Snack

Norwegian Crispbread – Seed Crackers (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

20 Minute Meals, Appetizer, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Snack, Soy-Free, Vegan

A taste of Norway.

I first tried Norwegian crispbread (knekkebrød) in Bergen, Norway. I was hooked. In my quest to find gluten-free food, I chose the one item at the bakery that spelled out “glutenfritt.” I went back the very next day to buy two more bags. Thus, my relationship with knekkebrød was born.

Everything about it is addicting. It’s crispy and crunchy, and the flavor of toasted sesame and flaxseeds recalls that of some childhood snack… Whatever it is, it’s delicious. When I returned to the States, I decided to recreate it. While I’m sure I’m butchering the traditional Norwegian recipe, I hope it holds up as my homage to my time in Norway. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Serves: 10 large crackers

Ingredients

Dry:

  • 3 tbs. flaxseeds
  • 2 tbs. sunflower seeds
  • 2 tbs. sesame seeds (I mixed white and black sesame seeds)
  • 1 tbs. pepitas
  • 1 tbs. ground flaxseed
  • 1 tbs. brown rice flour
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp. salt

Wet:

  • 1/4 + 1/8 cup boiling water

Recipe

  1. Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit (convection bake). Line a medium or large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix together dry ingredients. Pour over boiling water and mix. Cover mixture with a towel and let sit for 10 minutes to allow the seeds to absorb the water.
  3. Using an offset spatula, spread the mixture onto the parchment paper. Spread as thinly as possible (2-4 millimeters thick).
  4. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until dry and crispy. Let cool completely before breaking into large pieces.

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Hummus Avocado Toast (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

20 Minute Meals, Breakfast, Dairy-Free, Entree, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Snack, Soy-Free, Vegan

Avocado Toast walked so Hummus Avocado Toast could run.

You’ve tasted avocado toast, avocado toast with egg, avocado toast with smoked salmon… Forget it all, because this hummus avocado toast just blew everything out of the water. On my recent tour of Europe, I sampled toasts from five different countries. Each had different things going for them–avocado mousse in Spain, seed bread in Italy, hummus toast in France–so I decided to pick out my favorite elements and combine them into one single toast. Enter: hummus avocado toast.

Let me paint a picture for your taste buds. You take your first bite, and as you bite into that crispy, toasted bread, the tangy, nutty hummus blasts you with flavor. That happens at the exact moment you get the fresh creaminess of avocado, earthy touch of cilantro, sweet burst of tomato, and subtle crunch of sunflower seeds.

The best part of this recipe is the ease of substituting and adjusting ingredients. Don’t have flax seeds? Swap for pumpkin seeds. Hate cilantro? Leave it out. Want more hummus? Heap on some more. Make it your own!

Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
Serves: 2 toasts

Ingredients

  • 2 slices of bread (I use Udi’s gluten-free Whole Grain Sandwich Bread)
  • 2 tbs. hummus (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 avocado
  • 4 cherry tomatoes
  • 1 tsp. sunflower seeds (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp. flax seeds (adjust to taste)
  • Squeeze of lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • Optional: few sprigs of cilantro

Recipe

  1. Toast bread. Slice avocado lengthwise into thin strips. Cut tomatoes in half.
  2. Spread 1 tbs. hummus onto each slice of toast, then place half the avocado slices onto each slice. Squeeze lemon juice on top and season with salt and pepper (to taste). Garnish with cilantro leaves, tomatoes, and seeds.

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Best Granola Ever (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

20 Minute Meals, Breakfast, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Snack, Soy-Free, Vegan

I can eat this in one sitting…

I’m very particular about my granola. I like it chunky, nutty, and au naturel. I’ve tried my fair share of store-bought granolas (there definitely are some good ones!), but most are heavy on refined sugars, don’t have enough chunks, and just don’t have the right flavor. This granola clusters recipe totally changes the game. I don’t find hazelnuts enough in granola, and adding them here adds a perfect, nutty depth. Plus, the mix of cinnamon and maple syrup creates a sense of warmth and coziness–perfect for the winter months!

Enjoy this granola as a snack (I will literally eat this by the handful), over yogurt and fruit, or however you like it. It is definitely a pantry staple for me…

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
Serves: 2 1/2 cups of granola

Ingredients

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 2 tbs. chopped hazelnuts
  • 2 tbs. pumpkin seeds
  • 2 tbs. almond butter
  • 3 tbs. maple syrup
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. salt (adjust to taste)

Recipe

  1. Preheat oven to 400° Fahrenheit (Convection Bake).
  2. Mix all ingredients together in a medium bowl.
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Press granola evenly into a rectangle (about 1/2-3/4 cm thick) onto the parchment paper.
  4. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely before breaking rectangle into clusters. Enjoy!

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Nutty Chocolate Truffles (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

20 Minute Meals, Dairy-Free, Dessert, Gluten-Free, Snack, Soy-Free, Vegan

Dessert, but make it healthy.

These truffles aren’t so much dessert as they are an all-day snack because I cannot stop eating them. I think the secret is the tahini. I never thought sesame and chocolate would go together…but they’re really a match made in heaven. The almond flour (which adds great texture!) and the maple syrup just elevate that nutty flavor. I make these at least once a week, probably more. Aside from being delicious, they also only take 5 ingredients, so I really have no excuses not to make them. I’ll stash them in my bag for an afternoon snack or snag a few as a post-dinner dessert. They’re easy and quick and so worth it!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 6 truffles

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup almond flour
  • 2 tbs. cocoa powder
  • 2 tbs. tahini (adjust for texture)
  • 1 tbs. maple syrup (adjust for texture and sweetness)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 1 tsp. cocoa powder for dusting

Recipe

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a medium bowl. Use the back of a spoon to push the mixture together–it will feel dry at first, but it will blend after a few rounds of mixing. Add more tahini or maple syrup if the texture is too dry.
  2. Shape mixture into six 1-inch balls. Optionally toss or dust with cocoa powder.

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Almond Date Protein Balls (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

20 Minute Meals, Breakfast, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Snack, Soy-Free, Vegan

For the days when you have literally no time…

Lately, I’ve had a lot of those days. I don’t have a lot of time for breaks, and when I do, I need a BIG energy boost. Enter my Almond Date Protein Balls. I’ve been making variations of these for years, but I always come back to this recipe. Besides being delicious, they’re packed with nutrients. First, we’ve got one of my all-time favorite superfoods: chia seeds. Chia seeds are a great source of fiber and omega-3s. Then, we’ve got protein from rolled oats and almond butter. Together, they really elevate my energy levels and keep me fuller for longer. Plus, there’s no refined sugar–only dates and honey.

These protein balls are easy to pack and take on the go. Whip them up, store them in the fridge, and grab a few to stash in your purse when you’re heading out. You won’t regret it!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 8 protein balls

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup rolled oats
  • 3 tbs. almond butter (adjust for texture)
  • 2 tsp. honey (adjust for texture)
  • 2 medjool dates, pitted (or 1-2 tbs. raisins)
  • 8 almonds
  • 2 tsp. chia seeds
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of cinnamon
  • Optional: 1 tsp. melted coconut oil

Recipe

  1. Chop dates and almonds into small pieces.
  2. Mix all ingredients together in a medium bowl. Add more almond butter, honey, or coconut oil if mixture is too dry.
  3. Shape mixture into eight 1-inch balls. Enjoy!

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Dad’s Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

Dairy-Free, Dessert, Gluten-Free, Snack, Soy-Free, Vegan

Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside…

This Father’s Day, I’m making my dad’s favorite: oatmeal raisin cookies. When I was younger, I stayed as far away from oatmeal raisin cookies as I could. For me, it was chocolate chip or nothing! Now, I love oatmeal raisin cookies, and they’ve become a special staple for my family. They bring back memories of home, family, and laughter. I hope these do the same for you!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Serves: 6-8 cookies

Ingredients

Dry:

  • 1 cup oat flour
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/8 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/8 tsp. salt
  • 2 tbs. rolled oats
  • 2 tbs. raisins, packed (more to taste)

Wet:

  • 2 tbs. maple syrup
  • 1 tbs. coconut oil, softened
  • 1 tbs. almond butter
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Recipe

Preparation:

  1. Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together oat flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a medium bowl, mix together wet ingredients.
  4. Mix dry mixture into wet ingredients until a wet dough forms. Fold in rolled oats and raisins.

Baking:

  1. Roll dough into small balls, about 1 inch across. Using a fork, press balls into circular discs on the baking sheet, about 1 1/2 to 2 inches across. The cookies will expand slightly in the oven.
  2. Bake for 12 minutes, or until slightly crispy on top. Let cool for 10 minutes to allow the cookies to firm up before enjoying.

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