Skinny 'Day Before' Mashed Potatoes

November 3, 2016 Amanda Plott

Once upon a time my mom and dad were in charge of Thanksgiving (along with all other Holiday meals) and my mom always ended up pretty stressed out, just like every other mother out there. Then along came my adult self. Together with my mom, we found the perfect end-all to the stresses of the Holiday cooking.

I had basically stumbled onto a perfectly planned out and super delicious make ahead menu plan that was complete with days, times, oven temperatures, etc. You name it, it was there. I like to consider it my Holiday Feast Code Book. Or Holiday Cooking Bible. It has been a life saver ever since it came into our lives, and I'm so happy that I've never had quite the traumatic holiday feast that some do. Oh, the horror stories I've heard...

Brownies & More Bottom Pumpkin Pie (Sponsored)

November 1, 2016 Amanda Plott

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

Phew! Now that Halloween is over, it's time to move on to the next great holiday in our paths. I think next to Halloween, Thanksgiving is my second most favorite holiday. Why? Well, that's pretty simple; it revolves entirely around food. It's no secret that I love food. Plus, Thanksgiving is full of good memories for me. When growing up, my mom always did her best (even in the worst of times) to make it amazing, memorable, and full of traditions for myself and my little brother.

Every year my mom would make two pies, a classic pumpkin one and a chocolate meringue. Sometimes she would throw a third in there, usually a pecan pie of some sort. This year though, I'm shaking it up. I'm putting a twist on two old classics and making them into one brownie bottom delectable pumpkin pie that is sure to please everyone. Don't worry though, I've lightened it up!...

Pizza Bite Eyeballs

October 28, 2016 Amanda Plott

Muahahaha! I love Halloween. It's my favorite holiday and it has been for almost all of my life. I think I enjoy it so much because there's a lot of excitement in the air. Especially when you have little ones! It's the start of the holiday season and everyone is ripe with anticipation for now. Plus, Halloween is generally the beginning of our cooler weather here in Texas. We're already down into the 80's on most days! Whohoo.

I've been working on some fun Halloween inspired bites this week and I think these Pizza Bite Eyeballs are a big winner! They are so easy to do and fun. Not scary. I even managed to get my 6 year old on board with them. After my 'scary' black Halloween spaghetti from last year, I thought I'd lost her on Trick-or-Treat eats, but these managed to get the seal of approval...

Skinny 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Brownies

October 13, 2016 Amanda Plott

Fall is nearly upon us and I am so excited to start working with the amazing flavors of the new season while preparing for the (hopefully) cooler weather to come.

Pumpkin is one of my favorite things to work with in the fall. It's such a versatile fruit! It can be used for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Sweet, savory, or otherwise!...

Skinny Baked Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

October 11, 2016 Amanda Plott

Onward with the pumpkin recipes!

Yes, we're in the thick of pumpkin madness around here. I've got my pumpkin scented candles, pumpkin candies, and all sorts of pumpkin amazingness to indulge in this month.

This pumpkin pie oatmeal was the perfect treat on this slightly chill Texas morning. Can you believe that it got down into the 50's here last night?! My air conditioner hasn't kicked on in nearly 12 hours and I couldn't be more pleased...

Skinny Vanilla French Toast

June 28, 2016 Amanda Plott

With the onslaught of summer and my little one now home with me for duration of these long hot months, my morning routine has certainly shifted. Even with it's changes, there are those few staple things that always stay the same. One of those things if me starting my day off right with my morning cup of coffee. In fact, it's become common laughable knowledge around here not to attempt communication until I've had my java. Hah!

Once I have my coffee I start in on making breakfast for whoever happens to be around. On most mornings, it's just myself and my little girl. But, my place is sort of the middle ground for most of my family, so there's a handful of people that come and go on occasion; my lovely 'wild cards'. This morning, my wild card was my little brother. I always like to feed him because he's not afraid to tell me what he really thinks...