Knead to Cook

Food & fitness obsessed girl.

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

IMG_1100

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!

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Easiest Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Chili.

by Filed Under: Chicken, Chili, Crock Pot, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Mexican, Party Foods, Wheat Free 2 Comments

IMG_0648

 

My husband made this dish on Saturday prior to our swim meet.  We recently got a new slow cooker that allows you to sauté in the insert and it makes life so much easier.  This recipe came about from what we had on hand and whipped up in under ten minutes before we were out the door.  Perfect for busy mornings and using up leftovers!  You can add or subtract what you have on hand to make this work in your kitchen.  This would be a great dish if you’re hosting a super bowl party of playoff game get-together.  Insanely easy!

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Chicken, Ham and Kale Soup.

by Filed Under: Chicken, Italian-inspired, Pork, Soups, Stocks/Broths, Wheat Free 2 Comments

IMG_0556

First before I get into the recipe at hand, I wanted to let you know that I have since deleted (it takes 14 days) my Knead to Cook Facebook page because they continually make it difficult for my posts (and other bloggers) to share recipes and photos.  Despite having over 70k fans only 1-2k were ever getting to see a post a time and managing my efforts and time – that wasn’t working.  I will continue to post on my website along with my Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest feeds so fear not.  Happy 2014!

I whipped this soup/stew or stoup (ha ha) up right after Christmas with the leftover ham that we had on hand.  You can always tell when you family tires of leftovers and it’s time to reinvent.  This recipe came to me on the elliptical at the gym.  Braising meat always brings out the best flavors and it is the easiest dinner ever.  I added some nutritionally packed kale and this dinner was out of this world.  I left my chicken pieces (I used cut up breasts) in large pieces but you can choose to either shred or cut smaller for more a soup feel.

Perfect for cold and chilly days like today when the kids are home from school and you need something to warm your bones.  Enjoy!

 

[Read more…]

— 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 8 Comments

IMG_9456

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.

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Slow cooker tomato basil soup.

by Filed Under: Crock Pot, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Soups, Vegetarian, Wheat Free 6 Comments

IMG_9984

 

I attended a soup party last week and wanted to make a vegetarian option that I could eat but that others would enjoy too.  Tomato soup is just one of the favorite comfort foods that I always go to.  It was a hit with my friends.  This is a great weeknight soup to make in your slow cooker and have it ready for fast dinner when you get home.   Plus this recipe doesn’t use cream so it’s on the healthier side, which I love.   I served it with bread topped with shredded cheddar and broiled for a minute or so.  Grilled cheese would also be perfection!
[Read more…]

— 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

IMG_9911

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.

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Peppermint Whipped Cream.

by Filed Under: Beverages, Brunch, Condiments, Dips, Gluten Free, Holiday Baking Ideas, No bake/cooking required!, Pies, Smoothies, Vegetarian, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

IMG_9588

 

This week I’m whipping up easy peppermint recipes that will make your holidays sparkle with little to no time or effort.  Who has extra time with so many other pressing holiday plans, parties and tasks at hand.  Homemade whipped cream is the easiest thing to make and I feel like so many people are intimidated by it.  No need.  So simple.  And adding a bit of peppermint to the base makes this whipped cream perfect for your lattes, fraps or hot chocolate.  It would also rock a chocolate pie or sundae.  Simple ingredients, takes only a few minutes and tastes so much better than the store-bought version.  A must try this holiday season.

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Oatmeal peanut butter cookies. {no flour} {no butter}

by Filed Under: Cookies, Gluten Free, Holiday Baking Ideas, Snacks, Vegetarian, Wheat Free 12 Comments

IMG_9498

 

This recipe was created a few years ago when I ran out of butter and needed to bake some cookies.  Necessity is the mother of all inventions!  These cookies are perfect as they are gluten free, butter free and flour free!  Great baking idea for the holiday.  I like this recipe as it packs protein in a delicious form that my kids love.  I used Bob’s Red Mill rolled oats that are gluten free.  Available in most grocery stores in the GF section.  I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do.  Grab a hot cup of hot chocolate or cold glass of milk, a blanket and sit by the fire enjoying this yummy treat.

Update:  Made a batch yesterday – completely gone this morning.  Making more for our swim meet tomorrow…. maybe even a triple batch!

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Chicken Teriyaki in the Slow Cooker.

by Filed Under: Asian inspired, Chicken, Crock Pot, Wheat Free 8 Comments

IMG_9490

 

Slow cooker, crock pot, whatever you call it – it is a lifesaver for busy families.  This week has been totally nutty for me.  Lots of swim commitments in the afternoon and evenings and this weekend starts our weekend meets.  I’ve also been quite smitten with my slow cooker as I got a brand new one that does all of these great things so today is my second day testing it out.  This recipe is so easy and so flavorful. You can easily toss all of the ingredients into your slow cooker and make rice ahead of time and you will have dinner the minute you get in the door after work/taxiing or whatever  you do.  During the busy holiday season, recipes like this are a must to be the ultimate time saver and who can’t  use more time?

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Coconut Milk and Chickpea Stew.

by Filed Under: Crock Pot, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, Soups, Vegan, Vegetarian, Wheat Free 4 Comments

IMG_9290

 

Last Wednesday, before Thanksgiving, our family went out to dinner to celebrate my mother-in-law’s birthday.  We went to my favorite local hot spot that has some really clean, vegan dishes and I had the most amazing soup.  It was the inspiration for this stew.  I’ve been tweaking and fine-tuning hoping to even come close to the magnificence that was the soup I had last week.  Although vegan, this stew is really filling, thick and delicious.  Even my most staunch carnivores, who tasted my soup at dinner, were raving about it.  I’m so anxious to have dinner tonight.  Even better – I put all of my ingredients into my new crock pot and let it cook all day.  Easy peasy.

[Read more…]

— Knead to Cook