Skinny Verde Chicken Enchiladas

April 22, 2015 Amanda Plott

With Cinco de Mayo right around the corner, I thought it would be a great week to fill with lots of Mexican inspired dishes! I'm all about Mexican food. I could seriously eat it every single day without complaint. My grandmother who is visiting me right now is the same way... and my mother as well. Oh, and my little one could eat her weight in beans and rice.

Yep, four generations of Mexican food loving women in my house right now!

I say Mexican food but, it's really more 'Tex-Mex'. I'm well aware that our idea here in the States of Mexican food is vastly different from what they actually eat in Mexico.

Yep! I've had real Mexican food before.

Regardless, one of my most favorite dishes are sour cream chicken enchiladas. So, I've taken those enchiladas and lightened them as best I can...

Chicken Bacon Ranch Macaroni & Cheese Casserole

April 20, 2015 Amanda Plott

My little one is a macaroni and cheese fiend... and also one of the most strangely picky eaters that I've ever known. For most of her five years go life, my little girl has been a vegetarian for the most part. Of course, it's not been a conscious decision on her part or for any other reason than the mere texture of meat. Apparently it's a pretty common trend among toddlers and preschoolers.

I can't say that I was much different when I was about her age. I drank water instead of any soda or juice, and had to be told that meat came from a meat tree and not from an animal. I also required that all meals be cooked by my mother. Yeah, I've always been a bit special about food.

Over the past few months, my little girl has made some great strides in adding more and more to her list of acceptable foods. I'd like to think that it has a lot to do with the fact that I encourage her to spend time with me in the kitchen. I also do my best to encourage her to simply try new things. No pressure though!...

Blueberry & Coconut Breakfast Quinoa

April 15, 2015 Amanda Plott

"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day."

That is something that I think anyone of my generation grew up learning, and to this day I still find it to be true. Starting your morning off right can be essential. Especially when you're trying to eat better and become healthier.

This powerhouse breakfast bowl is not only one of my favorite breakfasts, it's also a great way to control your hunger and power you on through your day. It's full of the good-for-you stuff such as protein, fiber, calcium, and plenty of vitamins, and minerals. And yes, even antioxidants!

I would say that this could be comparable to a bowl of warm oatmeal or a breakfast rice cereal as far as flavor and texture. So if you're a fan of either, then you're sure to enjoy quinoa for breakfast.

Oh, and did I mention that this breakfast is entirely gluten-free and vegan? Yep!

I know, there's a fierce debate about whether honey is vegan or not... but, for the sake of this breakfast I'll say that it is. If you're a staunch vegan, you can always swap the honey out for agave...

Tomato Cobbler

April 13, 2015 Amanda Plott

I know what you're thinking. Tomato Cobbler?

Yes, and yes.

Lately, I've seen a lot of savory takes on treats that most would consider desserts or sweets. So, this is my savory take on a cobbler. I mean... a tomato is technically a fruit anyway. Right? Right!

"Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it into a fruit salad."

Well, at least I'm not putting the tomatoes into a fruit salad.

Tomatoes are one of my favorite things. I'm pretty sure there are not many circumstances to which I would turn one down. Pie, soup, ketchup, baked, raw, stuffed... I think I've had tomatoes in just about every manner in which you could eat possibly eat them...

Couscous Crusted Chicken Tenders with Corn & Tomato Salad

April 9, 2015 Amanda Plott

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Sargento. The opinions and text are all mine.

Comments submitted may be displayed on other websites owned by the sponsoring brand.

Who watches Chopped? I do, I do! It's one of my most favorite shows. I love to watch the cooks on there immediately having to think on their feet with a basket of rather random and sometimes even off-putting ingredients.

Growing up, it was a weekly challenge to go through the fridge, freezer, and pantry to use up any and all leftovers into a completely new and delicious meal. My dad, being in the food industry all of my life, was all about repurposing food and making sure nothing went to waste! So, the show Chopped has always been right up my ally.

Sargento® is hosting a “Chopped at Home” contest, so today's post is a little different since I'm getting creative and doing a Chopped-inspired dish featuring Sargento® Shredded Cheese. The challenge was to use the following real ingredients: Sargento® Off the Block 4 Cheese Mexican, boneless chicken tenders, couscous, and salsa!...

Sun Butter, Banana & Chia Seed Toast

April 7, 2015 Amanda Plott

It's been a while since I posted a yummy breakfast toast, so I'm back at it again! After a rather long and exhaustive birthday weekend with my 5 year old, I needed something easy, healthy, and rather delicious to have for breakfast this week.

Happy 5th Birthday Lily!

I've done my share of toast in the past. Avocado toast. Black bean toast. Toast, toast, and now more toast! I wanted to do something a bit different, but still with the main focal point of... toast...