananas on the top but next time I will opt for slicing them. Some reserved liquids came out post baking that can add a mushy texture to the bread – just my observation. I’ve made this bread in traditional bread pan, mini loaf pans and muffin tins. You just need to adjust your baking time and keep a watchful eye out.

This sugar free banana bread is great to freeze and pull out when you need it. I always have about 30 bananas on my counter and invariably some are very VERY ripe. I made several loaves to freeze while I’m on bed rest post meniscus repair surgery last week. It makes life a bit easier for my family not to worry about one more dish to make or bake. I love having healthy baked goods ready for snacks after school or swim practice. Plus breakfasts on the go are a bit easier too.

As for me, I’m on day 7 of bed rest. I’ve gotten through the rough patch post surgery crazy pain. I have to admit, I did opt for a nerve block in my leg post op and it didn’t help. Wednesday evening was really hard – REALLY and I handle pain well. I didn’t sleep and cried a bunch. I did rebound and had my first PT on Friday. I was able to bend my knee/leg to 90 degrees – which is expected around 2-3 weeks post op. I’ve been doing 500 quad lifts per day. Today is my 3rd PT visit and I look forward to weighted leg lifts and regaining mobility again. And to be honest… I’m excited to get out of the house. Okay enough of an update… let’s get on to the recipe.
[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Banana PB Chia Bread. V. GF.

April 18, 2016 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Nuts, Quick Bread, Running/Races, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free 5 Comments

I have a thing for banana bread. And with the volume of bananas we have in our house… I pretty much always have super ripe bananas and that means banana bread or nice cream. I needed an after-school snack so I whipped up this super easy recipe in my food processor. Made mini loaves – one without chocolate and three with. My kids love banana bread. My dad has it with coffee and my husband always eats it as dessert after dinner. I typically like a piece before my runs because it’s easy. I added some chia and flax to this to amp up the Omega’s and protein. Totally plant-based and gluten free as the oats serve as the flour. Can be made in your blender or food processor so that makes it easy to clean up too.

I hope you guys had a great weekend. Our youngest went on a church retreat. We had a nice relaxing weekend. Dog walks, bike rides and a run through Amish country. This week begins my three week taper/recovery after last week’s peak of 86+ miles. My body needs a recovery, refueling and a reboot. I’m still struggling with the new meds I was put on for my restless leg so I’m going to deal with that and focus on lots of stretching and rolling.
[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Chocolate Chunk Banana Walnut Muffins. V. GF.

March 29, 2016 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gluten Free, Lucy Let's Go Post, Product Review., Quick Bread, Running/Races, Sponsored, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free 6 Comments

Returning to reality yesterday after a weekend away with family celebrating Easter was hard. Training. Laundry. Dogs. Grocery shopping. You know the drill. My oldest was off Monday and my youngest is off till mid-week. I knew I needed a good healthy snack to grab when the munchies hit. They requested banana bread and I whipped up these up to satisfy teenage hunger.

These are refined sugar-free. Gluten free and completely vegan. You can use mini chips or chunks for the vegan chocolate aspect. I made some without for my husband and topped with banana slices. These are hearty enough for breakfast or pre-run. You can also half this recipe for 6 regular muffins or prepare as is for 12 large muffins.
[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Banana Overload Muffins. Vegan. GF.

January 7, 2016 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Fruit, Gluten Free, Holiday, Holiday Baking Ideas, Muffins, Quick Bread, Running/Races, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free 2 Comments

Banana Overload Muffins. Vegan. GF.

If you love bananas… brace yourself. These are the moistest, dreamy banana muffins I’ve ever created or made ever. Seriously. Pair these up with your favorite nut butter and it could be heaven on earth. Wow! I’m so excited. I cannot keep muffins in my cake stand for my family for more than a few hours. With 5 people living here including two teens… it’s an uphill battle. No joke. Plus with my oldest doing double swim practices and leaving my house at 5am – these are great pre-workout snack. The next time you have a bunch of very ripe bananas… you gotta try these! Ohhhhh and I forgot to mention – all made in your food processor. Easy peasy! I did eat one before my run today and they were great. Enough to give me some fuel without any stomach upset -that I typically experience.
[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Spiced Pumpkin Banana Bread. Vegan. GF.

