Dark Chocolate & Pumpkin Swirl Bundt Cake

September 15, 2018 Amanda Plott

We’re finally in the 80’s around here, and I can feel Fall in the air just about. It’s one of my favorite times of year. Halloween is just around the corner and pumpkin spice is featured almost anywhere you look. Bring. It. On. I am so ready to get to use my stove and oven again without having to worry about spending the rest of the day cooling the house back off. The struggle is real, y’all.

Baking is not my favorite thing to do in the kitchen. It scares and intimidates me. And today was one of those reasons why. I turned my back for (what seemed like one second) and I over-beat my batter. Meaning my cake collapsed a bit in the middle. I was frustrated beyond belief with myself, but the family didn’t mind at all. In fact, they all said how good the cake was - even though I was mad at it…

Crock Pot Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal (Instant Pot too!)

September 13, 2018 Amanda Plott

Originally when I made this oatmeal, I had pretty recently posted a Skinny Baked Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal, but these two oatmeals are pretty far apart in the realms of texture and preparation. Plus, I’ve added in new instructions so this oatmeal can be made in an instant pot (pressure cooker) in under thirty minutes!

As usual, I've been running around like a crazy woman and I really needed a pick-me-up this morning to help boost me through the day. Back when I first made this recipe in 2013, my dear little girl had been sick for well over a week and only the day before was diagnosed with both a sinus infection and bacterial pneumonia. That was a tough time!…

'Nut & Seed' Grain-Free Pumpkin Spice Granola

August 31, 2018 Amanda Plott

It's been a hot minute since I made up a batch of homemade granola, mostly because it's just been way too hot here to even think about turning the oven on. But, sometimes... it's just worth it. And this morning? It was just that - totally worth it! With pumpkin spice season on the horizon, I thought there was no better time than now to tempt the cooler weather in with another pumpkin inspired treat!

I based this grain-free granola off of one that I made a while back. The main differences would be the spice used in it and the seeds that I chose to include. Since we're going with the Fall theme, I decided to use pumpkin seeds. Two kinds of pumpkin seeds, that is. I picked up a raw one to roast with the granola, and a lightly salted roasted seed called 'snow white' pumpkin seeds to add in at the end…

Skinny One-Pan Chicken Pot Pie

July 18, 2018 Amanda Plott

Picture this. It's the end of my week. I go grocery shopping on Thursdays and... I legit have had nothing planned to cook for the past few days. So, to say that I'm running on fumes over here would be an understatement. I've got pieces and parts of a few different things, but nothing that seemingly went together.

Trying to avoid a trip to the store or fast-food I got to thinking. My initial thought for dinner tonight was to make a quiche since I've got some eggs leftover. But, I also really really really don't want to have my oven on. Much less for an entire hour. NEXT. Being as I had some leftover phyllo dough in the freezer along with a plethora of veggies... I settled on a pot pie!

Cranberry BBQ Chicken Bites (Instant Pot)

June 30, 2018 Amanda Plott

Product was provided to me on behalf of Cape Cod Cranberries to review, use, and write about. As always, all opinions are entirely my own.

Summers are for BBQs! The only thing is... it's really hot out right now in Texas. I mean... really hot. We're hovering just outside of the three digit thermometer reads, but let me just say that it doesn't feel like it. Since it's so hot out, I'm opting to stay inside where it's nice and cool. And while normally my oven is in shut-down mode for a couple more months, these BBQ chicken bites were worth it to cook inside today!

Being a native Texan, I can tell you that BBQ is big business here. It's serious business. So you know when I say that BBQ is good, that you can take my word for it. I'm not shy when it comes to playing around with the flavors of BBQ sauce, and this Cranberry BBQ sauce is no different. In fact, I'm pretty sure it's a new family favorite…

Creamy Dreamy Sleepy Time Drink (Sponsored)

December 4, 2017 Amanda Plott

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

The Holidays are upon us in a huge way and we all know that the countdown is on until the big man makes his appearance. In my house, it's always rather chaotic the night before Christmas, and everyone tends to have a tough time falling asleep. I know that my family isn't alone in this so... now I've got a solution; this Creamy Dreamy Sleepy Time Drink!

We've all heard the old adage to drink a cup of warm milk to settle the mind and the stomach before bed. Even Santa himself enjoys milk and cookies during his one night trip around the world. This Creamy Dreamy Sleepy Time Drink is a more wholesome version of the classic warm milk that's sure to help soothe and send you off to dream land...