Pesto & Ricotta Summer Tomato Tart

July 10, 2016 Amanda Plott

I'm so excited to share this amazing little bite with you, and for more than one reason too! Not only does it taste absolutely awesome, there's also a surprise below in the directions. But, you'll have to go on down to find out what!

So, back to this fun pesto and ricotta summer tart. With it being well into the 100 degree days here in Texas for a few more months, I'm all about keeping food simple and cold. With little to no cooking or heat involved. This tart is just that. Simple. Clean. Fun. ...And so tasty too. Plus, with minimal cooking involved, you won't have to heat up the house.

Tip: If you're really trying to save on heating up the house, you can always bake the pie crust ahead of time or even outdoors on a grill!...

Chicken & Waffles Sliders with Buffalo Maple Syrup (Sponsored)

June 29, 2016 Amanda Plott

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PowerTheirPlay #CollectiveBias

My little girl is a busy little bee! Phew! I never realize that more than when she's home with me for long bouts of time (like during the summer.) Of course, I do all I can to fuel her play, creativity, and mind. One way that I do this is by keeping her little tummy full and satisfied with wholesome things that I approve of.

Recently she's found her love of chicken nuggets, so today I thought I'd try my hand at creating a perfect little bite-sized slider for an old classic that most of us adults know and love; chicken and waffles! It's a great little play on sweet and savory that almost any kid or adult will love...

Skinny Vanilla French Toast

June 28, 2016 Amanda Plott

With the onslaught of summer and my little one now home with me for duration of these long hot months, my morning routine has certainly shifted. Even with it's changes, there are those few staple things that always stay the same. One of those things if me starting my day off right with my morning cup of coffee. In fact, it's become common laughable knowledge around here not to attempt communication until I've had my java. Hah!

Once I have my coffee I start in on making breakfast for whoever happens to be around. On most mornings, it's just myself and my little girl. But, my place is sort of the middle ground for most of my family, so there's a handful of people that come and go on occasion; my lovely 'wild cards'. This morning, my wild card was my little brother. I always like to feed him because he's not afraid to tell me what he really thinks...

Banana Nut Breakfast Parfait

May 25, 2016 Amanda Plott

One of my fondest memories from when I was little was my mom making her banana nut bread. It wasn't something that she would make very often, usually a treat around the holidays when she had time to bake. Friends and family will often find it tucked away in their yearly basket of baked goods at Christmas.

Even still to this day she makes it every now and again for all of us, especially my little girl, to enjoy. But, with summer and hotter weather closing in on us here in Texas... it's time for me to start cutting the use of my oven way down. So, to sate my craving for the dense and rather out of season bread, I've opted to turn it into a parfait!...

Gluten-Free Protein Pancakes

May 14, 2016 Amanda Plott

To say that this week has been crazy, would be an understatement of epic proportions. With the school year coming to a close, getting things in order for school next year, my daughter being in two upcoming dance recitals, and the usual round of summer birthdays coming about, and my downstairs floor being replaced today, I'm just about to my limit.

One thing that did make this week more easy was having these wonderful protein packed pancakes ready to go for breakfast in the morning. Not only did they keep me full and satisfied to get through the craziness of the week, but they also tasted amazing.

I had to do a lot of my cooking ahead of time since my stove is currently out in the garage. Everything had to be up off the floor for it to be replaced. Like I said... madness is my life right now, hah!...

Matcha & Strawberry Bran Muffins

April 25, 2016 Amanda Plott

I've been playing with matcha more and more lately, trying to find clever ways to integrate it further into my daily life. So far I've made everything from Gluten-Free Matcha Waffles to Strawberry & Coconut Matcha Chocolate Bark. Today I decided to try my hand at another baked matcha treat; muffins! After all, who doesn't like a good muffin for breakfast?

So, what's so great about matcha? Plenty.

One cup of matcha has the nutritional content of 10 cups of regularly brewed green tea. And that's not all. It has 137 times more antioxidants in it too. Meaning it detoxifies your body and calms your mind naturally. It enhances your mood, boosts metabolism, and burns calories. All in a mere cup of tea...