Salsas & Guacamole

Vegetable chickpea savory pancake/omelette. V. GF.

February 20, 2017 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Beans, Breakfast, Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Mexican, Running/Races, Salsas & Guacamole, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vegetarian, Wheat Free, Your Life Edit Foundations 2 Comments

Vegetable chickpea pancake. Vegan. Gluten free.

Happy President’s Day! I will admit I was due for a long, restful weekend after many busy weekends. The weather on the east coast warmed up, unseasonably of course for PA, to around 70 and we spent most of our time outside enjoying. AND if you follow me on Insta or Snap – you know we celebrated our oldest daughter’s 18th birthday. We even got to run/ride on trails yesterday and it was heavenly. Today, after an aggressive TRX HIIT workout I kicked off my Monday with a bit of a departure from my normal tofu pudding breakfast. Lately, I’ve been craving more savory foods & this chickpea pancake was perfect.

This was my first attempt at making a chickpea pancake/omelette type recipe and after a failed first attempt… the second one was a winner. I’ll share my lessons learned below. The flavor profile of this was very Mexican in nature. I’m looking forward to experimenting more with different seasonings and veggies. I topped this one with avocado, tomatoes and lots of hot sauce. I’m seriously smitten with my latest creation.
[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Avocado Cilantro Taco Sauce. V. GF.

March 31, 2016 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Appetizers, Brunch, Condiments, Dips, Dressings, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fruit, Gluten Free, No bake/cooking required!, Nuts, Running/Races, Salads, Salsas & Guacamole, Sauces, Side dish, Vegan, Vinaigrette, Vitamix, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

Yep. It’s not Taco Tuesday yet hump day. I know but don’t really care because I’m in a mood for tacos. Truthfully, I’ve been craving avocados a lot lately. So tonight we will have walnut meat (recipe coming) tacos with this sauce that will have you drooling at first bite. Avocados: provide nearly 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B-vitamins, and folic acid. They also act as a “nutrient booster” by enabling the body to absorb more fat-soluble nutrients, such as alpha and beta-carotene and lutein, in foods that are eaten with the fruit. They are a powerhouse and really should be consumed every single day in my humbled opinion.

This chunkier sauce can be made spicy, medium or mild. Can be thinned out for a dressing for salads. It serves as the perfect dip in lieu of your typical guac. Heavenly… period. And the best part – whips up in seconds.
[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Three Bean Quinoa Chili Verde. Vegan. GF.

January 28, 2016 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Beans, Brunch, Chili, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gluten Free, Mexican, Salsas & Guacamole, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free 3 Comments

Three Bean Quinoa Chili Verde. Vegan. GF.

Snow on the ground and I’m all over making a big pot of chili. All the beans, warm spices – there is just something that comforts your soul and warms you to the bone. Coincidentally, that is very much necessary these days. Plus this is a bowl loaded with vegan protein from the quinoa and beans. This recipe is insanely easy to make and you can set it and forget it – allowing it to simmer and work it’s flavor magic. I served this with homemade cornbread but tortilla chips would also be fun.
[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Black Bean Corn Salad or Salsa. Vegan. Gluten Free.

July 2, 2015 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gluten Free, Mexican, No bake/cooking required!, Raw, Running/Races, Salads, Salsas & Guacamole, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free, Your Life Edit Foundations 4 Comments

Black Bean Corn Salad or Salsa. Vegan. Gluten Free.

This is the quintessential summer salad plus it gets better as the flavors meld together. This vitamin and mineral packed dish that is perfect to take to your 4th of July BBQ, pool party or to make ahead and have for lunch or dinner. I also love this on tacos straight up. Seriously, I could eat this entire batch. Truth. This again, is super easy. I love making it a day ahead of and put it in a fun covered glass jar (this is perfect for a BBQ to keep bugs at bay) or in a lovely serving bowl. You can eat this as a side, main or as a salsa with chips. Yum!
[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Gazpacho. Vegan and gluten free.

June 22, 2015 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: 4th of July/Patriotic, Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Fruit, Mexican, No bake/cooking required!, Party Foods, Raw, Salsas & Guacamole, Vegan, Vitamix, Wheat Free 3 Comments

Gazpacho. Vegan and gluten free.

I think of gazpacho as just an enormous bowl of my favorite salsa sans the chips. Am I alone? I love fresh salsa. Despite not having fresh tomatoes from my garden YET, I did have some lovely cherry tomatoes I used to make this recipe. I added fresh ingredients and herbs. I’ll admit that I can down one very large bowl of this easily. Packed with tons of vitamins and nutrients… plus absolutely no guilt – this makes the perfect healthy, light lunch or dinner. I do make this a bit chunkier but you certainly can puree it longer for a more blended texture. Think of the easiest Meatless Monday dish ever! All of my recipes are merely a guideline… do what you love and adapt as necessary.
[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Peach and Cucumber Salsa.

June 27, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: 4th of July/Patriotic, Appetizers, Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Dips, Fitness., Gluten Free, Mexican, No bake/cooking required!, Party Foods, Raw, Salsas & Guacamole, Side dish, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian, Wheat Free 6 Comments

I love LOVE love salsa. Even better… summer fruit salsa! I don’t even need chips for this salsa and admittedly, I can down the entire bowl of it on my own. The mix of sweet, crunchy, spicy… and mix that with balsamic vinegar ~ a slice of summery heaven.

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Infusing water and a Cuppow Giveaway!

June 10, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Beverages, Desserts, Dips, Fruit, Giveaway!!!, Gluten Free, Nuts, Pasta, Salads, Salsas & Guacamole, Vegan, Vegetarian, Vinaigrette, Wheat Free, Yogurt 18 Comments

As the temperatures start creeping up and the humidity rises, my consumption of water goes through the roof. Especially if you workout or work period outside – you need to be hydrating throughout the day. Water makes up approximately 70% of your body! Think about that… as most of us probably don’t drink water I wanted to pose some food for thought. Drinking more water will:

Flushes out toxins and waste through urination and sweat.

It improves your complexion – hello radiant glow!
Increases energy! Also helps you focus. Your brain is mostly water… hydrate it for better concentration.
Maintains regularity and prevents constipation.
Water removes by products of fat, reduces hunger (many times you aren’t hungry you are just thirsty) and helps boost metabolism. Always drink a nice big glass of water before you eat.
Naturally helps reduce headaches – as many are caused by dehydration.
Drinking plenty of water helps joints and muscles lubricated for less joint pain or strain.

Most people complain that water is boring but it doesn’t have to be! Adding fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices to water and refrigerating overnight can spark up your bland water making it more tempting to guzzle more throughout the day.

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Edamame Pea and Corn Salsa Salad. {vegan} {gf}

May 13, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Appetizers, Brunch, Dips, Gluten Free, Mexican, Party Foods, Salsas & Guacamole, Side dish, Vegan, Vegetarian, Wheat Free 5 Comments

The hot weather has my mind going right to salsa. I’m known, in my close circle of friends for my tomato salsa. Seriously, I think my friends just come over to eat it first then enjoy our friendship on a secondary level. Ha ha. I always make salsas, margaritas and we enjoy relaxing nights around the fire pit making s’mores and enjoying the warm weather. Well this is my first batch of healthy salsa for the season. It’s light. Refreshing. Not heavy and packed with vitamins and much needed protein. I eat this by the bowl full for lunch or dinner. I require so little in life to be happy.

This would make a great side dish salad or served with tortilla chips as a salsa. It’s quite versatile. Totally vegan and gluten free. No nuts. Perfect dish to take to a party. No fuss because this beautiful dish whips up in seconds and can be made all with frozen veggies (like I did).

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Roasted tomato salsa.

January 28, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Condiments, Dips, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Mexican, Party Foods, Salsas & Guacamole, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian, Vitamix, Wheat Free, Your Life Edit Foundations Leave a Comment

Apparently it’s salsa week here at Knead to Cook! Ha ha. Seriously, we hosted a taco party last Friday night for a bunch of swimmers/friends and I whipped up some new salsas for our taco bar. This was another fun recipe I wanted to share – especially with the Super Bowl happening this Sunday. Time to get those healthy recipes (yes, I said healthy) on your menu for your tailgating or party. The tomatoes this time of year are simply deplorable. I opted to broil/roast them to bring out their natural flavor. This salsa came out with a deep, richer flavor than my traditional light and fresh summer salsa. It was hearty and perfectly paired on our free range organic beef tacos. Gluten free and vegan.

Perfect for game day served up with tortilla chips or atop of some chicken or beef nachos.

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Roasted Red Pepper Salsa.

January 27, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Breakfast, Condiments, Dips, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Featured, Gluten Free, Mexican, Salsas & Guacamole, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian, Vitamix, Wheat Free 5 Comments

Happy Monday! Okay, I’m a little jacked up today. I forced myself to take a “rest” day yesterday. I worked in the morning, went to lunch for Thai food with my husband post his yoga class and had a nice relaxing afternoon. My daughter had a high school carb loading swim dinner last night and after she got off – I went upstairs and curled up with two fabulous books I’m reading and actually went to bed early. I got 9 hours of solid sleep last night. Rarely happens but I woke up feeling really good today and energized. I guess rest days really do work, despite how much I dislike them. As I told my family, I went analog for the night – turned my iPhone off, twitter, Instagram, computer, tv… all of it- off! Have you done this? You really should. We get so wrapped up in it all that it takes away from some much needed quiet time in our life. Try it! I bet you’ll feel your battery recharge and be more present in the moments going on around you. Okay, off my soapbox.

Last Friday, because we didn’t have a dual meet on Saturday, I told my girls that they could invite some friends over for dinner. We were going to have a pizza party and then migrated it over to a taco night. I’m known for my salsa recipe but have to admit, it’s only really good in the summer with fresh tomatoes. So I wanted to whip up some different salsas for the taco bar and this by far is a new fave. Why didn’t I ever think of making it earlier? LOVE! Super easy and just had a great flavor. I would totally use this on eggs, atop your favorite protein or as a spread on sandwiches.

Think Super Bowl party appetizer. Easy. Can be made ahead of time and let’s face it… it’s gorgeous. The colors just jump out at you. You do eat with your eyes first, after all. And the more colorful the veggies – the more vitamins and minerals they have! Color rules!

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook