Knead to Cook

Food & fitness obsessed girl.

Super easy pickled red onions and jalapeños.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Condiments, Gluten Free, Salads, Vegan, Wheat Free

Hi friends and happy weekend – well almost! This week’s recipe is a super simple but one that will become a must have for sure. Pickled onions and jalapeños are perfect on your veggie burger, bagels with tofu, grain bowl or big ole salad. It add a punch of tangy flavor and crunch that is unmistakeable. Plus that lovely pink color is perfect! This recipe takes about 4 minutes to make and you can easily double or triple as needed. You can also do carrot chips, garlic cloves, radishes or whatever veg you want with this recipe. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 large red onion, sliced very thin
3 jalapeños, seeded or not – sliced thin
1/2 cup of water
1/3 cup of vinegar, white
1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon of maple syrup
2 teaspoons of salt
Optional: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes

Method:

Into a saucepan, add your water through salt. Bring to a boil and whisk to combine. Then promptly remove from the heat. Into a large glass Ball or Weck jar – add your onions and jalapeño slices. Carefully, pour the hot brine over the onions to coat. With a spoon push the onions down firmly into the jar (being very careful) and seal. Place the fridge for at least 10-12 hours before eating.

— Knead to Cook

Banana Blueberry Muffins. Vegan. Gluten free.

by Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Brunch, Fruit, Gluten Free, Holiday Baking Ideas, Snacks, Vegan, Wheat Free

Being inundated with blueberries this time of year, they inevitably end up in breads, muffins or pancakes. I absolutely love berries and all the fresh fruit. Blueberries are a great source of fiber, vitamins A, C, K1 and manganese. Along with being antioxidant rich, they encompass the following plant compounds:

Not only are they packed with healthy goodness, they are the perfect summer treat! This recipe yielded 13 average-sized muffins.

See recipe below…

Ingredients:

2 large bananas, mashed till creamy
1 flax egg (1 tbl ground flax mixed with 3 tbl water – allow to sit 5 minutes until thickened)
1/3 cup of a neutral oil (avocado, refined coconut etc.)
1/3 cup of a nut based milk
2 heaping cups of oat flour (make sure they are certified organic)
1/4 cup of coconut sugar
1 1/3 tbl of baking powder
Pinch of salt
1 cup of blueberries (see notes)
1/3 cup of walnut pieces

Method:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Line your muffin tins with a liner or spray with oil.

Into a bowl add your bananas and mash until a creamy consistency. Add your flax egg, oil and nut based milk (I used almond and oat and both worked nicely). Mix until incorporated. Then proceed to add your oat flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Blend. Wash your blueberries and toss with a tablespoon of oat flour – this will help suspend the blueberries in the muffins v. having them sink to the bottom. By hand mix and proceed to add the walnut pieces (I normally top each muffin with additional walnut pieces). Spoon into your muffin tins (3/4 of the way full). Bake for 24-28 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and allow to cool before eating.

Life remains really busy between work, family, home and working out. I’ve been enjoying weightlifting, limiting my cardio and hot power yoga. Although limited in some moves with my knee, I’m embracing all that I can do along with looking inward and challenging myself.

I hope you’re enjoying summer and embracing all the lovely fruits and veggies that come along with the warm weather. Sending you all my love,

— Knead to Cook

Easy overnight oats. Vegan. GF.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Gluten Free, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free, Your Life Edit Foundations

Overnight oats always seem to surface to my breakfast option list when the weather warms up. But I’ve been making these lately for my sweet dad. He has long been a fan of cold cereals… think Cheerios, Bran flakes etc. But with a recent & alarming (to me) LDL cholesterol level – I’m initiating a few more dietary changes into his repertoire of food. He wasn’t previously a fan but today announced that he actually doesn’t mind it. 🙂 I wanted to share the recipe I’ve been using. It’s super easy and fast to make. It takes about 1 minute of prep time and simply chills in the fridge overnight until he’s ready for breakfast.


