Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix & Cookie Spoons

December 14, 2016 Amanda Plott

My daughter and I were singing Rudolph all morning long! While eating breakfast, while driving to school. I'm a little scared and also excited that come Friday, I'll have her home for two and a half weeks of winter break! Now... ask me at the end of the two and a half weeks to see if I still feel the same about that.

The holidays are always a fun time, especially when you've got little ones running around with all of their excitement. There is something to be said about homemade gifts, and I've always said that. They mean the most to me and always have. I would much rather have something that I know someone spent the time, effort, and thought into... than anything else! To know that you were in someone's special thoughts is a gift in itself...

Elf Cookies

December 8, 2016 Amanda Plott

A few years back now we had a silly little Elf on the Shelf named Candy Cane show up at our house shortly after Thanksgiving. And oh-what-a-joy it has been to see what shenanigans Candy Cane get's into every night after returning from her quick trip to the North Pole. She's got an important job, you know. She's in good with the big jolly man.

It's been even more interesting, the older my daughter has become. I don't know how in the world Candy Cane manages to come up with these things sometimes... ahem. Today I caught her in my kitchen making her famous Elf Cookies! Apparently she wants to surprise my daughter with them in the morning. Of course, you know I had to suggest to her that she make the cookies healthified and asked also if she would be so kind as to leave me the recipe to share! She's very nice that way...

Winter Berry & Citrus Salad (With Black Berry Vinaigrette)

December 4, 2016 Amanda Plott

Just because it's winter, doesn't mean you can't enjoy a salad! This Winter Berry & Citrus Salad with Black Berry Vinaigrette is full of winter fruits and flavors to satisfy you on even the coldest and gloomiest of days. I mean... look at those glorious bright colors there, it's a sure-fire way to climb your way out of the winter blues with some winter greens! Hah! See what I did there?

The deep red and green here make me think that this would make for a perfectly seasonal dinner salad or festive side salad to a Holiday meal. What I love most about this salad is that the dressing is completely homemade and super simple to make too!...

5 Ingredient Skinny Cranberry Cherry Pie

November 17, 2016 Amanda Plott

Okay, so this Skinny Cranberry Cherry Pie is one that I've been wanting to share for years now. Somehow it has completely escaped it every single holiday; which is funny since we have this same pie every Thanksgiving and Christmas. Here's my theory on how and why it's never made the list; it's so good that I can't keep it around long enough to take any final photos. Yep. That's the truth of it.

This recipe is one of those that's been a family favorite for years now. It was one of my first successful contributions to a Holiday meal. I've always loved pie. Any sort really. I haven't met a pie yet that I would or could turn down. But, I do sometimes I find that single fruit pies can be overly sweet.This one though, is perfectly in the middle of sweet and tart with the combination of cherry and cranberry. It's also incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect addition to any holiday table!...

Crock Pot Pumpkin & Turkey Chili

November 10, 2016 Amanda Plott

As a Stubb's Insider, all ideas, recipes, & opinions are entirely my own. Sauces, marinades and seasonings are provided to me on behalf of Stubb's Bar-B-Q.

Occasionally, for one reason or another, I have started going through to rework certain older recipes. Some of them needed photography updates, others were outdated in other areas, this one though... it needed a total overhaul. My way of cooking and my thoughts towards food have changed immensely over the years as I've grown and started to come into myself as a home cook and health nut.

I never did like the original pictures that I shot to pair with this recipe, and while the recipe tasted amazing... I knew looking back at it that I could do much better by my standards today. Since we're still in the midst of pumpkin season, I thought it would be the perfect time to blow the dust of this oldie but goodie...

Skinny Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Dip (Sponsored)

November 8, 2016 Amanda Plott

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

I hear jingle bells starting to ring off in the distance! I for one, am not going to be on Santa's naughty list this year though. This Skinny Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Dip is as nice as can be with just a handful of simple ingredients and the most amazing frosted sugar cookie taste you'll find in anything other than the real deal. Sprinkles included!

Yep! That's right, Santa. You can enjoy this tasty sweet treat and still be able to fit back up the chimney at the end of the night. *Wink, Wink.* This dip is perfect for setting the mood for the holidays, which for me are always full of warm and happy memories. I love how whimsical and fun while this dip is, while also being a light and a welcome addition to any table. Plus, no one will ever guess that it's been lightened up, because it just tastes that good!...