Knead to Cook

Food & fitness obsessed girl.

2019 Holiday Gift Guide for the Fitness Lover.

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

If you follow me on Instagram you know that 2 weeks ago our Peloton bike was delivered and we are truly obsessed with not on the cycling classes, the trainers, the bootcamp, yoga, HIIT, running etc. classes. They are currently running a 30 day trial period that you can try it out the bike for 30 days. If you aren’t happy you simply call them and they will pick it up no questions asked! On top of that they are running 0% financing for the the life of the loan if you chose to go that way. When you sign up at Peloton and use me as a referral (user id is: runner4) you and I get $100 each to use with Peloton on accessories or apparel.

Apple watch – I’ve long been a fan and love the new 5th series. In fact one of my girls is getting this exact watch for Christmas! The styles and bands are incredible and can go from dressy to sporty! I love the new Nike bands!

Adidas Ultra Boost sneakers – if you have a gym-goer, runner or someone who stands a lot during the day… they will love these! These sneakers are like wearing bedroom slippers I cannot lie! Perfect sneakers for men or women.

These leggings from Lululemon are by far my most favorite ever! I have several pairs and love them for both working out or living life. They are literally the most comfortable leggings I own. I’m a huge fan of the camo and the camo deep coal. I wear these pants several times a week!

I’m a bit obsessed about my next post and they are on my list! Noise cancelling air pods from Apple. I’m not a fan of big headphones especially because I use these on planes, trains and automobiles! I use them working out. They fit nicely in your pocket, wallet or purse. Huge fan and these noise cancelling newer version… yep must have! Plus they are engraveable if ordered from their site.

Finally, sharing a yoga mat I got for Bill recently. After researching the best yoga mat out there this was the winner! London-based company. This mat is all you need… no towel required for all those hot yoga classes. It’s durable, highly rated, eco-friendly & fabulous. We are big fans of Liforme!

Stay tuned for the next gift guide which will tackle Sunday Self Care 🙂

— Knead to Cook

My thoughts on the Peloton bike. Product review.

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

As of the last year or so my training at the gym has felt quite lackluster. I didn’t want to shell out a ton of cash for a trainer. I know how and what to do there. Running is off the table and I had added yoga back in. I wouldn’t say I hated it but I would say I’ve become quite complacent.

The last few months I mentioned to Bill that I may want the Mirror or something that would allow me to workout from home. Now, with that being said, we do have a full gym in our home. Elliptical, TRX, weights, Bowflex, Bosu etc. I just wasn’t engaged. What was I missing?

So a few weeks ago my iPhone died. I was off on the weekend and we headed to King of Prussia for lunch and decided to stop at Apple and pick up a new phone. While traipsing through the mall, we found ourselves in the Peloton store talking to a lovely woman. We got all the info and left. We would think about it. They are running a 30 day trial. If you love it- you keep it. If you hate it- they come and get it no questions asked.

Bill had mentioned to me earlier in that week that he spoke to a woman wearing a Peloton shirt at work. She raved about it! So after eating, walking, talking… we headed back to the store and bought one. The eariest delivery was on that Thursday, 5 days later. I was excited and fearful… I’m not a cyclist. In fact, I hated it.

The days leading up to the delivery were filled with the logistics. Where are we putting this thing? I didn’t want it in our basement where our gym is…. the guest room? Sure but if we wanted to take a yoga class or strength – there wasn’t enough floor space. Sydney’s room is huge and she isn’t there so that would work. That was our decision. Plus she has a tv in her room we could use to connect the app for bootcamp/yoga classes etc.

The delivery was fast and smooth. The bike is just under 200 lbs. We put a mat underneath that Bill already had from when he did his bike in the trainer. The mat merely protects the floor from the sweat and is very necessary. The only other must haves are cycling shoes to clip in with ($125 from Peloton) or Bill was using his road cycling shoes. The mat. And small hand weights. We bought ours at Target. They recommend 1, 2 or 3lbs. I know this seems too light but trust me, it is more than enough.

When signing up they ask if anyone referred you. Bill used the lady from work. When you do, the referring party and YOU both get $100 credit! Bonus. This can be used on equipment, apparel etc. My user is runner4 if you wish to use me as a referral. I used the $100 towards my shoes.

Q & A’s

I asked followers of my Instagram for questions that they have about the Peloton. Let’d dig in…

If I have a road bike/trainer, is it worth the digital membership? From what I understand its good but not the same without the bike itself. The app has so many workouts from running, cycling, yoga, HIIT, outdoor (audio run), strength, meditation, stretching, bootcamp, walking and cardio.

What types of workouts come with the bike/subscription and cost? The general categories are listed above. The cycling classes run from beginner, intermediate to advanced, metrics-based, cardio and strength… literally so many live and pre-recorded classes. Bike cost $2499 or you can do 0% financing for the life of the loan. The monthly $39.

Do you really feel that riding with heavy resistance doesn’t bulk up your legs? This was one of my fears. But after 2 weeks my legs have gotten stronger but smaller. I think lifting heavy at the gym bulked them up where now they’ve slimmed down in just 2 weeks. I’m sure if you do a lot of climbing it can add bulk but I haven’t had that issue.

What’s involved in getting started? Sign up. The bike arrives. You create a user with the delivery guys/they connect WiFi etc. Then you select your class and ride.

How much guidance do the instructors give? First they make recommendations on cadence and resistance (many classes show the range on the screen. These instructors are beyond motivating! I haven’t finished a class yet that I’m not soaked and completely fatigued.

Can people follow each other? My user is runner4 and you can follow people you know. You can see when they’re in a class you’re considering.

How do you do floor exercise classes? If you have a smart tv you can connect it through the app and use the tv to view the instructor etc. If you don’t, you can use the app on an iPhone, laptop or iPad. Some simple, short classes I use the bike tv and set my mat up right next to the bike so I can see it.

Its really remarkable to see my progress in such a short amount of time. My cadence and resistance has grown. I’ve exceeded 110 miles. The classes vary in time and work great with my crazy work schedule. From 5 min classes to 45 – I’ve loved stacking them. The strength classes alone are great and combined with cycling are exceptionally challenging.

You can pick a class by music genre, ability, cycling/weights, by instructor… so many choices.

I’m far from testing out all of the classes but I also know that holiday gift giving and delivery, if you choose to buy one, is quickly approaching. My honest review is that I’m leaving the gym and embracing this bike/classes and everything digital with Peloton. It has humbled and exhilarated me equally. It has been truly amazing.

And finally, some days you just wish to ride through Italy or France… yep, you can do that too! I am barely scratching the surface on what this bike (and they also have a treadmill) can do. If I missed any questions that you have… please leave me a comment and I’ll try to answer it as best as I can.

*This product review has not been sponsored. We purchased this bike outright.

— Knead to Cook

Holiday Gift Guide for the Cook 2019.

by Filed Under: Gift ideas, Holiday, Vegan

I know, this may be early for some or you may be in the thick of things OR you may be done with your holiday shopping. I put out a poll on Instagram asking if you all wanted to see a few (thinking 4-5) gift guides and it was a resounding yes. So I’m kicking it off with my favorites… the cooking goodies. These range in pricing, can be a stocking stuffer, hostess gift or a main present for a loved one. Without further adieu, let’s get started!

First Mess Cookbook
Matcha whisk set
Milk frother
Philips Air Fryer
Double Mezzaluna Salad chopper
Alexa Echo Show
Truffle Hot Gourmet Sauce
Gourmet Salt Set
Mochiglory Nordic Wooden Mug

*Please note that there are affiliate links in this post which allow me to earn a tiny amount of revenue if items are purchased.

Next up with be my Gift Guide for the Fitness lover, which I’m hoping to have live by Sunday if not sooner.

Happy holidays dear friends!

— Knead to Cook

Dill pickle soup. Vegan. GF.

by Filed Under: Brunch, Gluten Free, Holiday, Soups, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free

When I saw my favorite Instagrammer, Erin Ireland, make this soup I knew I had to give it a whirl. It was so good I wanted to share with you all.

I know it may sound super weird… dill pickle soup!?! However it’s a potato base, very thick and creamy with a dill twang. Seriously, it’s everything. I made this soup on Sunday while Sydney was home on fall break. My girls are dill pickle fanatics! She, and her lovely boyfriend, really loved it as my taste testers. Everyone else followed suit. It was a warm and comforting dish all week for dinner. Perfect fall dinner idea.

Ingredients:

1 tbl of vegan butter or olive oil in a large stock pot (use a large pot, I had to change it out mid way through as I needed more space)
1 medium sized onion, diced
4 dill pickles, chopped
4 large white potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 cup of pickle juice
4 cups of vegetable broth (reserve 1/2 cup to blend with your sour cream)
1 container of Tofutti or vegan sour cream
Fresh dill for garnish
Salt and pepper

Method:

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add your butter or olive oil. Once hot, add your onions and cook for 4-6 minutes until translucent. Then add your remaining ingredients through broth (reserve 1/2 cup to blend in a separate bowl with the sour cream) and bring to a boil. Lower temp, cover and allow to cook for 30 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender. In a separate bowl mix sour cream with broth. Whisk to combine – then add to the soup. Stir. Using a stick immersion blender or an actual blender in batches, blend until creamy. Return to the pot. Taste and add salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and top with a sprig of fresh dill. Enjoy!

This soup will easily keep in the fridge for 5 days making it a great meal prep idea. Reheats beautifully as well as freezes nicely. I hope you enjoy and if you’re on Instagram check Erin out… she is simply incredible.

— 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

    Whole roasted cauliflower. Vegan. GF.

    by Filed Under: Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Holiday, Potatoes, Thanksgiving, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free, Your Life Edit Foundations 2 Comments

    Happy Thursday.  Now my next statement will either evoke one of two responses… I’ll let you guess mine.  It’s snowing outside.  (Insert eye rolling here).  Okay, shaking my dismay and focusing on my to-do list.

    So I’ve been testing out a bunch of new recipes for Thanksgiving dinner. Not only a beautiful presented dish (with minimal effort and clean up).  It’s either the perfect side dish or main attraction depending on your dietary preferences.  It’s flavorful and my current favorite.  I hope you try this one! 

    Ingredients:

    1 larger head of organic cauliflower
    2 tbsp Dijon (I prefer Maille)
    3 tbl of veg broth
    2 tbl water for mixture
    1 tbl oil (I used avocado but olive would work well too) + more for the pan
    1 tsp of smoked paprika
    1 tsp ground cumin
    1/2 tsp garlic powder
    1/2 tsp tumeric powder
    Salt (per your taste) I used two pinches
    I added new potatoes around the cauliflower but large chunks of carrots would be fun too!  Just wash/slice into larger pieces and toss with a bit of oil. Season with salt and pepper and add around the cauliflower (once prepared).

    Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Wash and trim the leaves off of your cauliflower head.  Be careful not to cut any florets off. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the bottom of your pan or small baking dish (whatever you’re using).  Into a bowl, add the Dijon, 2 tbl water, oil and seasonings to a bowl. Whisk to combine.  Then brush the mixture all over your cauliflower head.  Place your prepared cauliflower into you pan or baking dish.  Pour the 3 til of broth into the bottom of the pan not over the cauliflower so it can steam and cook quicker (Thanks to Minimalist baker for the tip).  Bake for 35-60 minutes or until fork tender.  The cooking time is dependent upon the size of the cauliflower. 


    All my love,

    — Knead to Cook

    The easiest vegan pesto sauce. Gluten free.

    by Filed Under: Brunch, Dips, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Holiday, Italian-inspired, Party Foods, Raw, Sauces, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

    This recipe is so easy. Pesto is one of our favorite sauces to make because we grow so much basil in our garden.  Pesto is perfect in lieu of marinara sauce on pasta or on pizza crust.  It’s also great on new potatoes in a salad, drizzled on roasted veggies or as a condiment on a sandwich or panini.  So versatile and unbelievably easy to make.

    If you’re new to cooking… try this recipe out.  Seriously.  We also use this as a dip for raw veggies.  Plus with no dairy, it’s a great summer bbq recipe idea.  I can go on and on… but I won’t.  Take the recipe amounts as mere guide.  I typically do handfuls versus cups.  I do want to share this tip before I get into the specific recipe… when using this as a sauce on pasta, reserve some cooking liquid from the noodles.  Once you’ve drained the noodles, add the pesto to toss along with 2-3 tbl of the cooking water to thin the sauce out.  That’s it folk.  Love you, enjoy!

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    — Knead to Cook

    S’mores Popcorn. Vegan. Gluten Free.

    by Filed Under: 4th of July/Patriotic, Desserts, Gluten Free, Holiday, No bake/cooking required!, Popcorn, Snacks, Sponsored, Wheat Free 2 Comments

    S’mores popcorn.

    Hi friends!  I’m excited to say I’m starting the next chapter of my life, an exciting job I’ve been dreaming of for  along time.  With that being said.. I’m promising to posting one new recipe per week as I’m not ready to step away from blogging and enjoy the interactions with you all.  Recipe creation.  The creative outlet.  All of it.  I hope to still educate, share and inspire you in the kitchen to eat whole, real vegan foods.

    This week’s recipe is a fun take on s’mores.  We’ve been in a serious Seattle-ish band of weather with quite a bit of rain.  S’more in our fire pit have been far and few between.  I thought this would be a super fun take on what we all love – popcorn, chocolate, roasted marshmallows and graham crackers.  You can make as much as you need, perfect for a party or movie night, and I promise… leftovers will not exist.  Even my 80 year old father devoured it!

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    — Knead to Cook