Ingredients:

1/3 cup of rolled oats (certified gluten free)
1 tbl of chia seeds
1 heaping tablespoon of your choice of nut butter (I’ve been using my homemade nut butter)
1/2 tsp (less or more) of maple syrup
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup of nut based milk

Method:

To a jar add your oats, chia and nut butter. Then add your spice and maple syrup and then finally, add the milk. Stir well to combine and soften up the nut butter and blend. Add your lid and store in the fridge for at least 6-8 hours. Stir and blend again. Add your favorite toppings like nuts, seeds, Hemp hearts, flax, more nut butter or fruit of your choice.




Add as little or as much maple syrup as you prefer.

You can easily prep a few of these for the week and store in the fridge for easy grab and go breakfast. Hope you enjoy!


— Knead to Cook

Double chocolate Chobani muffins. Vegan. GF.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fruit, Gluten Free, Holiday, Holiday Baking Ideas, Muffins, Product Review., Quick Bread, Sponsored, Valentine's Day, Vegan, Wheat Free, Yogurt, Your Life Edit Foundations 2 Comments

Hello dear friends! A few years ago, I worked extensively with my favorite yogurt brand, Chobani but then I migrated to my plant-based diet. With that, I moved away from dairy based yogurt and that included Chobani. Well, much to my wonderful surprise, they reached out to me a few weeks ago asking if I would be interested in trying their new plant-based yogurt… ummm hell yes please & thank you! Well it arrived last week, amidst my crazy work schedule, and I couldn’t wait to try it & bake with it.

The yogurt and drinkable yogurts are coconut-based. They aren’t overly sweet yet perfectly balanced. The flavor options are heavenly and seriously, this is the best plant based yogurt I’ve eaten yet! They didn’t disappoint.

So today, being a day off, I jumped at creating a new recipe using their yogurt. First, the flavors are insanely awesome! I’m obsessed. Elated. In love. Smitten. You get the point. Then I baked this recipe up & the muffins are so moist and soft. Packed with healthy goodness. Seriously, these aren’t going to last very long. I hope you get to try these as soon as you locate some vegan Chobani in your area.

Ingredients:
Wet ingredients…
2 flax eggs (2 tbl ground flax meal plus 6 til water – mixed & allowed to sit for 8-10 minutes)
2 medium, spotty bananas
1 container of vanilla Chobani vegan yogurt
1/4 cup of maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry ingredients…
2 cups of oat flour, gluten free
2 tbl of raw cacao powder
2 tsp of ground cinnamon
1.5 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 pinch of salt (1/8 tsp)
By hand: Add 1/3 cup or more of vegan chocolate chips

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Spray your muffin wells or use liners. Into you stand mixer, paddle attached, add your flax eggs, bananas, Chobani yogurt, syrup and extract. Blend well. Then add your oat flour (blend oats in your blender until a flour is achieved), cacao, cinnamon, baking powder, soda and salt. Blend again until incorporated. By hand, blend your chocolate chips. Spoon into your prepared muffin pan. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Allow to cool completely for 15 minutes.


Drinkable and conventional dairy free yogurts are brand new from Chobani.


The yogurt I used in this recipe.


Thanks Chobani for sending me this epic care package. I wholeheartedly love this yogurt and plan on enjoying this often. I haven’t found this in any local stores yet but I’m keeping my eyes peeled.

-ox


— Knead to Cook

The BEST Cheesy Tofu Scramble. Vegan and GF.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Easter, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Holiday, Tofu, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

Bill & I went to a vegan diner in Philly a few months ago & dubbed their tofu scramble the best we’ve ever eaten… ever!  The Tasty remains one of our favorites to hit up when we have a day off.  Inspired by their tofu scramble, each Sunday, post workout, we would work on perfecting our tofu scramble and this recipe is IT!

I’m so excited to share this very cheesy and delectable scramble with you all.  Warm, satisfying and oh so decadent.  Cannot wait to hear your reviews!  

