Knead to Cook

Food & fitness obsessed girl.

Butternut Squash Vega Protein Smoothie. V & GF.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gluten Free, Health & wellness, Nuts, Running/Races, Smoothies, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free 6 Comments

 

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Butternut Squash Vega Protein Smoothie. V & GF.

I recently fell in love with butternut squash – clearly I had issues. I always tolerated it, but never really gravitated to it.  This fall… I’m now crazy for it.  I’ve been roasting up all of ours from our garden and had about 2 cups mashed leftover from a food job.  I was thinking hummus but then recalled my love of smoothies, I haven’t really been drinking them lately, and got to work immediately on creating this recipe.  And my goal:  be fall inspired and NO bananas or dates.

Butternut squash is high in Vitamin A, C, iron and potassium.  Great for a post workout meal.  This smoothie is creamy, slightly sweet and packed with protein.  Think of it as fall in a glass.  If you need a break from pumpkin or PSL’s this may do the trick!  Rich and creamy… reminiscent of a decadent dessert.  Yum!

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— Knead to Cook

Pumpkin Spice Granola – Oil Free. Vegan. GF.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Holiday Baking Ideas, Nuts, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free 4 Comments

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Admittedly, I’m not a coffee drinker so the PSL  release doesn’t do much for me but using pumpkin or pumpkin spice season… I’m in love.  I adore fall. Cooler temps.  Running on crisp mornings.  Sweaters.  Jeans.  Count me in!

One of my clients was telling me how much she loves granola.  I knew I wanted to surprise her with a batch of pumpkin spice granola sans oil.  This granola is not overly sweet and is perfect with rich flavor from the ginger and cinnamon.  I also left most of the granola in larger pieces so it can be eaten as a snack on its own or atop her favorite soy yogurt.  Protein-rich with oats, seeds and nuts to help keep you full longer along with essential nutrients to keep your body healthy.   Welcome fall & all things pumpkin.
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— Knead to Cook

Raw Pumpkin Spice Crunch Protein Bites. Vegan. GF.

by Filed Under: Brownies, Brunch, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Holiday, Nuts, Raw, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

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Protein comes in many forms & these little lovelies are one of my favorites.  I’ve recently had the opportunity to become wildly in love with Square Organic protein bars.  Seriously, so so good!  Since they sent me a box to try… we’ve purchased about 10 boxes.  Crunch is our favorite… well along with mint, peanut butter and cherry.  But I wanted to incorporate them into some of my recipes… think bites and cookies (coming soon). These are my first recipe to share with you all.  Of course with September officially here I fell its acceptable to start cracking open the pumpkin.  So these are a pumpkin spiced chocolate crunch bites that is perfect pre or post workout.  Acceptable when that sweet craving hits.  Perfect after-school snack idea. Or if you need something sweet post dinner.

These are packed with walnuts which are high in vitamin E, folate, melatonin, omega-3 fats, and antioxidants. Research shows walnut consumption may support brain health.  The Square Organic bars are dairy, soy and gluten free. They believing in sourcing only the most nutrient-dense organic and non-gmo foods, and striving to work directly with farmers whenever possible to ensure an ethical supply chain from crop to bar.  And you can use the code:  EVERYDAY20 for your own 20% off.   [Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Oat Banana Chocolate Bread. Vegan. Gluten free.

by Filed Under: Breads, Brunch, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gluten Free, Nuts, Running/Races, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free 2 Comments

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I’m working full throttle today on several recipes for a new client delivery tomorrow.  I think they’re going to love this recipe. I don’t know about you, but when I have many ripe bananas and haven’t frozen them – I quickly turn my sights to banana bread or muffins.  Easy grab and go breakfast for kids heading off to school, snacking after a long day or when your craving a punch of protein and chocolate… ummm me daily!  Ha.  The nut butter & hemp hearts add heart healthy fat & proteins to help you rebuild muscles & keep you satiated.  Seriously… no better combination than banana, nut butter and chocolate… right? Okay, okay… let’s get started.

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— Knead to Cook

Brazil Nut Vanilla Cinnamon Butter.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brownies, Brunch, Cookies, Desserts, Dips, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Ice cream, Nuts, Sauces, Sponsored, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

Brazil Nut Maple Butter.
Brazil Nut Maple Butter.

Are you excited about the games in Brazil?  I’m obsessed.  Growing up swimming & watching my girls swim competitively most of their lives – our obsession begins with the trials.  The passion, hard work, diligence and pursuit of something greater than yourself is so inspiring.  Plus I’ll admit, I get totally weepy with the pageantry and spirit for our country.  I know, I’m a big sap but I know I’m not alone. Our favorites to watch are swimming- without a doubt, gymnastics and all things running – go figure!  I’m hoping to be running by that time.

In the spirit of the host country, Lucy asked me to use the Brazil nut as my inspiration.  I’ll be honest, I never had the nut ever before as I’m pretty basic with my nut selection.  I did my research and was blown away by the health benefits.  High levels of  selenium. Just one or two of these nuts per day is recommended.  Other minerals are copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc. Copper helps prevent anemia and bone weakness (osteoporosis).  This nut is also packed with thiamin and vitamin E.  Hello nutritionally powerful nut.

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Nut butters are a wonderful source of protein and necessary fats in your diet.  My favorite way to incorporate nut butter is in my smoothies, overnight oats, on rice cakes and as a dip for fruit.  Of course, baking and cooking are also fun ways to incorporate this delectable food.  Click here for the full recipe.
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Thank you Lucy Activewear for sponsoring this post.  

 

 

 

— Knead to Cook

Raw peanut butter cookie bars. Vegan. GF.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Gluten Free, Holiday, Holiday Baking Ideas, Nuts, Party Foods, Raw, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vinaigrette, Vitamix, Wheat Free 2 Comments

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I have been making my PT a different healthy snack every time I have an appointment.  I made these yesterday with pantry items I had on hand.  I’ve made these in small cookie form and yesterday I opted to make them in bar form.  They came out great & were incredibly flavorful.  Sweet & salty.  Seriously the best combination. Keep these in the freezer and pop them on your oatmeal, when you need a snack or atop of your favorite vegan ice cream.  You can even stack these for a cookie ice cream sandwich… oh the possibilities 😉

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— Knead to Cook

Berry Pancakes. Vegan. Gluten, oil and sugar free.

by Filed Under: 4th of July/Patriotic, Breakfast, Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gluten Free, Holiday, Nuts, Vegan, Vitamix, Wheat Free, Your Life Edit Foundations 3 Comments

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Berry pancakes to celebrate summer & the 4th of July in a fun way… with food!  I’m sorry I’ve been MIA last week.  Our youngest daughter is heading out on her first mission trip so we’ve been prepping, getting shots and shopping.  After we drop her off, we head on vacation for a few days before our oldest heads off to college for a week long course.  So excited but oh-so busy.

Yesterday, I finally got in the kitchen and wanted to use my plentiful stash of fresh berries.  Pancakes came to mind and I wanted to share this recipe with you all for quite some time now.  So easy and you can use whatever topping your crew is crushing on (ideas listed below if you need inspiration).  This recipe made about 8 very hearty sized pancakes.  No dairy, gluten or refined sugars and quite filling with the oatmeal and flaxseed.

Let’s get started…
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— Knead to Cook

NOW Foods. Giveaway.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brownies, Desserts, Fitness., Giveaway!!!, Gluten Free, Knead to Cook Promotions, Nuts, Pasta, Product Review., Sponsored, Travel & eating, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vegetarian, Wheat Free 76 Comments

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As a blogger, I have opportunities to join forces with companies in both the food and supplement industry.  I’m very selective about the products I share on my blog and use in my life.  I was thrilled last week to attend the NOW Foods Ambassador event in Chicago.  There is so much I want to share with you all and an awesome giveaway too!

Let’s start with a little history of NOW Foods.  In 1968, NOW Foods was founded under the belief that good health was not a luxury available only to the wealthy. For the past forty-five years, we have made it our life’s work to offer health food and nutritional supplements of the highest quality, at prices that are fair and affordable to all those who seek them.

Today, NOW Foods is one of the top-selling brands in health foods stores, an award-winning manufacturer, a respected advocate of the natural product industry, and a leader in the fields of nutritional science and methods development. And while we have grown considerably over the past four decades, one thing has never changed – our commitment to providing products and services that empower people to lead healthier lives.
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— Knead to Cook

Raw Asian Chopped Napa Salad. Vegan. Gluten Free.

by Filed Under: Appetizers, Asian inspired, Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, No bake/cooking required!, Nuts, Raw, Salads, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vinaigrette, Wheat Free 2 Comments

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I remember the very first time I had a similar salad and started my obsessive love for it.  My oldest was in grade school and I was chairing a teacher appreciation luncheon.  My friend Kelly brought a similar salad in and after lunch, we all sat down and ate some leftovers before cleaning up.  This salad was crunchy, packed with Asian flavors and filled with peanuts.  Everything that I love.  I’ve obviously adapted this salad over the years removing the chicken as my protein and just focusing on the veggies.  I make this salad on the weekends and we have it all week for lunches or sides with dinner. It’s great atop tacos for a crunchy element. It has such depth of flavor and I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t love it. Think of all the summer parties you’ll host or attend… this recipe is perfect!

You can easily chop all veggies prior to making this dish.  I make a big batch of the dressing and keep it in a lidded glass jar in my fridge.  The dressing works well to marinade tofu or tempeh.  It’s obviously great for other salads as well.  Super easy to make and the prep is in the chopping.  I hope you find this recipe as captivating as I do.  Ha.
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— Knead to Cook

Lucy Let’s Go Seed and Nut Brittle. V. GF.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fruit, Gluten Free, Holiday Baking Ideas, Lucy Let's Go Post, Nuts, Party Foods, Snacks, Sponsored, Travel & eating, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

 

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Planes, trains and automobiles.  Travel season will shortly be upon us and planning not only locations and friends/family to visit, clothes your going to wear but food/snacking is critical.  Never thought of packing snacks?  Smart snacking will keep your journey fueled and help keep you on track avoiding the pitfalls of fast food stops and convenient store goodies.  Nuts & seeds are rich in energy, protein, packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and much discussed omega-3 fatty acids. Chia is packed with protein, fats, potassium, fiber and magnesium just to name a few.  This snack is sweet, salty, crunchy and is totally portable.

Click here for the full recipe and post.
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— Knead to Cook