Knead to Cook

Food & fitness obsessed girl.

Vegan and GF “Meaty” Lasagna.

by Filed Under: Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Italian-inspired, Nuts, Pasta, Running/Races, Sauces, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free 7 Comments

Vegan & gluten free “meaty” lasagna.  I grew up with horrible lasagna.  I mean HORRIBLE!  From my childhood on I’ll admit, I would shy away from this Italian dish with every fiber of my being.  My Italian side of my family, that knew how to cook, never made it.  We always ate ravioli.  So going vegan and gf, this wasn’t a dish that I was going to miss out on.

My oldest asked for lasagna recently.  I was a bit taken aback because I wasn’t sure where she ever developed a penchant for it.  I’ll be honest, I blew her request off.  Then while shopping in a local grocery store that I never really frequent, I spied some gluten free noodles.  Perhaps the universe was sending me a signal.  I embraced it and gave it a whirl.

If you follow me on Snapchat or Insta stories, you saw my over-the-top review over the recipe.  I knew I had to recreate it for you all after over 200 requests.  My disclaimer:  it may not look “picture perfect” but you will be swooning over this one!  I pinky promise.

I do want to apologize for the lack of staging the perfect photos but light was dwindling and I was rushing to get each step documented for you.  Plus lasagna is not the most photogenic food out there.
[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Blue Apron Meal Delivery Service.

by Filed Under: Beans, Brunch, Gluten Free, Pasta, Product Review., Sauces, Soups, Sponsored, Vegan, Vegan Burgers, Wheat Free 3 Comments

 

Over the month of December, my family had the pleasure to test out fresh food home delivery from Blue Apron. Admittedly, I’m quite critical about food, quality, packaging and presentation due to the fact that I receive a lot of food samples/products from companies all over the world.  My family was so impressed with the fresh food, quality, packaging, timeliness that we ordered several gift cards for holidays gifts for friends and family to channel their inner chef.  Let’s face it, less trips to the grocery store during the crazy rush and fresh, new recipes in hand.  I was smitten with the entire concept.

So many people think they can’t cook, prefer not to go to the grocery store and gravitate towards eating out or getting take-out. Does this sound familiar?  But what if a box of fresh food packaged with everything you need, no waste, would be shipped directly to you when you want with the meals you chose? It’s a game-changer – even for a foodie like me who loves grocery shopping/prepping food for my family.

So let me tell you how the whole process worked.  You sign up online and select how many people are in your family, dietary needs/restrictions/preferences and then you select meals and delivery dates.  That’s it!  The insulated package is delivered right to your door.

Inside the box you will find recipe cards, prepackaged ingredients & a tiny brown paper back with knick knacks (sauces etc.).  Everything was incredibly fresh.

I will admit, everyone was very willing to participate in cooking the meals once the box arrived.  Normally my family isn’t this intrigued.  Everyone was reading recipe cards and claiming what meals they wanted to prepare and eat.

The recipe cards were very easy to follow with many detailed photos.  Each ingredient is labeled and you can easily identify which veggie went with which recipe.  Minimal prep was required and within a short amount of time your meal was ready.  They even include bread/rolls etc. to finish off the dish.  We tried several recipes and our favorites by far with the broccoli and white bean burgers and the potato soup.


Some other delicious recipes we tried…

Blue Apron wanted to share a discount with my readers. They’re offering $30 off your first order or 3 free meals with a subscription. So are you ready to channel your inner-chef or get inspired by some new recipes?

Thank you Blue Apron for sponsoring this post.

— 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

img_3803

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!

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Potato Pizza Crust. Vegan. Gluten Free.

by Filed Under: Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Italian-inspired, Pizza, Sauces, Sponsored, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Wheat Free, Your Life Edit Foundations 13 Comments

 

img_1460
Potato Pizza Crust. Vegan. Gluten Free.

THIS recipe!  I’ve finally cracked the gluten free/vegan pizza crust code & this recipe is it!  No more quinoa or cauliflower crusts that are just… okay.  Seriously… this crust is EVERYTHING!  Doughy not cracker crispy like most gf crusts.  It holds up to toppings.  Browns up beautifully as seen in my pictures.  The secret? Potatoes!

Nutrient dense…

Potatoes are packed with vital nutrients like potassium, Vitamins C & B6, iron and calcium.  The starchiness acts like gluten in the dough making the cooked consistency on par with it’s gluten counterpart but without any allergy issues.  Plus this recipe takes no time to make and is super easy.  Freezes perfectly for future use.  Okay go & enjoy pizza again!

