Knead to Cook

Food & fitness obsessed girl.

Buckwheat and Hemp Encrusted French Toast.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Easter, Egg dishes, Gluten Free, Grilling, Valentine's Day, Vegetarian 1 Comment

IMG_2379

I’m very excited and honored to be an ambassador for the Whole Grain Council.  I partnered with them because whole grains are apart of a heart healthy diet.  They aren’t only healthy but they also taste great!  As a mom, I incorporate whole grains into my family’s diet each day from gluten free oats to quinoa, kamut and freekah.  I was not financially compensated for this ambassadorship and do it happily because I believe in the power of whole grains in a diet.  As a vegetarian, I eat many whole grains to fuel my very active life and my recovery from aggressive workouts. 

This recipe is super fun and a great way to get more healthy ingredients into your kids/family without them really paying attention to the ingredients.  This crunchy French Toast is great topped with fresh fruit or yogurt.  My kids devoured it!  Perfect weekend breakfast and leftovers store well in the fridge for quick weekday breakfast for on the go families.

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Cookies. Gluten Free.

by Filed Under: Brunch, Cookies, Easter, Gluten Free, Party Foods, Snacks, Vegetarian, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

IMG_2272

Every once in a while I throw in some chocolate cookies for good measure.  There is just something inherently right about chocolate.  And there are many health benefits to dark chocolate so I count this as a good-for-you food!  It just makes the world right again! Ha.   Well I made these gluten free, flour-less and gluten free.  I bought some Peanut Butter & Co. Dark Chocolate Dreams on sale and thought it would be fun in this recipe.  My kids loved it.  Easy to make, whipping up in minutes.  Bake really quickly and are the perfect match to a glass of cold milk.  Once again, chocolate saves the day!

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Sprouted bean veggie salad.

by Filed Under: Brunch, Easter, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Side dish, Vegan, Vegetarian, Wheat Free 1 Comment

IMG_2202

I found this spouted bean trio at my local Costco several months ago and snapped it up.  I’m always on the hunt for a good source of protein and iron with my vegetarian diet.  I’ve subsequently found this in many other grocery stores etc.  These beans can be used in a salad, as I did or in soups or stews.  Taco fillings, mixed with quinoa, stuffing or in a casserole.  They are so versatile and quite delicious taking on the flavors that you infuse in them.  Would also be fun in summer salad with some citrus and cilantro!  (Will be working on that one.)

Beans are a great alternative to eating meat or if you’re looking to add more protein to your diet.  Also packed with fiber and iron – they are a superfood in my book.  Best to locate these in the organic section of your grocery store, health food store or Costco type of warehouse venue.  You can also sub out these sprouted beans for dried or canned beans that I would mix (black, kidney, garbanzo etc.).  This salad could replace your traditional pasta salad at your next brunch or buffet. Perfect for an Easter brunch too or summer salad.

This dressing that I used on this salad is also wonderful on a traditional salad.  Combining a great quality balsamic with my favorite Dijon mustard Maille just puts this over the top with flavor!

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Brown Rice Krispy Treats. Clean Eating.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Easter, Gluten Free, Holiday, St. Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day, Vegan, Vegetarian Leave a Comment

IMG_1749

Valentine’s Day is this Friday and I’ll admit, I don’t get caught up in all of the pomp and circumstance like I used to.  I know that sounds really lame but I like to think that I show my husband and family love throughout the year and not on one special day.  Please no hate emails!  I will make a special dinner at home, quiet and low key.  I found the cutest gifts for my girls in January that I’m actually excited to give to them and my husband… my rock!  I got him several pieces of Lululemon summer shorts/tees on sale and already gave it to him.  Ha.  I’m pathetic- yes I know.    

With Valentine’s ready to go to school for my youngest, I did want to whip up a fun treat for my family to enjoy without tons of junk in them.  So I thought of what was gooey and sticky and would work to grab ahold of these fun X and O sprinkles I had on hand.  Rice Krispy treats!  Perfect!  Also, with the frigid temps we have… they would set up in seconds outside… and that’s exactly what they did!  My daughter gobbled two down on the way home from school.  Super cute!  Super yummy and PROTEIN packed!  Now there is something to LOVE {swoon}.

Customize these to your holiday or event.  Would be perfect shaped like eggs for Easter, with green sprinkles for St. Patty’s Day.  Let your mind go wild with fun ideas!

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Whole Wheat Apple Bundt Cake with a vanilla drizzle.

by Filed Under: Brunch, Cakes, Desserts, Easter, Fruit, Holiday Baking Ideas, Party Foods, Snacks, Vegetarian 2 Comments

IMG_1634-3

One of my New Year’s resolutions was to host more gatherings, (even small ones) throughout the year.  I had planned on an intimate brunch with a few swim friends and booked/sent invites out early in January.  After much turmoil with my daughter’s health, endless testing down in Philadelphia – tears, uneasiness etc.,  the date finally came around and I looked forward to being surrounded by close swim friends (and many of my oldest daughter’s friends – my youngest was away) who have been an amazing support system for us.

