Knead to Cook

Food & fitness obsessed girl.

Triple Bean Salad. Vegan. GF.

by Filed Under: Beans, Breakfast, Fitness., Gluten Free, Mexican, Running/Races, Salads, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free 17 Comments

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Happy World Vegan Day! I figured I better post a recipe today in honor of the day. Beans are such an integral part of a plant-based diet that this recipe, easy and beautiful as it is was perfect to share. This is one of those recipes to make on the weekend and have all week for quick lunches or side dishes for dinner. Even perfect for a savory breakfast alongside some scrambled tofu “eggs”.

Today I was reflecting on so many aspects of a vegan lifestyle. I’ve never taken the aggressive approach with friends of my blog/social channels. I firmly believe that each person’s journey must be respected. Personally, over the past year I’ve adopted a firmer stance of a vegan lifestyle not purchasing any items derived from animals. I’ve been selling all of my high-end, designer purses, shoes and accessories. I haven’t purchased any leather goods, including shoes etc. I make conscious decisions more so than ever. It’s a migration and not something that happens overnight. I’ve been very happy with the ever-expanding faux, vegan leather products carried at my favorite stores and love the MUCH lower costs associated with them!

With that being said… I just finished up cooking for my clients for the week. I’m looking forward to our trip this weekend (late anniversary jaunt) and will be sharing all of the fun with you on my social channels. So let’s get rolling on this super easy recipe… and how perfect will this be on your taco bar tonight?

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— Knead to Cook

Fall running favorites. Garmin Fitness Vivoactive HR Smartwatch Giveaway.

by Filed Under: Fitness., Friday Favorites Series, Gift ideas, Giveaway!!!, Running/Races, Sponsored 110 Comments

 

 

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Not a food post but an exciting giveaway with Garmin Fitness. If you follow me on Instagram I announced a fun giveaway for this beauty last evening.  Vivoactive GPS Heart Rate Smart watch.  You can read all about it here.  Retail is $249.99.  I realize some people aren’t on Insta so I wanted to share this giveaway here as well. Please comment on this post or any recipe posted from now till November 6th.  8p EST a winner will be announced, tagged and emailed.  A 24 hour reply is mandatory or we randomly select another winner.  U.S. residents only.

I also wanted to share some fall running favorites with you all before fall is over & I miss my opportunity.  I run at 4:30a or so & require lots of reflective & WARM gear.   These are my top favorites.

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— Knead to Cook

Cinnamon and Spice Blender Muffins. Vegan. GF.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Gluten Free, Muffins, Nuts, Quick Bread, Running/Races, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free 25 Comments

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Cinnamon & spice… & yes everything nice!  These muffins are so delectable.  Nutritionally dense, grain & refined sugar free.  I make these muffins for my clients who don’t like sweets. Each & every time I get a call/text exclaiming joy for these.  They are so stupid easy… it’s insane.  If you have 5 minutes to spare – you can totally whip these up for a heart healthy snack for you & your family.

Also, consider making more to freeze or for a foodie gift for a teacher/friend or family member.

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— Knead to Cook

Roasted Red Beet Hummus. Vegan. Gluten Free.

by Filed Under: Appetizers, Beans, Brunch, Condiments, Dips, Dressings, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Party Foods, Running/Races, Sauces, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

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Roasted red beet hummus.

I’ll admit, I was never a beet fan.  It wasn’t until I was at a party & my friend Julianne implored me to try one that I realized — I loved it!  I always play around with them. Roasted, pickling & eating raw.  Beets are a wonderful anti-inflammatory food, which in my world is very necessary.  My husband always jokes that they taste like dirt but they don’t and this hummus is a fun way to transform a beet.  Plus, hummus is one of the most versatile and protein-packed food for plant-based eaters.

So you think hummus is just for dipping chips or veggies?  Umm no.  Here are some ideas of how you can eat hummus every single day… you can add a dollop of hummus to your salad in lieu of dressing.  Use it as a spread on your sandwiches instead of mayo or mustard.  Spread on Romaine lettuce leaves and top with veggies for a fun snack. You can also thin hummus out with a tablespoon of water and use it as a creamy sauce.  Of

Beets are a very economical food especially if purchased at a local farmer’s market.  Roast several up in the oven and they keep perfectly in the fridge all week.  Okay so let’s get started on this recipe – I’m so captivated by that color!