This recipe is so easy to make & honestly takes no time to get it prepared.  I’m so excited to share this with you all.  I’ve made it countless times already and we cannot get enough.  It also freezes perfectly if you have leftovers.   This recipe make 2 medium sized pizzas – think 2 people or 3 personal sized.
[Read more…]

— 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.

IMG_6376
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.
IMG_6162

IMG_6230
Thank you Lucy Activewear for sponsoring this post.  

 

 

 

— Knead to Cook

Dream Ultimate Almond Creamy vegan Alfredo Sauce.

by Filed Under: Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Italian-inspired, Pasta, Sauces, Sponsored, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free 1 Comment

 

IMG_2153

Dream Ultimate Almond Creamy vegan Alfredo Sauce.

Eating a plant-based diet can be perceived by many as very restrictive. Favorite creamy foods that are dairy-based are no longer an option.  But honestly, any traditional recipe can be recreated into a wonderful, healthy vegan option.  This recipe is my case in point.  I’ve never gravitated towards dairy-based sauces but this sauce… it was creamy, garlicky heaven.  It was light and beautiful and packed with protein.  The Dream Ultimate Almond added the luscious, thicker texture and nutrients without a caloric overload. Made with four times more California almonds in every cup, you can immediately see and taste the difference. This beverage is rich, creamy, and packed with 5g of natural protein from almonds. I used the unsweetened version and it paired perfectly with my spice selection.

As with all of my recipes, feel free to add more or less of the spices to work with your preferences. Being Italian, my family loves garlic so I was a bit heavier handed with that.  This recipe is ready in the time it takes you to boil your pasta.  Seriously.  The perfect weeknight dish and to speed up your preparation – you can steam your cauliflower beforehand so you have it when you’re ready to whip up this sauce.  I hope you enjoy!

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Chickpea and Broccoli Rice Bowl with a Dijon Vinaigrette. V. GF.

by Filed Under: Beans, Breakfast, Brunch, Dressings, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gluten Free, Running/Races, Salads, Sauces, Side dish, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vinaigrette, Wheat Free, Your Life Edit Foundations 2 Comments

 

 

 

IMG_0752
I’m excited to share a nutritious, protein-packed dinner that you can make in under 15 minutes (with leftover rice or quinoa).  Every Sunday we make a big batch of rice or quinoa for a staple in the week’s dinner recipes and partly for our dog food that we make for our pups.  I always have plenty and this dinner came together so quickly on a fast-paced night. Everyone loved it and actually my husband has been eating leftovers for lunch ever since.  Would be great served warm or at room temperature.  Start thinking about summer parties and this one would be a winner!

Packed with valuable nutrition – this dish can be a side or served as a main dish.  I paired it with grilled tofu and it was so satisfying.
[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Avocado Cilantro Taco Sauce. V. GF.

by 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

 

IMG_0259
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

Vegan Cheesy Sage Potato Bake.

by Filed Under: Brunch, Gluten Free, Potatoes, Sauces, Sponsored, Vegan, Vegan proteins 4 Comments

IMG_5425

When you think of holiday menu planning I’m quite certain potatoes make the cut.  Potatoes are one of the most versatile and economical foods available all over the world.  Not only are potatoes a wonderful staple, they are packed with valuable nutrients.  This dish serves as the perfect side for dinner but equally as appetizing for breakfast, lunch or on your brunch buffet. This dairy and gluten free bake is the perfect accompaniment.

Potatoes also contain a compound known as alpha-lipoic acid, which aids in the conversion of  glucose into energy.  Food is fuel for the body.  Think of it as your gas that propels you in all of your endeavors.  The skin of potatoes contains Quercetin, a powerful anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant capabilities that protect the body’s cells from free radical damage. The iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium and zinc in potatoes contribute to the building and maintaining of bone structure and strength. The potato’s fiber, potassium, vitamin C, folate, fiber and vitamin B-6 content, coupled with its lack of cholesterol, all support heart health. #BeholdPotatoes

I wanted to take a classic recipe and put a vegan twist on it for this holiday season.  The sauce requires that the cashews are soaked to yield a creamy vegan cheesy sauce.  With that preparation complete, the remaining part of the recipe preparation is quick and baking takes just about an hour.  Serves 8-10 people.  Let’s get started.
[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook