Knead to Cook

Food & fitness obsessed girl.

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Verde. Vegan. GF.

by Filed Under: 4th of July/Patriotic, Appetizers, Breakfast, Brunch, Chili, Condiments, Gluten Free, Grilling/Rubs/Sauces, Mexican, Party Foods, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vegetarian, Vitamix 3 Comments

 

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Roasted tomatillo salsa verde.  If you’re anything like me, different foods at the grocery store are intriguing but  not enough to get me to purchase.  Tomatillos are that to me.  I always marvel at how adorable they are but I never manage to actually purchase them.  This week I was feeling a bit more courageous, I suppose, and grabbed about 2 lbs of them thinking I would make some salsa verde.  I love salsa and pride myself on my Italian/Mexican salsa that my friends and family clamor for… so why not take a stab at this version.

This recipe is pretty easy but a bit more time consuming than traditional salsa.  The flavor is also vastly different – more on the sweet/slightly bitter side.  Totally different but absolutely lovely.  Looking forward to having this beautiful salsa on my taco bar Tuesday for my family to try.  What kind of salsa is your favorite?  I would love to know.
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— Knead to Cook

Kale and herb hummus. V. GF.

by Filed Under: Beans, Breakfast, Condiments, Dips, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, No bake/cooking required!, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vegetarian, Vitamix, Wheat Free 2 Comments

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This kale & herb hummus embodies all things summer. I love making hummus because it’s one of those recipes that is protein-packed (thanks to the mighty chickpea) and it’s so adaptable.  You can use whatever herbs you have growing in your garden or picked up from your local farm stand or market.

We use hummus on sandwiches, in lieu of a spread, for snacking and my personal favorite – as a salad topper instead of dressing.  I absolutely love it and it’s a wonderful avenue to eating more greens and beans. But you may not be convinced.  Many people still believe kale is merely a garnish but you’ve heard all the hype surrounding this veggie.  Kale has so many health benefits for the body.  Just take a look:

Kale is…

~Excellent source of iron
~Vitamins A, C & K
~Packed with fiber – helps to detox the body
~Omega 3’s which help reduce inflammation in the body due to arthritis/training
~Reduces cholesterol
~Wonderful calcium source for vegans
~Protein

… but you don’t care for the fibrous texture, well this recipe will convert you.  Blending kale into smoothies and hummus make it much easier to eat for picky palates.  Plus, this is a great way to incorporate healthier options into your diet.  So let’s get to it!
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— Knead to Cook

Avocado Cilantro Taco Sauce. V. GF.

by Filed Under: Appetizers, Brunch, Condiments, Dips, Dressings, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fruit, Gluten Free, No bake/cooking required!, Nuts, Running/Races, Salads, Salsas & Guacamole, Sauces, Side dish, Vegan, Vinaigrette, Vitamix, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

 

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Yep.  It’s not Taco Tuesday yet hump day. I know but don’t really care because I’m in a mood for tacos.  Truthfully, I’ve been craving avocados a lot lately.  So tonight we will have walnut meat (recipe coming) tacos with this sauce that will have you drooling at first bite.  Avocados: provide nearly 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B-vitamins, and folic acid. They also act as a “nutrient booster” by enabling the body to absorb more fat-soluble nutrients, such as alpha and beta-carotene and lutein, in foods that are eaten with the fruit. They are a powerhouse and really should be consumed every single day in my humbled opinion.

This chunkier sauce can be made spicy, medium or mild.  Can be thinned out for a dressing for salads.  It serves as the perfect dip in lieu of your typical guac.  Heavenly… period.  And the best part – whips up in seconds.
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— Knead to Cook

Creamy Vegan Cheese Sauce or Dip. Gluten Free.

by Filed Under: Brunch, Condiments, Dips, Dressings, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Holiday, Nuts, Party Foods, Pasta, Raw, Side dish, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free, Your Life Edit Foundations 3 Comments

Creamy Vegan Cheese Sauce or Dip. Gluten Free.

Creamy Vegan Cheese Sauce or Dip. Gluten Free.

Ever since my daughter has gone dairy-free, about a year now, she’s craved mac n cheese.  She’s never really been a big fan of it prior to but I’ve tried many recipes, created an equal amount of recipes until now.  She gave this one a big two thumbs up!  In fact my husband was also a huge fan – much to her chagrin.  I need to get on soaking more cashews to make another batch of this for her.

This recipe is a great start but I always encourage you to sample and adjust seasonings to achieve the perfect final product.  This is packed with flavor – trust me!  We aren’t afraid of spice in my house but proceed cautiously if you don’t like spicy foods and omit things that you have concerns about.  This sauce is perfectly creamy and quite heavenly.  It is the best vegan creamy “cheese” sauce I’ve ever made or tasted.  I hope you enjoy it.

