5 Ingredient Skinny Summer Vegetable Dip

June 8, 2016 Amanda Plott

It's getting warm here in Texas, though I'll be the first one to say that so far we've had a perfectly mild summer. Usually by now we are well into 100+ degrees days, and so far we've barely broken past the 90's. No, that's not a complaint either! It's these perfect summer days that I love to spend out in my backyard entertaining. Whether that means my little family or the whole lot of us.

No matter who's around, it's always about 'what to eat' and this 5 Ingredient Skinner Summer Vegetable Dip is the perfect spread! I've loaded this dip up with bell pepper, jalapeño (for taste - not heat), sweet summer corn, and olives! I know, bare with me, it might sound like a rather creative and interesting combination... and it is! It's completely amazing and full of flavor. You'll fall in love from the first taste...

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...

5 Ingredient Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

May 23, 2016 Amanda Plott

Another busy weekend behind me and I couldn't be looking forward to next week anymore than I am! My little girl will be out of school and done with her dance for this season; giving me a much needed little break. With the last few days, weeks, and months all blurring together, I needed something easy and light to toss together after milling around the store today for my weekly shopping trip.

I decided some homemade hummus would hit the spot perfectly. I've made my share of hummus before, but hadn't yet dabbled with a roasted red pepper variation which happens to be one of my favorites to buy...

Gluten-Free Protein Pancakes

May 14, 2016 Amanda Plott

To say that this week has been crazy, would be an understatement of epic proportions. With the school year coming to a close, getting things in order for school next year, my daughter being in two upcoming dance recitals, and the usual round of summer birthdays coming about, and my downstairs floor being replaced today, I'm just about to my limit.

One thing that did make this week more easy was having these wonderful protein packed pancakes ready to go for breakfast in the morning. Not only did they keep me full and satisfied to get through the craziness of the week, but they also tasted amazing.

I had to do a lot of my cooking ahead of time since my stove is currently out in the garage. Everything had to be up off the floor for it to be replaced. Like I said... madness is my life right now, hah!...

Spring Asparagus Salad & Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

May 10, 2016 Amanda Plott

Spring vegetables are still in full swing for another couple of months, so naturally I'm taking full advantage of that. One of my favorite spring vegetables has to be asparagus. I love it's simple flavor and complete versatility to be the part of just about any meal. So, this week for lunch I decided to dive back into salads and thought that adding some cool asparagus to the mix would be perfect.

This salad is a great lunch, and would also make for a great side dish or used as part of a dinner time meal as well. Along the way I happened to come across some watercress this week, which is another fun spring green and also one that I've never had the pleasure of working with...

Healthified Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

April 29, 2016 Amanda Plott

There are a handful of recipes that I have been developing off and on through the years for one reason or another. Some of them don't turn out the first run or two, others I burn myself out in, and some take a specific amount of tweaking to get it just right. This happens to be one of those recipes.

When I was younger, I ate a lot more fast food just as almost any young American. My mom was not nearly as excited about food and cooking as I am, and that is completely fine. Everyone has their own passion. So, my dad ended up doing the most of the cooking on the nights that he could, but sometimes he would come home way too exhausted to manage; this was around the time when I was in high school...