Ingredients:

One container of sprouted tofu (see the pic of my absolute favorite brand)
Drizzle of olive oil for your pan
1/2 of a medium yellow onion, diced
1 small jalapeño, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
Chopped tomato (I used 8 cherry tomatoes halved)
2 cups of baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped
1/4 cup of Nutritional Yeast
1/2 cup of freshly grated Daiya cheddar 

Sauce mixture:
1/2 tsp of Celtic or Himalayan salt
1 tsp of each:  garlic powder, cumin, turmeric and smoked paprika
1/4 tsp of chili powder
Pinch of red pepper flakes
4 tbl of water to make the sauce

Topping:
Fresh cilantro

Method:

Add a few drizzles of olive oil to your cast iron pan over medium heat.  Promptly add your onion, jalapeño & bell pepper.  Sauté until softened (about 4 minutes).  Prepare your spices in a bowl and set aside.  

To add your tofu, remove from package and drain.  No need to press it.  Then start to crumble the tofu (see pics below) into the pan.  Cook for about 6 or 7 minutes until the water from the tofu evaporates.  

Take your spice mixture and add water. Whisk until it a sauce-like consistency (thicker) and pour over the tofu.  Stir to combine and allow to cook for another few minutes.  In the meantime, grate your cheese.  Then add that and the nutritional yeast to the pan.  Stir thoroughly.  Add your spinach & tomatoes cook until wilted.  Top with fresh cilantro and promptly devour.  Enjoy!




    — Knead to Cook

    Vegan Eggnog Bread with a Spiced Rum Glaze.

    by Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Holiday, Holiday Baking Ideas, Lucy Let's Go Post, Quick Bread, Snacks, Sponsored, Vegan 14 Comments

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    Eggnog bread was a creation of mine from about 15 years ago-  long before I was plant based or an athlete.  Truth be told, it was my go-to holiday food gift for friends/teachers & neighbors for years.  Everyone I shared it with clamored over the flavor and moist texture of this treat.  Plus, it was a nice disparity from the sea of cookies everyone had in their kitchen.  You can find the original, vegetarian recipe here.

    As time has passed, I’ll admit, I hadn’t made this treat in several years.  Going plant-based, I never quite found an equal counterpart to a traditional eggnog until now.  I’ve tried this recipe with several vegan eggnogs and I found success with most brands.  I’ve suggested the versions below, in the recipe, that worked best in my opinion.  I prefer to make small loaves for gifting.  They are the perfect size and let’s face it, most people are drowning in other holiday sweets & treats.  However, this recipe would work perfectly in a regular size loaf pan.

    This recipe can be subbed out with traditional products like butter and eggnog but I wanted to take a healthier approach as much as possible while keeping with the integrity of my original recipe. I hope you give this recipe a try.  Also perfect on Christmas morning amidst the wrapping paper flying and children giggling for a fun and easy breakfast or brunch idea.

    Happy holidays!

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    — Knead to Cook

    Banana Walnut Oatmeal Bars. Vegan. GF.

    by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Cookies, Gluten Free, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

    I’m always making a treat of the week for my family.  You know, those little goodies that hang out on a platter or cake stand during the week that serve as breakfast on-the-go, a snack, dessert or whatever!  Lately I’ve been making some fun coffee cakes (vegan and gf) but this week I wanted to do bars.  I was inspired by So Vegan   and did my own take on these bars.  They are packed with carbs, fiber, protein, omegas and healthy fats.  Great satiating treat during the crazy holiday weeks ahead!  I hope you enjoy them.  

