Cabot Fit Team

Cabot Cheddar Spiced Up Crackers.

April 17, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Appetizers, Cabot Fit Team, Cheese, Easter, Gluten Free, Snacks, Vegetarian, Wheat Free 3 Comments

Tonight we are hosting an impromptu casual dinner with friends. When I’m in a rush to throw something together, I always turn to easy recipes that I know are failsafe. Plus, I make a variety of foods because not everyone can eat everything. Allergies seem to be more and more prevalent as I’m discovering. One of our guests is allergic to nuts and one is has a gluten allergy so I’m making a fun springy arugula salad with fresh strawberries & pears, these spiced up Cabot cheddar crackers and baguettes I picked up at a local bakery to pair up with my pesto made without nuts. I’m also making some brown rice pasta which is gluten free.

These crackers are super easy to make and you can make them ahead of time – which helps when multi-tasking. These are also great as leftovers, stored in an airtight container for breakfast the next day or for lunch. Great also with soup!
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— Knead to Cook

Coconut Mango Green Recovery Smoothie.

April 10, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Cabot Fit Team, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, No bake/cooking required!, Raw, Running/Races, Smoothies, Vegan, Vegetarian, Vitamix, Wheat Free 1 Comment

I’ve been drinking a lot of smoothies lately. They are so much easier on busy nights when I have board meetings, swim open house or doc appointments or for a quick lunch. This smoothie is one of my favorites. I also love to make this after a run, like this morning, to help rebuild muscles and let my body recover after training. I then eat my oatmeal a bit after – allowing my body’s efforts to tackle healing muscles versus digesting a big breakfast post run.

This smoothie is totally dairy free (as I’ve mentioned, I’ve been experimenting with my daughter’s diet removing dairy and gluten) and I’m amazed at how in 3 days the difference I’m seeing! More on that later. This also makes a great breakfast or snack. Packed with protein! Tastes incredibly tropical – which is a good thing any time of day. My daughter loves smoothies for breakfast because she doesn’t have a big appetite first thing in the morning but knows she needs nutrient dense food to keep her mind and body going till lunch. This is a great option, especially for those kids who shy away from veggies. I promise – they will love this one!

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— Knead to Cook

Rain. Race plans. Running & Saucony sneaker review.

March 30, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Cabot Fit Team, Fitness., Product Review., Running/Races 1 Comment

This has been our view all weekend long (not complaining because it isn’t snow) but it is that kind of weekend where you just want to curl up and read and watch good movies under a blanket. Yesterday, I had taken a rest day for my legs because I was planning on doing a race today and to go car shopping with my husband. By the evening, post church service, I checked the weather and had seen the outlook becoming more dismal. The rains/winds hadn’t let up and were slated to get worse today (as they have) so I pulled the plug on my plans to travel this morning to run outdoors and replaced that with a run at the gym. I’m also fighting a lovely cold that my husband so generously shared with me and I knew what my best option was for a quick recovery so I can continue training and not get pneumonia. I’ve run 4-5 half marathons in the rain and they aren’t fun. End. Of. Story! Sometimes logic need to win out.

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— Knead to Cook

Spring training. Allergy season. Running and snow?

March 25, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Cabot Fit Team, Fitness., My story., Running/Races 2 Comments

I admit, I’m confused. I sit here and it’s supposed to be spring… the weekend was lovely and warm and now we have a pending snow storm? Tonight! I think in all actuality it is supposed to only be a dusting or an inch but really?? The calendar claims spring and honestly the winter has just been brutal. Most of us have had enough. Well my training continues and apparently now allergies, amidst the pending snow, have started. Pollen count is nice and high and my husband, youngest and myself all feel like we’re dragging, foggy and just blah. Regardless, the training must continue despite me wanting to stay in bed at 4:30 a.m. versus getting dressed and trudging to the gym but I do. I alternate my run days with weights/cardio/abs so that was yesterday. Today meant a run. I’m rushing to get my 100 miles in for the FitFluential 100 mile challenge for March. I did do it for February and that was a shorter month so this should be easy, right? Ha. I’m now up to 85.95 miles at 11:07:30 time. If I knew I was so close to 86 I would’ve run it today but the totals come after my run was over. Two more runs this week and I’ll be there. I’m tossing around a race this weekend, just hoping my “fog” lifts and I find some good energy before I sign up.

