Knead to Cook

Food & fitness obsessed girl.

Healthy Broccoli Slaw (no mayo).

by Filed Under: Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Holiday, Party Foods, Raw, Salads, Side dish, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vinaigrette, Wheat Free

My husband picked up a bag of broccoli slaw from Trader’s and I wanted to take a stab at a non-mayo (vegan, of course) version. I knew I wanted to pair this with a jackfruit carnitas sandwich and it was perfect! A nice crunchy cold side with a hot sammy.

Let’s get to it!

Ingredients:

1 bag of your favorite cole slaw or veggie slaw mix (I used broccoli)
1/4 cup of a good quality olive oil (you can use a scant amount and add a tablespoon of sesame oil if you prefer)
3-4 tablespoons of your chosen acid (lemon, lime juice or I used apple cider vinegar, champagne or even rice wine vinegar works)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional:
Add some fresh cilantro
sesame seeds (I garnished with that)
sliced jalapeños

Method:

I take a big bowl and make my dressing first, olive oil through salt/pepper. Whisk to combine. Then add your slaw mix and toss to coat. I allow this to rest and marinade in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours.

Before serving, toss again and garish as you please.



Enjoy!
~ox

— Knead to Cook

Whole Wheat Carob Chip Cookies. Vegan.

by Filed Under: Cookies, Holiday, Holiday Baking Ideas, Vegan

My friend was sharing a recipe with me and it turns out it is from one of my favorites Cookie and Kate (here is the original recipe). I modified it a bit and they came out perfectly! Plus using carob chips made this allergy-friendly for my sweet hubby who is allergic to chocolate! However, this recipe would clearly work beautifully with whatever chocolate chips you have on hand. They are the perfect soft and gooey on the inside, crunchy on the outside cookie. Heaven! Okay, less talking and more baking! Let’s go!

Ingredients:

1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup of all purpose (try to buy organic whenever possible for your flours)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 heaping tsp of course sea salt
1.5 cups of carob chips
3/4 cup organic white sugar
1/2 cup of coconut or brown sugar
1/2 cup plus 1 tbl of walnut oil (you can use coconut as well)
1/4 cup plus 2 tbl of water
Optional: top with sea salt before baking

Method:

Into a stand mixer, paddle attached, add your flours, baking powder and soda and salt. Blend to combine. Then add the remaining ingredients – I hold off and add the carob chips last. Blend until just incorporated.

Scoop onto a prepared cookie sheet (lined with a silpat liner) and freeze for about 20 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and once the cookies are chilled, bake for 16 minutes. Remove and allow to cool.

Enjoy!

Enjoy! ~ox

— Knead to Cook

Tahini Medjool Date Cookies. Vegan. Gluten free.

by Filed Under: Brunch, Cookies, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Holiday, Holiday Baking Ideas, Snacks, Vegan, Wheat Free

I was seeking & searching for a unique cookie. Bill was sick last weekend with bronchitis. We had a winter storm. I was tired of being stuck in the house so my go-to was reading alternating with baking. I found this recipe on Feasting with Fruit. I tweaked a bit and they were truly heavenly. Everyone loved them. A little bit savory with a hint of sweetness from the Medjool dates. The perfect combination.

This recipe made a lot of cookies, which was great for the week! I used a tiny scoop so it made about 36 cookies or so.

Ingredients:
2 cups of rolled oats
1/2 cup of oat flour
1/2 cup of almond meal
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp of salt
1 cup of tahini
1/2 cup of maple syrup
2 tsp vanilla extract or 1 tsp of almond extract
12 Medjool dates, pitted and roughly chopped
Sesame seeds for rolling, optional

Method:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line your baking sheet with a silpat or parchment paper.
Mix all of the dry ingredients together in a bowl.
Then in a separate bowl, mix your tahini through extract of choice.
Add the wet ingredients to dry and blend. Then proceed to add the dates.
Scoop out the cookie dough and roll into your sesame seeds and then place on to your baking sheet.
Bake for 11-12 minutes or until golden around the edges. Remove and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
I put under my cloche for one week or until devoured.

Hope you enjoy this recipe!

— Knead to Cook

Hearty Mung bean and lentil stew. Vegan. Gluten free.

by Filed Under: Beans, Gluten Free, Holiday, Indian-inspired., Soups, Stews, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free

Happy 2020! We’re kicking off the new year with a hearty, comforting stew that is perfect for meal prepping. Packed with fiber and protein -super satiating.

I apologize for the less than perfect images but I wasn’t expecting to love this stew as much as my entire family did and the weather has been less than desirable, cloudy and rainy, for a proper shoot. Regardless, ugly food that tastes great… I’m in for it.

Ingredients:

1 cups of mung beans
1 cup of green lentils
6 cups of veggie broth
2-3 cups of water (as needed)
6 cloves of garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion – chopped
1 can of full fat coconut milk
4 tbl of tomato paste
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
2 cups of frozen spinach

Method:

Into a larger Dutch oven, over medium heat, add your broth, mung beans and lentils. Cook uncovered for 40 minutes total. Every 10-12 minutes check and add water as needed. I added about 3 cups additionally. I wanted the soup to be more stew-like so closer to the end of cooking, I added less water.

While that’s cooking, add a drizzle of olive oil to a sauté pan and heat oven medium flame. Once hot add your onion and cook 4-6 minutes. Once golden, add your garlic and cook 2 additional minutes. Once done, turn off and add to your soup mixture once its done cooking (40 minutes).

After the 40 minutes, add your onions/garlic, coconut milk, paste and give that a good stir. Once the paste is blended well – add your frozen spinach and stir. I allowed that to cook for about 10 minutes. Taste and add salt/pepper. Serve immediately and leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freezing is also an option.

We served over brown rice with crusty bread accompaniment. It is the perfect hearty meal. It’s been on repeat as lunch and dinner for days here… cannot get enough.


Enjoy!


— Knead to Cook

Gift Guide Just for You!

by Filed Under: Gift ideas, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guides, Vegan

I own the green and a red one… these polartec fleece pullovers from J. Crew are giving me life & warmth this year! Seriously these will keep you warm and toasty at home, post gym or wherever!

Oh it must go back to my Catholic school days but I love a good plaid. These menswear-inspired pjs are super cozy, fabulous and let’s face it – perfect for the holidays. Just imagine copying up by the fire with a hot cacao or matcha in hand. Count me in!

If you know me, this gift idea for you just makes sense. I’m a sunglass addict. Period. If anyone ever needs helps… Ray Ban’s are my go-to. These I wear all the time and are a great basic for anyone. Brown gradient lenses. Partial frame. Gold metal. Perfection!

This vegan, Tarte eye palette is my staple. Lovely colors that work for day-to-day looks that can be amplified for a smoky eye too. I’ve had this since last Christmas and use it every single day.

I love my daily prayer book. It’s the best way for me to stop and reconnect, disconnect from my racing mind and re-center. This one is on my list for 2020!

And this little sweet silver necklace is perfection! It doesn’t break the bank and it’s silver so it will last forever. I think this is too sweet to pass up.

And that’s a wrap on my holiday gift guides! If you need more help please let me know because I feel like I’m on a gift guide roll 🙂

Lots of love.

— Knead to Cook

Gift guide for the pets.

by Filed Under: Gift ideas, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guides, Vegan

Love your Yeti? Your pup will too! Keep their water nice and cold all year round with this Yeti bowl. It comes in a variety of colors and is the perfect gift. For an extra bonus, fill that bowl up with a bag of holiday treats!

Nail trimmers are a must for dogs! This one works perfectly without terrifying Fido 🙂 Our dogs don’t mind this one at all v. the terror that is evoked when we go to the local per salon. Plus you can do their nails quickly because it’s electric.

This dog bed is very similar to our tempurpedic bed we bought for our beloved Samantha (Olive now uses it). Durable and so supportive for aging dog or cat joints. We keep ours in her crate and she loves it! Vacuums easily and is quite dense.

Let’s not forget the cat lovers out there! This toy is multi-levels of entertainment for your furry friend. Our cat, who is ancient, still loves playing with toys like this! Easy and fun for hours!

Getting the dog to sit patiently in the tub while you’re giving them a bath… yes, count me in! You place a treat in this holder and Fido needs to work methodically at getting to it. In the meantime… you scrub away!

The next gift guide is all for you! ~ox

— Knead to Cook

Gift guide for the girls! Vegan.

by Filed Under: Gift ideas, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guides, Vegan

Oh this sweet little bag is perfect for any age girl. I stopped carrying a purse and use this type of wristlet all the time. Super easy, comfortable and it holds everything you need! Great price point for your daughter, girlfriend or you!

I own these. They are, by far, the most comfortable, shape your booty –fabulous leggings you will ever wear! I wear these with my combat boots & they are total badass. Cannot love these more! These go from the teen to beyond easily.

This is my go-to vegan perfume. I love giving this roller ball as a present. Under $30, smells fabulous and is a clean beauty item. Great for throwing in your bag, backpack or pocket. Smells like dreamy vanilla… love.

Sydney turned me on to this candle company and I just cannot. Laughing out loud. These soy candles are everything… no other words needed. For your bestie, mother, mother-in-law or whomever! The best!

There isn’t a person on my list who doesn’t love a salt lamp! And under $17 this is a gift that keeps on giving. Lovely nightlight, mediation light and some believe offer some lovely health benefits like cleansing, increasing blood flow, reduction in congestion… I love relax when mine is on and recenter. Both of my girls and I own them and truly love. It’s a substantial gift for the price!

These rings from Baublebar have taken the world by storm. They are beautiful, fun and a great price! A various amount of color options. A great price point under $50! Just so beautiful, classy, fun and ageless!

Tomorrow’s gift guide will be for the pets!

— Knead to Cook

Gift guide for the hard-to-buy-for people on your list. 2019.

by Filed Under: Gift ideas, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guides, Vegan

Hard to find people often love good food… or at least they need to eat! Daily Harvest offers great gift ideas from gift boxes to gift certificates. Breakfast to lunch or dinner options too! All totally fresh and oh so incredibly good!

For the person who has just about everything… this slim external phone charger is perfect! Throw it in your purse, backpack or briefcase and go! We all need an extra boost of power when out and about.

Business or avid adventurer? These packing cubes are a Godsend for packing and staying organized at that! These work great to organize your clothing/personal items in your luggage allowing you to pack and unpack in record time.

You all know I love my Misfit boxes each week. Ugly produce that is fresh and organic delivered right to my door. Great gift of healthy eating delivered weekly.

Acupuncture mat is on my list! Being a huge fan of the benefits of acupuncture this one hits all the pressure points on the body. Back Pain relief, neck pain relief, stress reliever, reflexology, sciatica and trigger point massage therapy… who can’t use that?

No words can adequately express my love for this vacuum. Dog hair is not an issue for this beast. Set it to run whenever you wish and it goes on its way to take care of the mess. We run ours daily and seriously, I never have to vacuum dog hair ever. Worth ever single cent.

Wednesday will be gifts for the girls!

— Knead to Cook

Gift Guide for the Men 2019.

by Filed Under: Gift ideas, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guides, Pasta, Vegan

These Tommy John underwear are Bill’s favorite. A bit pricey but well worth the money.

Bill and I both have these Saucony sneakers and they are so comfortable!!!

Everywhere we travel hubs is carrying a backpack. Water bottles, whatever we buy, snacks, sweatshirt, jackets – whatever you need – its a stylish way to carry your goods. This is Lululemon’s latest style and we love it. Bill’s is similar but his is no longer available. It’s a bit pricey but if you have a hard-to-buy for guy in your life… you may love this gift idea.

During the Nordstrom anniversary sale I bought Bill this sweatshirt in a sage green. He has worn it once a week since it arrived. It’s so cozy and beautiful. We’re new to the men’s line at Madewell but count him in as a big fan! It did run a bit larger for a roomy fit so keep that in mind when ordering.

This RFID vegan wallet is Bill’s favorite. Seriously. When we stop using leather and his Louis Vuitton wallet bit the dust I got him this wallet. Super fashionable, durable and safe! Great price point for a teen or adult.

Bill bought a bracelet in Italy and has since develop a love for jewelry. I’ve been looking at different ones to add to his collection and this one by far is standing out. Rubber/sterling. Super masculine and a special gift for a special guy.

Tuesday’s gift guide will be for the hard-to-buy for people on your list.

— Knead to Cook

Self Care Sunday Holiday Gift Guide 2019. Vegan.

by Filed Under: Health & wellness, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guides

I had to do a self care Sunday holiday gift list. In 2019 I was committed to taking the time to pamper myself a bit more. Everyone needs to do this for our mental well-being. I’m sharing my absolute favorites which can serve as a hostess gift, stocking stuffer or a treat for you!

This Vitruvi diffuser is stunning! No weird lights. No bubbling sounds. Just beautiful, stylish perfection for your home. Comes in a variety of colored stones. It’s truly perfection. Worth every penny!

You all know I’m a huge Cocokind fan. A female-owned company with the cleanest ingredients…. in fact I’ve brewed this mask up as a tea! It does wonders for the skin leaving you refreshed and healthy. “It’s an excellent source of vitamins A,C, E, and K — these can act to replenish the skin and keep it firm, increase collagen production, and help reduce free radical damage.” 

Drunk Elephant, if you haven’t tried it, is insanely awesome. In fact, it has a cult following. I’ve used so many of their products and always gravitate to these sets so I can sample everything. This would be a great for a girlfriend, teacher or again, for you! I mean perfect skin overnight… who wouldn’t want that during the holiday season 🙂

I bought this meditation pillow for his birthday last year and he uses it every single day. It’s really lovely quality, super comfortable and durable. For someone committing to bettering themselves, this may be a wonderful gift that they wouldn’t buy for themselves.

This essential oil fragrance by Vitruvi combination is truly one of my go-to’s and favorites. It pairs perfectly with the diffuser listed above. If your recipient already has a diffuser… get this oil! They will adore you. The combination of Frankensense, lavender and eucalyptus is perfect for nighttime, daytime or even when you’re feeling under the weather. Obsessed.

I started using a eye mask when my hours at work changed and my bedtime every other week was 5p. I found this eye mask after the first eye mask I bought started coming apart. I’m all about weighted blankets but an eye mask… oh hell yes! It creates a lovely pressure on your face that is so relaxing… I cannot explain it. Regardless of what my schedule looks like at work, I’m all about this eye mask to block out all the light. I also feel that most don’t own a mask like this so you don’t have to worry.

In the pursuit of using non toxic products on my body – I found Ella and Mila nail. I bought a few colors and loved them and then found the holy grail to keep my nails strong all year round. This clear nail strengthener really truly does what it says! I typically put this on 2-3 times a week. I’ve been using since February and have noticed a huge difference. Great little gift or stocking stuffer. Great price point as well!

Every single year in the fall Bill buys me this candle. It is by far my favorite. It is reasonably priced and it has a long burn. It’s a blend of oatmeal, vetiver and vanilla. Plus the apothecary vibe to the jar is my favorite. Can totally be reused as a vase or a candy jar etc.

Ahhhh my latest purchase. The Billie razor. This is on both of my girl’s lists. I bought one and after a long delay in shipping for some reason it came. I’ve been using it for about 1 month and I have to say that I honestly don’t need to shave every day with this one. Plus I haven’t cut or nicked myself. It has a magnetic holder for the shower. New blades are delivered however often you wish. Fun little gift that is practical but everyone will love.

Hope you’re getting some good gift ideas! Tomorrow’s gift guide will be for all the guys in your life.

— Knead to Cook