    Ingredients:

    2 bananas, medium sized, peeled and mashed
    1 3/4 cup of rolled oats, gluten free certified
    1/4 cup of pepitas
    1/3 cup of chopped walnuts
    1/4 cup of hemp hearts 
    4 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
    Pinch of salt
    3/4 cup of creamy almond butter
    4 tbl maple syrup or agave 
    3 tbl of oil – walnut, olive, coconut or pumpkin work nicely

    Method:

    Into a large bowl, mash your peeled bananas.  Then add your oats, pipits, walnuts and hemp hearts.  Pit and chop your dates.  Add them to the bowl along with a pinch (1/4 tsp) pink Himalayan salt.  Mix to combine.  Into a saucepan over low/medium heat, add your almond butter, syrup and oil.  Bring to a simmer and whisk to combine.  Remove from the heat and pour over your oat mixture.  Mix to incorporate.  

    Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Line your 9×9 baking sheet with parchment paper.  Spray with oil. Pour in your mixture and level with a spoon.  Bake for 40-45 minutes.  Remove and allow to cool completely before slicing.  Enjoy!

    Optional idea:  Top the mixture before baking with additional nuts, chocolate chip or seeds.  

    Enjoy! 


    — Knead to Cook

    Dragonfruit Protein Smoothie. Vegan.

    by Filed Under: Breakfast, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Smoothies, Sponsored, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free 2 Comments

    Happy August friends! Yes, I’ve been on a bit of a blogging hiatus lately since starting to work outside the home, taking my oldest back to college and training.  No excuses though, I’m back with a fun summery protein smoothie.  I love protein smoothies post training session or even for dinner with these very hot temperatures lately.  Great way to get your protein and fiber into your diet!  Plus this color?  I love it.  I will admit my smoothies are typically a lovely shade of green/gray due to all the veggies I pack in.  Fear not, these are veggie free but still so good for you.  Shall we get started?
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    — Knead to Cook

    Zucchini banana muffins. Vegan and gluten free.

    by Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Gift ideas, Gluten Free, Muffins, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free 3 Comments

    Vegan & gluten free zucchini banana muffins.

    After harvesting a behemoth zucchini from our garden this week… I quickly pondered a new recipe idea to use it up fast. I love to add zucchini to my smoothies, yes – it’s perfect for adding bulk and fiber without a ton of flavor to smoothies.  But I always have muffins, bars or cookies on my counter for grab and go snacking so I opted for muffins.  These muffins are so moist, not overly sweet and very filling.

    Zucchini is a great veggie to sneak into food without kid-detectives seeing or tasting it.  It’s virtually flavorless.  Okay, so let’s get on with it.  See below for pics and the recipe.  Enjoy!

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    — Knead to Cook

    Pumpkin Protein Pancakes. Vegan. Gluten Free.

    by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gluten Free, Holiday, Holiday Baking Ideas, Lucy Let's Go Post, Vegan, Vegan proteins 7 Comments

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    I know, it’s summer Robin (or almost) but the one ingredient I never stop using is pumpkin! Pumpkin is chock full of vitamins and is very low calorie.  Vitamin A, potassium and antioxidant rich.  Plus vitamin C & fiber which help promote a healthy blood pressure & heart.  So many benefits in this vibrant-colored ingredient.  Plus along with everything else that grows, it has protein.  Protein!  Never has one ingredient been so controversial for people.  If you’re vegan like me – the typical question is… “Where do you get your protein?” to “How much is necessary in a diet?”  At the vegfest this weekend…. this was a very popular question on the panel I was speaking on.

    So how much protein do I need?

    The US Department of Agriculture recommends that all men and women over the age of 19 should get at least 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day (or 0.37 grams per pound). That means a woman who is 130 pounds should get at least 48 grams of protein but some recommend 70-80 grams if you’re athletic.  Depending on your daily activities, you still may not be getting enough to help your muscles recover from your workouts.

    If you get too little protein, you can suffer from fatigue, weakness or muscle loss. Your metabolism slows down and you put yourself at risk of gaining weight. It also weakens your immune system. This breakfast can be made ahead on the weekend so that you can refrigerate or freeze them and defrost as needed.  Plus this makes a perfect quick & healthy breakfast for your kids too.  And let’s face it… homemade trumps store-bought daily.  These are vegan & gluten free.

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    — Knead to Cook