Healthified Pork Skewers "Faux Ribs"

August 13, 2014 Amanda Plott

Is it bad of me to tell you that even as a Texan... I can't stand to eat meat off the bone? I'm a white meat only (no dark meat here) and boneless kind of girl. I always have been for as long as I can possibly remember. That's right. I don't care for ribs on the bone, wings (or legs) on the bone, or even steak on the bone! No bones.

I've said it before, I could very easily become a vegetarian without skipping a beat. In fact, I've found that eating meatless dinners 2-3 days of the week slash my grocery bill and helps me to feel better overall. That being said, I am a Texan and barbecue is a weekly requirement as well!

Since I'm a boneless fan, skewers are sort my go-to for faux ribs. It gives me that raw carnivore feel while not grossing me out in the process. Plus, I get to use a leaner cut of meat for my 'ribs' - which meals less calories and less guilt...

Lily's Lunch Box (Week 3) - The Hawaiian

August 11, 2014 Amanda Plott

There has been some talk, as there is every year, about a possible vacation for the family in leu of birthday and holiday. We never really took family vacations when I was younger, so I guess it's something that we will continue to strive for. Fingers crossed this year will be the one!

With all the vacation talk, my little love has mentioned on more than one occasion that she would like to go to Hawaii for 'holiday'. I'm really not sure where she got that idea or how she knows much about Hawaii to start with. Thank you Peppa Pig and Lalaloopsy!

From what I've gathered these are the few things she knows to be true of Hawaii:
1. They wear grass skirts there.
2. Hula dancing is a must.
3. It's sunny.
4. They have beaches.

She's not too far off the mark...

Pesto Chickpea & Avocado Salad

August 8, 2014 Amanda Plott

I really cannot say enough about this salad. I would have never guessed that these 6-ish ingredients would have come together in such an awesome and delicious way. This mighty green salad was tossed together in less than 5 minutes and was unbelievably satisfying. Seriously. I've eaten it about four times already this week.

The lemon juice works to brighten up the pesto and together they actually end up as a rather substantial amount of flavorful 'dressing'. Yes, that's right - you don't need to add any dressing to this salad. The ingredients work together to make their own lemony pesto dressing that is de{light}ful and actually one of my newest favorite things...

Lily's Lunch Box (Week 2) - Rainbow Shells

August 4, 2014 Amanda Plott

We spent the weekend being mermaids floating down the Comal River this weekend. So, when I was getting my little love's lunch together for Monday morning I asked her if she preferred 'macaroni' noodles or 'shells' - to which she responded, "Rainbow shells! ... With sprinkles!"

Well, of course sprinkles don't go too well with pasta, but... rainbow shells it is! And to make it even more fitting, let's make them in some fun 'under the sea' colors...

Avocado & Egg Spaghetti Squash Boats

July 30, 2014 Amanda Plott

I want to start off by saying, my grandmother was very upset at me for making a spaghetti squash dish just days after she left. I was hissed at more than once for it. Sorry Neenaw, but the show must go on! The good thing is, this dish is so super easy that she can make it at home for herself and her husband to enjoy.

It's not winter, I know... but it seems like I always have to make at least one spaghetti squash meal during the summer. Even though its a winter squash, it seems like I crave it a lot more on hot days rather than cold ones. Perhaps it has something to do with the cooler toppings and bright sauces that I use on it...

Lily's Lunch Box (Week 1) - Homemade 'Lunchable'

July 28, 2014 Amanda Plott

With the new school year fast approaching, I've decided to do a whole 6 weeks worth of healthy lunch box ideas for the kiddos... and the parents! My little girl is in pre-k this year, and just like all parents out there, I too have struggled with brown-bag lunches.

It doesn't help that my little mini-me is still in the midst of a rather finicky food phase. She is as close to being a vegetarian as she can get without actually being a vegetarian. I can't blame her at all either. I was the same exact way when I was her age.

You reap what you sew, yeah?...