Skinny Mixed Berry Monkey Bread

June 23, 2016 Amanda Plott

I know what you're thinking... how in the world could monkey bread be considered skinny? Well, I've lightened this up as best I imagine anyone possibly could considering that it's a sugary, decadent, gooey, caramel mess of a breakfast treat. So bear with me for a bit while I try and explain all the good that I've done here.

Monkey bread is one of my favorite breakfast or brunch treats, largely in part to the fact that it's so easy to toss together and always comes out in an impressive form. I mean, you know... look at it. It's truly drool-worthy. The only down-fall of it is that it's usually one of the most sugary and unhealthy breakfast bites out there. So, I've taken this traditional treat and revamped it into something a little more guilt-free...

'Drunken' Birthday Cake Gummy Bears

June 13, 2016 Amanda Plott

My birthday is coming up in a week, and so of course... this just had to happen.

I've been chewing on the idea of soaking some more gummy bears, since last time was rather well enjoyed by all. With my birthday just around the corner, I wanted to change it up a bit and make things a bit more festive. And what says birthday better than cake?

One of my most favorite cakes is funfetti or confetti cake; white cake with plenty of rainbow colored sprinkles. So, that's sort of where the idea of this started to come together. What could I possibly soak rainbow gummy bears in that would be birthday-esque?...

Skinny PB&J Parfait

June 6, 2016 Amanda Plott

That's right. It's 'Peanut butter jelly time, peanut butter jelly time...'

This is for those of you out there that looove peanut butter and jelly! And trust me, I know there's a lot of you out there. Peanut butter and jelly has always been one of my most favorite sandwiches and flavor combinations. Over the years I've made it into cookies, candy, cupcakes and more.

Since this Skinny PB&J Parfait is about three years old now, I decided that it needed a little bit of a make over. Not only has my style of cooking and creating recipes changed, but my photography skills hopefully have too!...

Chocolate Chia Pudding

May 28, 2016 Amanda Plott

I'm up and at it this morning! It felt pretty nice being able to 'sleep in' to a ripe old 7 o'clock this morning. Truth be told, I wallowed around in the bed for another 30 minutes before I actually managed to peel myself up. It's been a busy few weeks around the Plott house between school coming to an end for the year, dance recital chaos, and a head cold that just won't quit.

Needless to say, I was ready to hit the kitchen today to whip up this tasty little number that I've had in my head for a while now. A few weeks back (maybe a month even) I tried out a new chia pudding that the little cafe/juice bar located inside my gym had started offering. It was pretty tasty and I was surprised with the actual 'pudding' like texture.

A lot of chia puddings out there have that tapioca texture. Which is just fine with me, but not always with everyone...

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!...

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...