Cashew oat cookie bites.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Cookies, Desserts, Gluten Free, Nuts, Party Foods, Vegan, Vegetarian, Vitamix, Wheat Free 4 Comments

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Who doesn’t love a bite-sized snack you can pop into your mouth and enjoy?  I know I do!  And my kids and family love them.  I love whipping up bite-sized recipes as snacks or post swim treats for my kids.  Even on busy school mornings these make a great on-the-go treat.  Packed with protein and fiber – these will also provide the nutrition you need to keep your body humming right along.  You can always mix-in some mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for more texture or to make more enticing for children.  These aren’t overtly sweet and aren’t meant to be.  I’m desperately trying to detox my family from refined sugars where I can.  Snacking that won’t break all of your training efforts, fuel for your body… it’s a win-win!

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— Knead to Cook

Roasted tomato salsa.

by Filed Under: Condiments, Dips, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Mexican, Party Foods, Salsas & Guacamole, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian, Vitamix, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

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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.

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— Knead to Cook

Roasted Red Pepper Salsa.

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

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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!

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— Knead to Cook

Warm black truffle brussels sprouts salad.

by Filed Under: Brunch, Easter, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Nuts, Salads, Side dish, Vegan, Vegetarian, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

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I was meandering through the grocery store, pre-snow storm the other day and came across some beautiful brussel sprouts.  I bought a large container and wanted to shred them up and make a “slaw” with them.  My kids aren’t fans so I was on a mission to mix it up and try to camouflage them.  It worked, to a degree – one kid loved them, one still was steadfast on hating them.  The rest of the family loved them and I have to admit, I ate a rather large bowl for dinner.  The truffle oil just put this classic recipe over-the-top for me.  If you aren’t a fan or don’t have any on hand, I will give you an alternative in the recipe.

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— Knead to Cook

Cuban Black Bean Soup.

by Filed Under: Crock Pot, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Mexican, Soups, Vegan, Vegetarian, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

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Perfect recipe on a snowy, cold day.  This recipe is healthy, perfect for Meatless Mondays or if you’re a vegetarian or vegan like me.  This soup packs a great punch of vitamins and protein thanks to the veggies and black beans.  I like to serve this with a hearty cracker, tortilla chips or crusty bread for dipping.  I’m all over flavorful soups that are easy, fix it and forget it and are heart healthy.  So, remember that New Year’s Resolution to eat healthy?  Well even if that’s long past… you can hop back on the train.  This soup would also be perfect for Super Bowl Sunday.  Serve it with some baked tortilla chips and no one will miss the meat.  Also would be wonderful in a bread bowl.  
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— Knead to Cook

Healthy Protein Blondies.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brownies, Brunch, Cookies, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Holiday Baking Ideas, Party Foods, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian, Vitamix, Wheat Free 16 Comments

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As I’ve shared in past posts, my family is doing a 40 days to a revolution (mind/body/yoga/mediation/diet) program by Baron Baptiste.  It makes you pause and really examine what’s going on inside your life and  thoughts, what you’re eating and reactions to being present in your life.  I don’t know about you but all areas I need to improve.  I rush from one thing to another not really stopping to be present in the moment.   I have made some significant changes in my life over the last year and want to continue to evolve because after all, if you aren’t moving – you’re stagnating.  

I whipped up these non-chocolate blondies because my husband is allergic to cocoa along with the fact that I wanted to continue to make clean recipes that I can share with my fellow 40 day students as we go through this journey together.  

I made these… didn’t tell anyone what the ingredients were.  Everyone ate them not missing a beat.  In fact, we were in Philly yesterday and came home and I just noticed that they are all gone!  Love it!  No one is the wiser.  Protein packed minus the “junk” found in regular blondies.  Now if you’re expecting the full on fat blondies… you won’t be happy with these.  But if you’re looking for a clean snack idea for your kids or yourself that won’t blow your gym efforts or make you riddled with guilt over eating something less than healthy… these are for you!  When I did reveal my food source for these to my husband he was flabbergasted!  Ha… fooled him.

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— Knead to Cook

Jalapeño Green Monster Smoothie.

by Filed Under: Beverages, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fruit, Gluten Free, No bake/cooking required!, Smoothies, Vegan, Vegetarian, Vitamix, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

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I’m the girl that gravitates towards anything spicy.  I had a drink a few years ago at The Standard hotel in the Meatpacking District in NYC that revolutionized my thinking of the jalapeño.  I’ll admit, they are my weakness.  If you aren’t a fan of heat – trust me, pass this recipe by and look at my other smoothie recipes because this one isn’t for you.  I whipped this up today (Saturday) post early morning yoga, farmer’s market trip on my “rest” day from training.  I was craving something spicy to kick up my metabolism and ignite a fire in me.  I’ll admit, this smoothie did just that!

Funny story~ I made this just as my husband and older daughter were coming home from the yoga class they took and my husband took a big gulp of it, not knowing my ring of fire plan, and almost died!  Ha.  So it comes with a warning.  You can obviously control the heat by the amount of jalapeño you put in and if you seed it or not.  I went BIG and whole – all seeds in tact.  Again… think of Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire playing in the background {insert evil laugh here}.  I’m addicted.  I’m a big fan of BluePrint juices.  This reminds me of my favorite one.  Get ready to jump aboard – if you’re a spice fan… you’ll never look back – I know I’m not!

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— Knead to Cook

Homemade Madagascar Vanilla Extract. Gluten Free.

by Filed Under: Gift ideas, Gluten Free, Holiday, Holiday Baking Ideas, Valentine's Day, Vegan, Vegetarian, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

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This year in light of my year of healthier eating, I wanted to make a holiday gift for friends (I normally do my eggnog bread with rum glaze) that wouldn’t add to their cookie stockpile that they already had (not that there’s anything wrong with that) and that would be a gift that they could use for several weeks or even months.  I thought of homemade vanilla extract immediately!  Now, if you haven’t had homemade vanilla extract it is far superior to the store-bought version.  Even the fancy gourmet versions that you shell out an arm and a leg for.  I also wanted to make a gluten-free version for my gluten intolerant friends – so I used potato vodka versus a grain-based.  This is such an easy recipe that will be well-received by all of your bakers on  your Christmas list.  Also a wonderful gift for teachers, mail carriers and hostess gifts.

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— Knead to Cook

Winter Fruit Salsa. Vegan.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Condiments, Desserts, Dips, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fruit, Gluten Free, Party Foods, Vegan, Vegetarian, Wheat Free 3 Comments

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I made this wonderful winter salsa for a  soup party I attended (side dish).  I admit, I ate all of the leftovers myself the next day.  It is so refreshing and delicious.  Clean eating and no guilt involved.  Would also be fun with green apples in lieu of pears!  This recipe is perfect made ahead of time and refrigerated.  Would be perfect as a fun side dish with your Christmas Eve or Christmas dinner.  I eat it straight up or with tortilla chips.  Would also serve beautifully alongside fish or topping chicken or pork. Its fun, colorful and festive.

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— Knead to Cook

Bill’s Peppermint Martini.

by Filed Under: Beverages, Brunch, Gluten Free, Holiday, Party Foods, Vegan, Vegetarian 2 Comments

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I commissioned my husband to create a martini for me with my peppermint simple syrup in honor of my peppermint themed week on Knead to Cook.  This cocktail was perfectly festive and quite beautiful.  This recipe yields one martini.  It is beyond beautiful and quite flavorful.  If you love peppermint, this is the drink for you.  I’m dubbing this the Christmas martini.

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— Knead to Cook