Wearing: Mizuno Wave Rider 16, Lucy endurance capris, Garmin 620 running watch, Jawbone UP 24 band.

That’s it from here. I’m off to start working in the kitchen.

Sweat daily.

~Robin

— Knead to Cook

Irish Chocolate Mint Smoothie and Rock Climbing Adventures.

March 17, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Beverages, Cabot Fit Team, Fitness., Gluten Free, Smoothies, Vegetarian, Vitamix, Wheat Free, Yogurt Leave a Comment

We had such a fun Sunday… or Funday! I’ve been so anxious to tryout a local rock climbing facility with the family. Most of us are adventurous, my oldest daughter is the more sensible, cautious kid. So I figured this was a good challenge for all of us… never having done anything to these heights before. This place was amazing and we had the best time! Life does start outside your comfort zone! Once you let go of your fears, it’s amazing what you can achieve – mind over matter. Even my oldest said how much fun it was letting go of her control. I agree as I’m totally the type A personality… control is everything or so I thought.

We came home to my version of a healthy Irish (in honor of St. Patty’s Day) mint chocolate smoothie. Protein to rebuild muscles used to scale “rocks” was a good thing! Would be a fun breakfast idea on the go too!
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— Knead to Cook

Tex Mex Casserole. Vegan and Vegetarian options.

March 14, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Brunch, Cabot Fit Team, Cheese, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Mexican, Party Foods, Vegan, Vegetarian, Wheat Free 13 Comments

I’ve been a long time fan of the blog Oh She Glows – Angela is a pioneer in the world of vegan blogging. She has been very open about her food struggles and successes and her first cookbook is wildly successful and fabulous. My husband bought this for me and I’m determined to work my way through many of the recipes and share them with you. I think so many people fear the word vegan thinking that food is crazy, bland, boring, cardboard-like, tofu or something disgusting and that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Plus each recipe can be customized to you and your family’s preference.

I made this recipe yesterday and it came together quite fast. My oldest is going through lifeguard training and she tries to eat earlier because she hates to have a full stomach while swimming (which I can understand). I had this in the oven and it only took about 15 minutes to finish up. From there I set my oven to the warm setting and served it as my family arrived home for dinner. For my youngest, who isn’t a fan of cheese, I left it vegan – for my father and husband I added shredded Cabot hot jalapeño cheddar and some diced avocado. Totally customizable!

This recipe is based on Oh She Glow’s Tex Mex Casserole but with my interpretation.

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— Knead to Cook

Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup.

March 10, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Cabot Fit Team, Gluten Free, Soups, Vegetarian, Vitamix, Wheat Free 2 Comments

Perfect Meatless Monday dinner idea! I actually created this soup recipe because I purchased a huge bag of organic broccoli florets and had to use them up as the expiration date was getting near. This soup took me minutes, YES minutes to whip up. With no added heavy cream or half and half necessary! I used my favorite Cabot Cheddar cheese and served it up in bread bowls (sourdough of course) for a fun twist. My kids always seem to eat more soup when its served in bread bowls. Plus easy clean up! This soup makes a wonderful lunch idea for the next day as the flavors develop more in the refrigerator overnight.

The day after daylight savings, you’re exhausted from losing an extra hour of sleep – try this recipe. Avoid the drive-thru or fast food restaurant because you don’t have time or the effort today. I promise that you will be thankful you did!

Happy Monday!
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— Knead to Cook

Healthy granola bars.

March 3, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Cabot Fit Team, Cookies, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fruit, Gluten Free, Holiday, Holiday Baking Ideas, Nuts, Snacks, Vegetarian, Wheat Free 7 Comments

It’s Monday and it’s the start of a brand new month. I’m excited… why? Well, we dodged a rather bad snow storm (sorry to my friends south of us who weren’t so lucky). My training is going very well and I’m feeling stronger and stronger. And despite life not being perfect, I see glimmers of hope and promise of wonderful things in the future.

As Monday comes, I always start baking or creating snacks for my kids and family to snack on all week. Fruit and veggies are always at hand but let’s face it… grab a tea or coffee and a baked good or treat, right? Yes! Dessert. After-school snacking? Of course. I always try to put the best options forward and this is no different. We all train hard and need to rebuild and refuel. This snack does that and it makes a lot so you are covered for a week of snacking.

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— Knead to Cook

Tropical Green Monster Smoothie.

February 27, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Beverages, Cabot Fit Team, Fruit, Gluten Free, No bake/cooking required!, Smoothies, St. Patrick's Day, Vegan, Vegetarian, Vitamix, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

As most of the U.S. is now covered with yet another polar vortex (I cannot tell you how much I despise that phrase), my kitchen is springing me forward with thoughts of warmer weather. I’ve been inundating myself with tons of fresh fruit (even frozen) for my smoothies and they totally give my body a much needed Vitamin C boost and fool my tastebuds into thinking of spring and even summer. Mangoes are priced so low at the grocery store, I can’t stop buying them and eating several per day. The color, the flavor… undeniably good and great for you!

Channel your inner tropical and travel to a tasty tastebud vacation… so necessary after a super long winter! I will give you a few options below in the recipe. I made this tonight as an immune booster as two of the five members of my family are sick and prefer to stay on the healthy team.

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— Knead to Cook

Running. Training. And the Cabot Fit Team 2014.

February 13, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Cabot Fit Team, Life., Running/Races 4 Comments

I’m so honored and excited to announce that I’ll be representing Cabot Fit Team for another year and running in the Keybank Vermont City Marathon this May. As an avid runner and health fanatic, I love representing Cabot! As a company, their philosophy embodies everything I support. They utilize local farmers for their incredible products. The farmers are small, know their cattle and love what they do. We had a wonderful opportunity to meet one of the farmer’s last year and I still cherish that opportunity. Their cows are named and treated like valuable members of their family – not just a number like in larger, corporate farms.

Cabot also supports bloggers who have a passion for fitness. You can read more about the Cabot Fit Team for 2014 with their press release by clicking here. Last year we ran the Beach to Beacon Race in Maine and I have to admit, that experience, meeting new friends and Olympians, exploring a new state, running an incredible race and experiencing the hospitality of Cabot was one of the most cherished experiences. Along with some returning teammates from last year – we’re excited to add some fresh faces. Can’t wait to meet you all in person!

Kelly from http://www.kellytheculinarian.com
Carissa from http://www.fit2flex.com
Joanne from http://joanne-eatswellwithothers.com
Marlow from http://www.glutenhatesme.com
Nicole from http://www.preventionrd.com

And returning Cabot Fit Teammates:

Carolyn from http://alldayidreamaboutfood.com
Katie from http://www.healthyseasonalrecipes.com
Kristina from http://www.loveandzest.com

I hope you get a chance to check out all of these awesome, healthy bloggers and share some love. They are all great inspirations for fitness and clean eating… I’m honored to represent alongside them!

I love training in the winter, admittedly I’m not a fan of running in the heat. I run early mornings – like 5 am because I totally dig the peace and quiet of the world. Yes, I know, some people just don’t get it. I pray, I meditate and I get into my own head and sort things out. Sometimes I just run and don’t think. But there is something quite peaceful when it’s dark… and the hustle and bustle hasn’t quite started yet. Lately due to the horrendous winter we’ve been experiencing, I’ve been relegated to the treadmill at my gym for my runs. I’ve been progressing right along and will continue to blog more about that. Now let the training continue… at least on the treadmill (because winter may never end).

— Knead to Cook