Crock Pot Pork Chile Verde

November 20, 2014 Amanda Plott

I had some leftover tamales that I stored in my freezer a week or so ago, and I was wanting something warm to pair them with that wasn't chili. I'm a little burned out on beans lately. Gasp! No, no. Just meat and vegetables here. Somewhere in the midst of racking my brain, I remembered this Mexican style stew that they serve up at one of the favorite local Mexican places here in Austin. Pork green chile verde.

The name is debatable. It's called 'green chile verde' because it's made with green chiles. Not because it comes out green in the end result. Generally, pork chile verde is a slow simmered pork that's stewed in hatch green chiles...

Healthified Turkey Cuban Sandwich

November 10, 2014 Amanda Plott

I'm always on the lookout around Thanksgiving for recipes that I can use up my leftover turkey, and a lighter cuban sandwich is a perfect way to do just that! Don't know what a cuban sandwich is? Well, it's a wonderfully tasty little sandwich that is generally made with roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on some rather hardy cuban bread. Supposedly the sandwich originated in one of my most favorite places in the world - Key West, Florida!

Since, once again this year, I will not be making my traditional Thanksgiving meal, I've been doing my part it making turkey ahead of time; as if I need to get my quota for eating turkey in before the year is up. Then again, I tend to cook with turkey all year long since it's one of my favorite lean meats...

Skinny Pumpkin & Cranberry Bread

November 7, 2014 Amanda Plott

With the cooler crisp fall air breezing through Texas now, I've been super inspired to do any and all things involving pumpkins lately. What better way to start your day than with a nice warm slice of pumpkin, spice, and cranberry whole wheat bread to go with your coffee or tea?

This wonderfully fall inspired bread would make the perfect addition to any breakfast plate, especially around the upcoming holidays! No one will be the wiser to the fact that this is actually a pretty healthy breakfast bread, and that's okay. Let them think they are indulging...

Almond & Flax Chicken Nuggets

November 3, 2014 Amanda Plott

My little girl is finally starting to think about liking chicken nuggets. I know... what kid doesn't like chicken nuggets to begin with? Well, mine! The girl could be a vegetarian yesterday. I've had to be pretty creative in these four years with getting protein in her. It's been quite an interesting... struggle ever since she was a teeny tiny little thing.

About a week ago I was sent this amazing product called 'Nuts over Fish' to try for free. Which, originally I thought was a little ironic since, well... I don't eat fish. It's completely a mental block that I've had since I was a little girl. No seafood as much as I'd like to love it - I just can't bring myself to eat it...

Chicken Satay

October 27, 2014 Amanda Plott

I've been wanting to make a chicken satay for a long time now. The first time that I ever had it was at a local movie joint that's known for their gourmet food options that are available to eat while you watch your feature film. Good stuff! I mean... how can you go wrong with thai style peanut anything?

Spicy peanut sauce is one of my favorite things on the planet, I think.

Anyway, I was super stoked when OurSkinny contacted me a few weeks and asked if I'd be interested in trying out any of the fabulous recipes. The first thing that caught my eye? Chicken satay, baby! One of the most easily made decisions of my life lately. Hah!

Eggs in Pepper Rings

October 22, 2014 Amanda Plott

I know, I know... I've been doing a lot with pesto lately. My basil plant is slowly but surely taking over the back yard again this year. What better to do with it than to make some yummy Skinny Spinach & Basil Pesto?

I've done the whole Lighter Egg-in-a-Basket thing, but I've been trying to be a little more gluten conscious lately. So, I thought to myself... why not take the same idea, but use a vegetable instead of the bread? Perfect! Bell peppers work great for this. They are firm and hold up well with the cooking process, since they don't sweat or soften too awfully much in such a short amount of time.