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— Knead to Cook

Mung Bean Stew Instant Pot. Vegan. Gluten Free.

by Filed Under: Beans, Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Indian-inspired., Running/Races, Stews, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free 9 Comments

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Mung bean stew via the Instant Pot.

I’m an adventurous eater now that I’m vegan.  As a carnivore, 4 years ago, I was food phobic.  Personally, I steered clear of certain foods because they turned me off a bit.  Case in point: fish, seafood and exotic meats to name a few.  Everyone has their food phobias, right?  Fast forward to this moment… I love exploring the farmer’s markets and finding new beans or veggies I’ve never tried.  Do you gravitate towards trying new foods?

This past Saturday I was shopping at my favorite bean/grain shop at my farmer’s market and the mung beans caught my eye.  I took a pound of them and figured I would research recipes later on in the day.  I was thrilled to stumble on this recipe from one of my favorite vegan bloggers, Vegan Richa.  If you don’t know her or her cookbook – you must!  I highly recommend.

Sunday I whipped this recipe up & instantly was in love.  I hope you enjoy this protein-packed, easy dinner idea that’s perfect for leftover lunches or dinners all week long.  Let’s get rolling…
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— Knead to Cook

Apple Pie Spice Protein Bites. V. GF. Raw.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gluten Free, Nuts, Running/Races, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free 4 Comments

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Welcome fall with these Apple Pie Spice Protein Bites. (vegan, gluten-free & raw)

I’m smitten with October.  The weather, especially in the morning, is getting much more crisp.  I’ve broken out the long sleeve running shirts, sweatshirts and even my running gloves.  The leaves are changing, heartier dishes and stews are getting prepared in our kitchen and all is right with my world.

Lately, I’ve been back to cooking for several clients over the past month and these are definitely in rotation.  The combination of ingredients is so powerful, energy-sustaining & heart healthy packed with protein, omegas and necessary fats to keep your body balanced & running smoothly.  These bites are perfect pre or post training & are a favorite to keep on hand when you just need a sweet treat but don’t want to blow your healthy eating regimen.  You can also roll these into bites, like I did or into a lined loaf pan and sliced like snack bars.  I’ve also used this as a crust for some raw pies.  The ideas are simply endless.
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— Knead to Cook

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

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

Grilled Lemon Shishito Peppers. Vegan. Gluten Free.

by Filed Under: Appetizers, Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Grilling, Party Foods, Running/Races, Side dish, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free 1 Comment

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Grilled Lemon Shishito Peppers. Vegan. Gluten Free.

Haven’t seen or heard of these beauties?  No worries, once trying you’ll never forget them.  Shishito peppers are small, finger length, slender and thin walled peppers.  One in about 10 are spicy but most are mellow. Very low in calories, I use these as an appetizer or on my taco bar.  These take mere minutes to prepare and devour so make sure you buy a hearty supply.  I find these at my local farmer’s market or Asian market.  I hope you venture out and give these a whirl.  My whole family loves them.
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— Knead to Cook

Easy Spicy Falafel Burgers. Vegan. Gluten free.

by Filed Under: Beans, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Party Foods, Running/Races, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vegetarian, Vitamix, Wheat Free 2 Comments

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Happy happy weekend!  So excited as it has been a crazy long week with a lot of traveling.  I’ve been MIA on my blog but I wanted to share this recipe with you all before the conclusion of the week.  I recently had my macronutrients done and I was shocked at how disillusioned I was with my numbers.  Now I am adding a lot of vegan burgers/tofu to my diet to help boost my protein and satiation.  It’s been awesome!  I’ve been craving falafel and threw these together today.  I love adding these to a giant salad or serving with Romaine lettuce leaves.  This recipe is flexible as well if you prefer for these not to be spicy or overtly garlicky.

Can’t wait to hear what you think of this super easy recipe!  Plus, these make 6 medium-sized burgers and they freeze perfectly for future use.  Think of dinner ideas in a pinch…

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— Knead to Cook