Lily's Lunch Box (Week 5) - Tex-Mex

August 25, 2014 Amanda Plott

There's two things I can always count on getting my little one to eat. Beans and rice! In fact, she takes her beans and rice plain. No salt. No 'spice'... just a sprinkle of cheese and she's done. She has been that way with beans and rice for her entire life.

Though it's not my way of eating them, I'm more than happy to oblige her with this small request. Thankfully, corn and mandarine oranges are two more things that are on the top of her 'will always eat' list. What does that give you? A fun tex-mex lunch idea!...

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...

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...

Garlicky Parmesan & Rosemary Roasted Chickpeas

July 21, 2014 Amanda Plott

I was turned on to roasting chickpeas several years back when seeking out healthier snack alternatives. Roasted garbanzo beans are seriously so easy to do that my four year old could almost pull it off all on her own. Well, almost. Plus, they taste absolutely amazing!

If you are a fan of hummus or chickpeas in general, then you will love toasted garbazo beans. I've been on a bit of a chickpea kick lately, if you hadn't noticed already. So... I thought what better time than now to roast some up for a grazing snack to have on hand...