I whipped up this cake, an old favorite recipe from years and years ago, on Saturday so that the dessert portion of the brunch menu was taken care of.  It turned out well and everyone loved it.  There is something about a cake filled with cinnamon and apples that always gets me.  Just feels so homey and comforting.  It was perfect and I whipped up a vanilla bean drizzle for the top.  Great make-ahead dessert for your next get-together or special occasion.

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Dark Chocolate Chia Pudding.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Easter, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Featured, Gluten Free, Holiday, No bake/cooking required!, Snacks, Valentine's Day, Vegan, Vegetarian, Wheat Free 7 Comments

IMG_1536

I’ve been a chocolate aficionado for a very long time.  It’s definitely one food passion of mine that I refuse to give up.  I’ve curbed back and definitely avoid sugar-laden desserts with my cleaner eating over the past 15 months so changes had to be made.  I needed to find better options to satisfy my love of chocolate.  My kids are the same.  They love chocolate.  One loves milk the other follows my passion for deep, dark, rich chocolate.  I’m not a fan of store-bought puddings filled with tons of sugar and other preservatives.  My option:  Make my own!  I’ve been making chia pudding for several years now.  In fact, way before the chia seed popularity took the world by storm.  My farmer’s market that I go to year round sells bags of chia for a great price and I began experimenting with it after reading about how nutritionally packed it was – how couldn’t I?

Last year I had the opportunity to travel to New England twice in only a few months and popped by King Arthur’s crazy fabulous store (both times) and my friend Jenny suggested I buy this deep, rich dark cocoa powder because it was the best.  I bought several bags and I concur, Jenny, my friend – you were right!  It makes this pudding over-the-top delectable.  My kids eat it for breakfast with a mashed banana mixed in.  It is so good and it curbs all of those chocolate-crazed moments in our lives (and yes, we all have many of them DAILY!).

I’ve also made this pudding with some powdered peanut butter mixed in as well for a peanut butter cup type of pudding.  I’ll add that suggestion below.

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Warm black truffle brussels sprouts salad.

by Filed Under: Brunch, Easter, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Nuts, Salads, Side dish, Vegan, Vegetarian, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

IMG_1261

I was meandering through the grocery store, pre-snow storm the other day and came across some beautiful brussel sprouts.  I bought a large container and wanted to shred them up and make a “slaw” with them.  My kids aren’t fans so I was on a mission to mix it up and try to camouflage them.  It worked, to a degree – one kid loved them, one still was steadfast on hating them.  The rest of the family loved them and I have to admit, I ate a rather large bowl for dinner.  The truffle oil just put this classic recipe over-the-top for me.  If you aren’t a fan or don’t have any on hand, I will give you an alternative in the recipe.

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Mini Chocolate Almond Butter Pies.

by Filed Under: Desserts, Easter, Holiday, Holiday Baking Ideas, Nuts, Party Foods, Snacks, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, Vegetarian 5 Comments

IMG_8095

I don’t think there is anyone on the planet that doesn’t love the chocolate/nut butter combination.  I’ve been working on some Thanksgiving menu ideas, as I host this holiday each year, and wanted to make some fun – different than the typical apple or pumpkin pie, portion-controlled desserts.  This way people can try a variety of desserts without overdoing it and being riddled with the holiday food regrets.  Plus, mini food that is totally poppable (is that even a word? ~ well it is now) into your mouth makes it even better.  These can made with homemade crust or store-bought if you’re in a pinch for time.  Whip up really fast and can definitely be made a day or two in advance.

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Oatmeal PB and Chocolate Chip Scones.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Cookies, Desserts, Easter, Snacks, Vegetarian 7 Comments

IMG_0020-2

After cuddling up  with my daughter to start reading a book authored by a dear friend, I decided to start my creative juices flowing in the kitchen.  It has been a crazy week!  So scones came to mind on this rainy day.  Healthy?  Well, I would definitely say these are MUCH healthier than the traditional scones that you buy at a local bake shop. I still used butter because I feel that it is an integral component of the recipe.  Other than that… I did keep it healthy using powdered organic peanut butter, dark chocolate is good for you and by using whole wheat flour.  As this recipe is cooling on my rack, it smells heavenly!  It even caused my youngest to pause and ask what I was baking.  Definitely a lovely treat with tea or for a weekend breakfast or mid-morning snack.

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Pesto egg a la baguette.

by Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Brunch, Cheese, Easter, Egg dishes, Holiday Baking Ideas, Party Foods, Vegetarian 8 Comments

IMG_8749

 

This is such an oldie but goodie recipe and I haven’t made it in about a year.  My family loves it for dinner and then for breakfast the next morning.  I added some leftover kale pistachio pesto (from last week) into the eggs – click here for that recipe and this was over the top.  The pesto adds so much flavor to the eggs it will make them unbelievable good.  Thankfully I made enough for leftovers this morning which made the start of the day seamless (love when that happens).

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook