Knead to Cook

Food & fitness obsessed girl.

Lemon Basil Creamy Pasta Sauce. Vegan. GF.

by Filed Under: Brunch, Easter, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Holiday, Italian-inspired, Nuts, Pasta, Sauces, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free 2 Comments

Lemon Basil Creamy Pasta. Vegan and gluten free.  I originally created this recipe during the spring last year for Lucy Activewear but since they’ve transitioned over to North Face, and the posted recipes have been removed, I’m adding them back to my website so they’re still available for you.

This pasta dish would be perfect for your spring brunches, girls lunches, family dinner or for your Easter celebration.  This sauce is so easy to make plus the creamy texture comes from cashews, soaked, versus heavy cream.  The sauce has a lovely cheese-based flavor thanks to the nutritional yeast, tartness from the fresh lemon juice with a tangy flavor from the Dijon.  Then for an extra punch of flavor I added some fresh basil leaves, which also adds to the brightness to the dish.  This sauce can be prepared ahead of time to save time and just topped on your freshly cooked pasta.  I prefer wide noodle pastas for this substantial sauce. Bon appétit friends.

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Dark Cherry Zucchini Protein Smoothie. V. GF.

by Filed Under: Beverages, Breakfast, Brunch, Fitness., Fruit, Gluten Free, Raw, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free 5 Comments

Dark cherry zucchini protein smoothie.

Good morning my friends and happy Monday!  Its the beginning of a whole new week so let’s get it started off on the right foot.  This smoothie is so good and has been my go-to for the past 2 weeks.

One of the most common concerns when going vegan is of course, where do you get your protein.  A great protein powder helps boost post workout along with providing your essential and non essential amino acids, BCAA’s that recovering muscles need.  This smoothie is so good and can fool any kid-detective looking for spinach in his/her smoothie.  Zucchini blends down to a creamy texture.  Plus zucchini has anti-inflammatory properties, high potassium, helps digestion along with being a great source of B vitamins.  Plus I find smoothies are easier to digest after a workout so my stomach is happier.  I hope you give this recipe a try and report back letting me know what you think.  This recipe makes one big smoothie (for me) or two smaller (for kids).  Enjoy!

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Vegan. GF.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Cookies, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Holiday, Holiday Baking Ideas, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

Happy Valentine’s Day my friends!  I hope today is filled with happiness, laughter & love.  Even if its from your four-legged love.  This week I’ve been committed to not eating any ingredients in my food that aren’t natural or I can’t identify.  Its been pretty easy minus my Vega energizer that I use during my workouts.  I’ve tried watermelon water, caffeinated water and a mixture of coconut water/grapefruit juice … they have stink.  And that’s putting it nicely.  Today was the worst. Drinking plain water upset my stomach and it was just gross.  Funny how I can drink water all day long but not during my workouts. I only need to get to Friday… I can do this!

In that vein, I wanted to make a cookie from the Plant Based Nutrition book for dummies (I love this book).  This book is jam packed with nutritional information, debunking the carb fears, protein craze… and setting the record straight with a registered dietician. I’ve adapted the recipe a bit but these babies flew out of my kitchen.   A must-make recipe.

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

My daily go-to Green Protein Smoothie. Vegan. GF.

by Filed Under: Beverages, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fruit, Gluten Free, No bake/cooking required!, Smoothies, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free 6 Comments


I hate to begin a post with an apology but I have 2!  First, I’m sorry I’ve been relatively MIA on posting. Getting back into a working groove, standing for hours post knee replacement has been taking me time.  Second, the lighting today, due to an ice storm, isn’t working with me so the pics aren’t my best but hey you’re here for the recipe after all, right?

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Loaded Baked Potato and Cauliflower Soup. Vegan. GF.

by Filed Under: Cheese, Gluten Free, Potatoes, Soups, Sponsored, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free 31 Comments

Happy Monday my friends.  I know I’ve been a bit MIA lately but trying my best to heal and stay off my knee for hours on end in the kitchen. This week, I’m attempting to start cooking full time, recipe creation and blogging – with intermittent moments of icing.

Today I teamed up with OXO to share a yummy, healthy & filling recipe along with some incredible, yet basic kitchen tools every chef needs.  The recipe has been adapted from Healthyish to make it vegan.  I hope you enjoy this super easy recipe, that I might add, freezes nicely and is so comforting on these bone-chilling winter days.

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Split Pea Vegetable Soup. Vegan. GF.

by Filed Under: Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Potatoes, Soups, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Your Life Edit Foundations 3 Comments

Winter is in full swing.  60’s one day to snow… again.  I don’t mean to complain or whine but I really, truly appreciate dry ground just about now.  I prefer not to wipe out if at all possible. But I’m trying to rally & embrace all things winter like cozy sweaters, warm cozy blankets, reading by the fire and yes – soup!

I made this soup when my house was packed with company before Christmas one cozy evening.  Served it with crusty bread, crackers and some lovely gluten free rolls and the pot was gone.  My youngest mentioned it this weekend and I had all the ingredients to make round 2 of it.  Sadly, the in-process pics were the only ones I got as it was gobbled up in a snap before staging a pretty pic.  The soup is really hearty and filling. Packed with vegetable protein and oh so good for you.  Great for leftovers.  Not a frightening green color that may scare little kids away either.  Hope you enjoy!

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Lentil Vegetable Loaf. V. GF.

by Filed Under: Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Holiday, Lentils, Thanksgiving, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free, Your Life Edit Foundations 6 Comments

 

Lentil vegetable loaf.  Vegan. Gluten free. 

Lentil loaf, of some variety, always seem to make an appearance on our Thanksgiving buffet each year.  I feel like it’s the staple for people/guests like me that can’t eat gluten and adhere to a vegan diet but want a substantial dish.  So I’m excited to share this super easy recipe that you can make ahead and even freeze this weekend before Thanksgiving.  Partner it with some roasted vegetables or favorite Thanksgiving sides and you’re good. Leftovers are heavenly and perfect for a quick lunch idea.  You can sub in vegetables you love or have on hand or remove if you don’t like into this recipe- it’s super forgiving.

So this dish is packed with protein, thanks to the lentils, and all those veggies… hello fiber!  If your goal is to have some healthy options on your buffet – consider this recipe for sure 🙂    I hope you enjoy!

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Spicy Beet Ketchup. Vegan. Gluten Free.

by Filed Under: Brunch, Condiments, Gluten Free, Holiday, Sauces, Side dish, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free 4 Comments

If you’ve ever eaten at By Chloe, you’ve had the pleasure of trying beet ketchup.  I had never even heard of it prior to eating at Chloe’s restaurant but once taste… and Bill & I were head over heels.

So that’s where the inspiration for this yummy recipe started.  I researched several recipes online and this was the final creation.  Pretty easy.  I also went the spicy route but you can easily omit if you don’t prefer spice.  This ketchup is perfect with roasted veggies, especially sweet potatoes!  My husband loved it on his vegan burger as well.

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Easy Blender Pumpkin Pancakes. Vegan. Gluten free.

by Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Holiday, Holiday Baking Ideas, Thanksgiving, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free 1 Comment

I’ve been, like everyone else in the world, utterly devastated by the events this past weekend in Las Vegas.  My heart has broken and I’m sending prayers to everyone impacted. I had stacked up several recipes to share this week but struggled with when it was acceptable to share.  I don’t think there is a timeframe to appropriately grieve and show respect.  Life, as we all know it, moves forward and we need to shine positive light in the world.

I made these sweet little pancakes last week for a client and they were so lovingly received.  This recipe is super simple, completely made in your Vitamix or other high powered blender.  They also freezer perfectly for those quick, rushing out the door kinda mornings.  I hope you give this recipe a try and let me know what you think.

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Easy Pumpkin Black Bean Brownies. Vegan. GF.

by Filed Under: Beans, Breakfast, Brownies, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Halloween, Holiday, Party Foods, Snacks, Thanksgiving, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free, Your Life Edit Foundations 2 Comments

 

I really tried to capture the ooey, gooey texture in these pictures.  

      

If you attended my Athleta meet & greet this past Monday, I made a pumpkin-less version of these.  They are moist, not overtly sweet, delectable and the perfect comfort food.  Adding beans clearly poses a healthier twist, along with maca (natural energy source) and no refined sugars tip this treat into a healthier category.

This recipe is very easy and all you need is a food processor or blender.  Very simple, pretty much fail-proof and a hit with everyone.  Let’s face it, no one needs to know black beans are in this recipe!  The pumpkin adds a seasonal twist that is customary come September & October.  Think about Halloween parties right through to Thanksgiving with this recipe.  Let’s get started…

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook