![stonefruitcrispvegangf-8090 stonefruitcrispvegangf-8090](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/stonefruitcrispvegangf-8090.jpg)
Recently, I got back into weight training. And when I say recently, I mean that I still can’t move from my workout two days ago. Is it too soon to talk about getting back into something when it’s been less than a week? That’s debatable, I suppose. Really, the pain is not that bad, but it’s definitely a reminder of how long it’s been since I lifted weights consistently. My triceps are alive and kicking! Yeow.
After I tore the meniscus in my knee last year (a result of lifting a heavy box during a move), my workouts have been all over the map. I had months of relentless, nagging pain and then short periods without much pain. Totally unpredictable, incredibly frustrating. My love for running races was sidelined indefinitely, which was the hardest part to come to terms with. Meniscus injuries are notorious for slow healing and often, the knee is never quite the same after injury. There is a new definition of normal, I guess. Needless to say, I’ve walked on eggshells – fitness-wise – for the past year and a half, scared to push my knee too hard.
Thankfully though, my injury seems to have turned a corner since earlier this year (knock on wood), thanks in part to the knee strengthening exercises I’ve stuck with. I no longer have pain from daily walking and regular cardio workouts have been fine too. Squatting on the floor or sitting on my knees is still bothersome (as are twisting movements), but it could always be worse.
![veganfruitcrisp veganfruitcrisp](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/veganfruitcrisp.jpg)
So, it’s time to get inspired about new fitness challenges again. Weight training is a good place to start; not only is it a muscle builder, but it’s a confidence builder too. I’ve never been overly excited about weight training, but it’s amazing how much of a positive impact it has on my body, mind, and spirit when I do it. My goal is to do a few strength training sessions per week. I’ll have to modify some of the exercises in workout DVDs (plyometrics, like jumping squats, need to be avoided), but I’ll be able to do pretty much everything else. My mantra is to focus on what I can do instead of what I can’t do. It’s similar to enjoying a vegan diet – focus on all the incredible foods you can eat rather than the ones that you want to avoid. Before long, you’ve created a “new normal” for yourself.
All of this brings me to the million dollar question – which workout DVD to use? If you have any recommendations, I’d love to hear them below!
![image image](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/image.png)
In other celebratory news, can we give three cheers for peaches and other stone fruits this month? Can’t. get. enough.
Traditional crisp recipes are usually loaded with sugar and butter, but they don’t have to be. The natural sweetness of seasonal fruit should take centre stage. This recipe I’m sharing today does just that; in fact, it’s healthy enough for breakfast which is how we enjoyed it this past weekend. It would also be lovely with a scoop of ice cream or coconut whipped cream for dessert. It yields 3-4 small servings so if you want something to serve a small crowd I suggest doubling the recipe.
![Summer Stone Fruit Crisp](https://ohsheglows.com/gs_images/2020/05/065A8190-768x768.jpg)
Summer Stone Fruit Crisp
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Yield
3-4 servings
Prep time
Rest time
5 minutes
Cook time
Total time
Peaches, plums, and cherries make up this stone fruit filling. It’s versatile though, so play around with the fruit. Apricots and nectarines would be nice too. I added a light dusting of coconut sugar, cinnamon, arrowroot powder, and chia seeds (the latter two absorbing water) into the filling. The topping is made up of almond flour (or almond meal, if you’d rather), rolled oats, oat flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, and sea salt. It tastes like a cross between an oatmeal cookie and granola without being sickly sweet! I love serving it with Coconut Whipped Cream or vegan ice cream.
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 3 peaches, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 2 plums, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 tbsp arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar (or other granulated sugar)
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of salt
For the topping:
- 1/2 cup almond flour (or almond meal)
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
- pinch of salt, to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a small 1 litre (4 cup) casserole dish.
- Combine the filling ingredients together in a large bowl. Stir until fully incorporated.
- In another medium bowl, stir together the almond flour, oat flour, rolled oats, and cinnamon. Add in the maple syrup and coconut oil and mash with a fork (or beat with a hand mixer) until thoroughly combined into a dough. Add salt to taste.
- Spoon fruit filling into casserole dish and level out. Crumble the topping over top of the fruit in an even layer. Bake, uncovered, at 375°F (190°C) for around 30 minutes, checking on the topping after 20 minutes. If the topping starts to brown too soon, you can remove it from the oven and cover with tin foil for the rest of the time. The crisp is ready when the fruit is fork tender and the topping is golden.
- Cool for 5-10 minutes and serve on its own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream.
Tip:
Note: Use certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
I recommend trying out fitwomensweekly.com weekly body weight workouts would be really good for your knee!
I LOVE stone fruit. Plums, cherries you name it! Thanks.
Mmmm, this looks great! I hope the soreness eases up soon. Comfort food helps. ;)
I made this with four cups of strawberries, 1.5 cups rhubarb, and about 2.5 cups of a combination of blueberries, cherries, and blackberries. I doubled the topping and made it in a 9 x 13 glass dish. It was excellent! Not too sweet and very delicious. Thanks Angela!
Awesome to hear you are recovering! What knee strengthening exercises have you been doing?
mostly a bunch of random ones I found online…there are a ton for knee injuries!
I LOVE fruit crisps…and this one looks especially amazing!
Mmmmm my mouth literally just started watering. This looks so fresh and tasty :) Love your recipes! :)
I’m loving insanity right now. I used it to train for a 1/2 marathon because when I was running I hurt my knee…..I built up some good strength. The 1/2 was intense and my knee hurts still but I’m glad I did it.
I’d love to see a post or some pins maybe on your knee exercises!
Yum, I love the cherries in it. They seem to make all the other flavors just pop! Next time TJ’s has cherries I’ll buy them to make this.
Made this dessert tonight and it was yet another home run! There is not a single morsel left in the dish. I can always count on your recipes to be delicious and nutritious! I love serving my boys (two little and one big!) dessert that tastes great and is not laden with sugar. Thank you!
Hi Angela,
I just wanted to say I discovered your blog a few days ago and I am hooked! Thanks for the beautiful vegan recipes; I can’t wait to try them. :)
Thank you Eve – I hope you enjoy the recipes!
Angela – Have you ever tried yoga? I used to lift weights, but now, I do vinyasa yoga which builds strength, and if done long enough, works every muscle in your body, not just the big ones. Plus, yoga brings the mind into every breath you take for a truly wonderful experience every time. I’ve been doing yoga (many different forms but always include vinyasa) and can hold my own in an advanced class – I’ll be 60 in November. Check out this web site. This woman was instrumental in advancing my practice both physically and mentally. She no longer owns Yoga Island :( but often teaches classes or workshops at my current studio. I think her story will inspire you, and she may be able to offer some suggestions since you are searching for a video – possibly an on line experience? We both live in the suburbs north of the Dallas, TX area: http://www.livingyogadallas.com/instructors/sloane-park . Good luck!
Hey Barb, Yes I love yoga! I do hot yoga quite frequently…it’s the best.
Sorry, meant to say that I’d been doing yoga for 11 years! Don’t try to take an advanced class when you are starting out!!
Hi Angela, I love strength and fitness with Zuzka. She has a great library of workouts on Youtube. They are quick workouts that challenge you and have you feeling amazing in no time! She usually posts one workout per week and now has better than 80 workouts. Look for Zuzka Light. Zuzka’s workouts (about 12-16 minutes long) and trying to become a runner have me in better shape than ever and I lost 24 lbs and am happy to be back in size 4’s. Good Luck!
Looks delicious! Try barre3 online. I LOVE it!
Mhmm I love stone fruits! And I love that you combined them into this lovely crisp with some of my favorite ingredients like chia seeds. This looks perfect for a hot summer night.
Angela! PLEASE make an updated “my essential vegan shopping list” or a “what’s in my grocery bag” post! I know it sounds silly but people LOVE looking at those…and I would love to have some new ideas of what I should get at the grocery store..especially since I usually just purchase pre-packaged foods..which I’d LOVE to stay away from.
I hope to see it soon maybe??
Have a great day!
xx
Thanks for your suggestion! Have you seen the vegan pantry post I did before? I assume you did – but yes an updated version would be a great idea. :)
This looks amazing!
I remember a few years back I strained my back moving heavy boxes during a house move ans as a result I couldn’t move properly for weeks. So suffice it to say I know how you felt when the nagging pains randomly occur. Complete frustration!
The summer stone fruit crisp looks fabulous if your photographs are anything to go by and I’ll certainly follow your recipe instructions and try it for myself.
Just made this with plums and peaches! Excellent – so fresh and tasty.
Wow, I can eat this!! There are so many foods I can not eat it is almost impossible to find a recipe I can actually eat!
I am going to whip this up tonight for dessert, or heck maybe supper :-)