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— Knead to Cook

Easy Pickled Carrots and Jalapeños. Vegan. GF.

by Filed Under: Appetizers, Breakfast, Brunch, Condiments, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gift ideas, Gluten Free, No bake/cooking required!, Party Foods, Raw, Running/Races, Side dish, Vegan, Wheat Free 1 Comment

Easy Pickled Carrots and Jalapeños. Vegan. GF.

Easy Pickled Carrots and Jalapeños. Vegan. GF.

I don’t know about you but I’m a huge pickle fan!  Actually anything (or almost) I could devour.  These are great for an appetizer board with other veggies/dips for summer parties.  Great with sandwiches or veggie burgers.  You can use whatever vegetables you prefer in this recipe too.  Cauliflower works great!  Fix it and forget it.  The longer they sit the better the flavors develop.  I created this recipe with my running guru as my inspiration…. I hope you love these x444.
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— Knead to Cook

Hemp Seed and Harissa Hummus. Vegan. Gluten Free.

by Filed Under: 4th of July/Patriotic, Beans, Brunch, Condiments, Fitness., Gluten Free, Holiday, Party Foods, Running/Races, Sauces, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free 7 Comments

Hemp Seed and Harissa Hummus. Vegan. Gluten Free.

Hemp Seed and Harissa Hummus. Vegan. Gluten Free.

Memorial weekend starts tomorrow!  What?!  Okay I didn’t see it coming.  Seriously I think I live in a bubble.  It’s a problem.  I better on get on inviting some friends over and grilling up some food, fire pit prep for s’mores – fun summer activities may commence.  With that… I always love to make dips and spreads that can be made ahead of time and be ready to go.  This recipe is perfect for sandwich spread, dip for veggies/crackers or pitas or I add hummus to may salads in lieu of dressing.

If you haven’t been acquainted with hemp seeds – you need to get them.  They are a natural blend of easily digested proteins, essential fats (Omegas 3 & 6), Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), antioxidants, amino acids, fiber, iron, zinc, carotene, phospholipids, phytosterols, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin D, vitamin E, chlorophyll, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, copper, potassium, phosphorus, and enzymes.

Harissa is a Tunisian hot chili pepper paste the main ingredients of which are roasted red peppers, serrano peppers and other hot chili peppers and spices and herbs such as garlic paste, coriander seed, or caraway as well as some vegetable or olive oil for preservation.  I had a jar that I got at Target – mild in spice level and I thought it would be fun to add it to the hummus for a different flavor than the traditional.

Chickpeas are an an excellent vegan and gluten-free source of protein and fiber, chickpeas also contain high levels of iron, vitamin B-6 and magnesium.

I want to show the benefits to the foods you eat.  I think the more educated you are regarding food choices, the better choices you will make in the long run.  Knowledge is power.

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— Knead to Cook

Grilling with Colavita. Vegan.

by 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…
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— Knead to Cook

Kira’s Buffalo Wing Hummus. Vegan. Gluten Free.

by Filed Under: Appetizers, Beans, Brunch, Condiments, Fitness., Gluten Free, Holiday, Party Foods, Running/Races, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

KIra's Buffalo Wing Sauce. Vegan. Gluten Free.

KIra’s Buffalo Wing Sauce. Vegan. Gluten Free.

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!  Are you hosting a party?  Attending a party?  Or is it an low key party with family at your house?   We’re the latter.  I think my daughter’s boyfriend is coming over but other than that… I probably won’t make the whole game.  More on that later.

Today I made a big batch of vegan chili to simmer all day.  My youngest, Kira, wanted to make my father and husband a snack as a thank you for all of the hard work in her room this weekend.  I’ll spare you the details on that.  She came up with a buffalo wing hummus and it turned it out great!  I normally don’t post on Sunday but I had to get this one up in honor of the the national holiday of Super Bowl Sunday.

Super easy and fast to make and you control the heat.  Perfect Super Bowl, healthy dish that packs that reminiscent flavor of wings.  Happy Sunday! [Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce. Vegan.

by Filed Under: Brunch, Condiments, Dips, Easter, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gluten Free, Nuts, Party Foods, Pasta, Running/Races, Salads, Sauces, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vinaigrette, Vitamix 2 Comments

Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce. Vegan.

Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce. Vegan. Knead to Cook.

You don’t have to give up rich, creamy sauces when opting to eat a vegan diet.  This sauce would rival any dairy cream sauce but is a healthier, protein-packed version.  I made this sauce to top pasta but it could easily be used for a dip for veggies, crackers or chips.  My husband also used this as a spread on his sandwiches.  You an even top your salad greens with it.  The uses are endless.  You adjust the spices so it is totally customizable.  Meatless Monday just got a whole lot easier. Prep this sauce (soaking your cashews) and store in the fridge all week and use in various ways throughout the week.
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— Knead to Cook