September 24, 2015 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Holiday, Holiday Baking Ideas, Running/Races, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free 8 Comments

Pumpkin Banana Bread. Vegan. GF.

I’ve been craving pumpkin banana bread but honestly haven’t had the time with finishing up training and recipe/blogging jobs to create/test a new recipe. I wanted something different – something adding banana so I hit the web to search out a recipe. I found this recipe from Minimalist Baker but tweaked it a bit. The recipe came out great without that weird gluten free texture. I find vegan baking very easy but gluten free does get a bit tricky. This makes one large loaf of heavenly bread and my family has pretty much eaten all but one slice in 2 days. The flavors scream fall and have a deep flavor with my changes. The aroma in your kitchen… yep! That needs to be bottled.

Thinking this bread would be phenomenal for Thanksgiving morning for breakfast. It was sturdier (not typical of gf bread) too. Yum!
[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Super Seed Powerhouse Bread. Vegan. Gluten Free.

May 14, 2015 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Brunch, Easter, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gluten Free, Holiday, Holiday Baking Ideas, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free 2 Comments

Super Seed Powerhouse Bread. Vegan. Gluten Free.

Doesn’t this bread make the prettiest gift? I’m thinking end of the year teacher gift paired up with gift card. I’ve been testing some recipes from various cookbooks I’ve recently received. This was the first recipe I wanted to try. I’m obsessed with healthy seeded, gf breads. This recipe is easy enough for kids to make alongside of some adult supervision. The bread is packed with fiber, vitamins K, E and A. It has healthy fats, essential amino acids and anti-inflamatory properties. Plus its gluten free and vegan so easily digestible. It freezes beautifully and the recipe makes two loaves. So tasty straight up or with jam or nut butter.

This recipe was adapted from from Deliciously Ella‘s Superfood Bread. I customized it to fit what I had on hand and our preferences.
[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Grilling with Colavita. Vegan.

May 11, 2015 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Breads, Brunch, Condiments, Dips, Dressings, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Grilling, Grilling/Rubs/Sauces, Italian-inspired, Party Foods, Pasta, Salads, Side dish, Vegan, Vinaigrette 3 Comments

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to team up with Colavita to create some recipes for grilling season. Being an Italian girl and vegan – I thought I would take you on a food journey grilling up vegan style versus the classics you’ve come to expect during grilling season. Plus moving outside to grill for friends and family, enjoying warm and sunny weather – there is nothing better after a long winter.

I created three recipes to share. Each have a fun twist and are a cinch to prepare. Great for parties and get-togethers. Healthy options you can pair up with your favorite protein. Now let’s start this grilling journey…
[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Food processor peanut butter muffins. Vegan. GF.

March 12, 2015 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Muffins, Running/Races, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free 2 Comments

Easy PB Muffins. Vegan. GF.

Looking for a super easy recipe for muffins that you can whip up all in your food processor? Yep, got you covered! These are a great quick after-school recipe idea or if you have to bake for an event at the last minute. I make these straight up or I top with vegan chocolate chips. They are insanely moist. They prep, bake and are ready to serve in less than 18 minutes! Seriously.

Gluten free and vegan.
[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Breakfast Coconut Quinoa Bread. Vegan. Gluten Free.

March 11, 2015 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gluten Free, Running/Races, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free 11 Comments

Banana Coconut Quinoa Bread. Vegan. Gluten Free.

I had a batch of leftover quinoa and found this recipe online that I wanted to try. Sometimes you need to step outside of your own recipes/head for inspiration. This bread is the bomb! Just perfection, seriously. I made a few adaptations, mainly to make it gluten free, but not many others. Super moist and protein packed thanks to the quinoa. Perfect way to use leftover quinoa that you have on hand. I love this for breakfast alongside your smoothie. I topped my slice with Justin’s almond butter and it was just perfection. Highly recommended.

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook