Knead to Cook

Food & fitness obsessed girl.

Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Muffins. Whole Grains Give-a-way!

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Easter, Fruit, Gift ideas, Giveaway!!!, Gluten Free, Muffins, Nuts, Quick Bread, Snacks, Vegetarian 34 Comments

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I’m not a fan of baked oatmeal, I’m not sure why… just never a favorite.  I am however a huge fan of oatmeal that’s been cooked, used in overnight oats, baked in in cookies or raw in smoothies- count me in!  I wanted to make a muffin that was healthy and perfect for on-the-go breakfast for a busy week ahead.  I wanted to appeal to everyone – kids included.  One daughter loves dried fruit, the other despises it.  Hubby is allergic to chocolate.  Okay…. so I made two batches.  One without chocolate and one with vegan chocolate chips (mini, so they weren’t loaded but still tempting).  It worked!  Every morning, I saw one or two of these walking out the door in someone’s hands and I was happy.  Whole grains – gluten free makes for a happy mom!

It is National Whole Grain Sampling Day today… so this is the perfect recipe to share.  This year I’m a Whole Grain Ambassador.  I partnered with this council because whole grains have numerous benefits.  Did you know?

Brown rice isn’t the only whole grain rice?  It also comes in black (which you’ve seen me cook with), red and purple.  What a great way to get your kids interested in eating rice.

3 servings a day of whole grains cuts blood pressure, reducing stroke by 5-20% according to a 2010 study by Scotland doctors.

Sprouting grains increases many of the grains key nutrients including B, C, folate and fiber.

Whole grains are not only fabulous for your health, they provide key nutrients you need to keep moving and stay healthy.  They also taste incredible!  I have hundreds of whole grain recipes on my site for recipe ideas.  Here are just a few for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dinner and snacking.

They Whole Grain Council is also generously sharing (as they did with me) a box of whole grain goodies for one of my KTC friends.  Please leave a comment below to be entered or on this post in my Instagram feed.  US residents only.  A winner will be announced tonight at 8 pm EST.  The winner must email me their mailing address within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

Good luck!

Lark Johnson from Texas was the winner.  She entered via Instagram and has already submitted her information.  This giveaway is now over.  

Disclosure: I received a selection of whole grain products to sample but was not compensated for this post.  All opinions are my own.  

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— Knead to Cook

Oat apple muffins.

by Filed Under: Breads, Brunch, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fruit, Gluten Free, Muffins, Vegetarian, Vitamix, Wheat Free 6 Comments

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We’ve had non-stop snow or ice days here in Pennsylvania.  My kids keep making muffins – because they’re so easy and fast!  Today’s version… oat apple with flaxseed oil.  Healthy and oh so good.  I admit, I need to start posting dinner recipes but it seems like this week we’ve been so fragmented – my husband is living at work because of the weather.  My oldest has swim meets/swim dinners wrapping up the season.  It’s just been nutty.  Hoping tomorrow we get back on track… but until then grab a cup of tea and enjoy a muffin. oxo~Robin

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— Knead to Cook

Almond butter banana oat muffins.

by Filed Under: Brunch, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Muffins, Quick Bread, Snacks, Vegetarian, Vitamix, Wheat Free 4 Comments

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I created a fun protein banana muffin last week and my family couldn’t get enough.  I thought I would mix up the recipe and add some almond butter, after all – it is banana’s best friend!  These turned out deeeelightful!  Nothing that will blow your healthy eating.  Fills you up big time thanks to the oats and protein from the almond butter.  They are super moist and perfect with a cup of tea or your coffee.  My kids love them after school or practice as a snack too!  Another healthy snack in your 204 arsenal.  Would be a fun recipe for a Valentine’s Day treat as well – and totally heart healthy.

This week has been terribly hectic and only promises to continue through the weekend.  Pop back each day for quick and easy recipes that I’m making in my own kitchen to keep my own family fed and fueled!

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— Knead to Cook

Banana Protein Flax Muffins.

by Filed Under: Breads, Brunch, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Muffins, Quick Bread, Vegetarian, Wheat Free 1 Comment

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I have a retro glass dome cake stand that sits on my countertop filled with healthy snacks for my family.  They grab them on the way to a 5am swim practice, after-school snack, post swim snack or dessert.  Organi sent me some awesome (seriously not paying me for this post) vanilla organic whey protein powder that I’ve been experimenting with and I love the way these came out.  I also wanted to whip up a quick batch because I was consumed with cleaning my house today as we are having our 4th snow day of the winter (insert crazed mom face here).

I decided to whip the batter up completely in my Vitamix, a food processor would also work.  Came out perfectly, baked up and seriously were the easiest things ever.  I opted to top each one with some black walnut pieces for extra texture.  You can sub out the nuts for chocolate chips or almonds… whatever you like.  Totally healthy and gluten free!

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— Knead to Cook

Flourless Peanut Butter Protein Muffins.

by Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Holiday Baking Ideas, Muffins, Product Review., Quick Bread, Vegetarian, Wheat Free 26 Comments

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It’s the new year and many people have made resolutions to eat healthier.  Have you?  I started removing a lot of flour/sugar and processed foods from my diet last year.  As a result I feel so much better, dropped 32 lbs and feel like my body operates more efficiently.  This year my family and I started to do yoga and signed up for a 40 day revolution – mind/body/spirit transformation.  Helping to mediate and clear your head.  Create pause before reacting to something and the food portion for the first week was removing refined sugar and white flour from your diet.  With that in mind, I created these muffins because after all… we still  have to eat.  These are so good and I added a new protein powder that a company asked me to review.  You can add or not add the protein in this recipe – it’s up to you.  Vegetarian. 
Yields 12 mini muffins.

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— Knead to Cook

Whole Wheat Coconut Carrot Muffins.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Gift ideas, Holiday Baking Ideas, Muffins, Pasta, Vegetarian 12 Comments

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If you follow my blog, you know I’m always pursuing new recipe creations that are healthy and good for my family.  Fabulously tasty muffins – a win!  Muffins that add to muffin tops – a loss!

I don’t use or gravitate towards ingredients that aren’t smart or healthy especially after losing 32 lbs myself in the last year.  I love products that don’t have trans fats, hydrogenated oils or cholesterol. 100% Taste.  0% Artificial Preservatives.

We have a very active family and I love to fuel that in the best way possible.  As I tell my kids, good in and good out.  Good foods fuel you efforts!

I created this recipe knowing I wanted to use coconut and carrots.  They are both packed with greats vitamins, fiber and minerals your body needs.  If you have decided to eat healthier in the new year or are continuing your dedication to being smarter about the food you make and consume, this recipe is for you.  These muffins are moist, delicious and packed with flavor – which will have your family coming back for more.  Plus make a great snacking option or breakfast on the go, brunch idea or a basket of these for a special gift for someone special.  I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter® Deliciously Simple is not only the perfect topper for these muffins but works beautifully in cooking or baking equally.  You can use this product just as you would use regular butter eliminating a lot of the calories and fat.  Packed with 100% flavor with ZERO artificial preservatives!  A win-win in my book!  I was very excited to test this recipe out using this product.

Within 30 minutes of making a dozen of these muffins half are gone.  Snacks for school, breakfast en-route to work/school and a snack with coffee have already claimed 6.  I better go and grab one for myself before they’re gone!  Enjoy the recipe.  It yields 12 regular sized muffins.

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— Knead to Cook

Oatmeal Apple Muffins.

by Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Muffins, Snacks, Vegetarian 2 Comments

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Finally back to school/work last week and we get hit with yet another snowstorm and the school delay becomes a day off.  I knew I had to get myself back into the kitchen and start cooking again (it’s been a nice long holiday break) and I wanted to make something healthy to replace all of the Christmas cookies that have been stockpiled in my cake stand where I keep my treats for the family.  Now that the cookies have been removed, they were replaced with these healthy muffins and as I sit here 3 days later… I need to make more.  They are gone!  A favorite without even knowing they’re healthy.  Perfect snack for your new, healthier eating for 2014!

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— Knead to Cook

Oatmeal honey apple muffins.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Fruit, Holiday Baking Ideas, Muffins, Snacks, Vegetarian 5 Comments

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Oh the apple recipes that are coming out of my kitchen, paired up with the aroma… it is heavenly!  I love, love, love fall!  This muffin is super moist, thanks to the apples, packed with healthy goodness and just sweet enough to keep the kids coming back for more.  Perfect for a breakfast on the go, snack or paired up with a cup of tea, blanket and a good book. You get the picture.  Would also be fun done in mini muffin pans too.  Now onto the recipe as I have about 20 lbs of apples left that I need to get back to.

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— Knead to Cook

Almond Butter Banana Bread.

by Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Desserts, Fruit, Holiday, Holiday Baking Ideas, Muffins, Nuts, Quick Bread, Snacks, Vegetarian, Yogurt Leave a Comment

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I have an abundance of ripe bananas in my kitchen right now.  I’ve whipped up some smoothies and next up with a healthy banana bread as an after-school snack.  This bread is packed with protein, courtesy of my favorite Greek yogurt, healthier oil instead of butter and a reduced amount of sugar.  Pipping hot from the oven, my family couldn’t wait to dig in and it was well-received by all.  Think of this as breakfast, snack or dessert!  It is so good.

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— Knead to Cook

Black and Blue Banana Muffins. {clean eating}

by Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Muffins, Quick Bread, Snacks, Vegetarian, Yogurt 8 Comments

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This was my second attempt at making a “clean” muffin meaning no refined sugars or oils.  The first batch wasn’t a failure but it was too boring and dry.  I needed to get more creative and that is just what I did!  I also added protein to these with the addition of Greek yogurt (I used Chobani honey) and that kicked the muffin flavor up a notch.  I used berries I had on hand (black and blue) and added a banana for extra moisture.  These are so good!  Guilt free.  No sugar.  No oils. Kids to adults – everyone loved these!
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— Knead to Cook