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!…

Skinny Pumpkin Spice Dark Chocolate Truffles

September 11, 2018 Amanda Plott

Pumpkin spice and everything nice, that’s what these truffles are made out of! These little cuties are surprisingly easy to make and are pretty impressive, if I do say so myself. Making candies is sort of one of those kitchen fears of mine that ranks up there even higher than most baking projects! I suppose that’s because candy making and baking are the more scientific limbs of cooking. And I am no scholar.

Even so, I like to push myself to limits and test my skills when I can. Nothing good ever came out of fear of failure! These sweet treats are as simple as candy can be to make, filled with a delicious pumpkin spice cream cheese mixture that everyone can enjoy this fall! (Or any time of year really!)…

Tater Tot Breakfast Bake

August 23, 2018 Amanda Plott

Breakfast does not have to be a chore. This Tater Tot Breakfast Bake is quick to toss together and pretty much does it's own thing while baking in the oven. Giving you plenty of time to do other important things. You know... like settling into your back-to-school routine. One of the best parts about this breakfast casserole though, is that it can be made ahead and popped in the oven any time.

Being as it makes a rather decent sized pan of it, you could probably enjoy this all week long with a quick reheat in the morning to enjoy it again. This is a pretty hearty and filling breakfast too. There's layers of sausage, egg, cheese, potatoes and yes... even some bacon!…

Low-Carb Instant Pot Cheesecake

July 23, 2018 Amanda Plott

Today it's going to be a whopping 107 in Austin, Texas! I'm at that point of summer where it's so hot that I nearly want it to be over, but I'm also not quite ready to end the freedom with the onslaught of another school year for my daughter. Let's face it, there is just something about waking up in the morning naturally and having absolutely nothing on the schedule that's required to be done that day.

So, while it's literally as hot as hell in Texas... That doesn't stop me from wanting the things that I can't have. Or dare not have, anyway. Things that generally require the oven. Things like... cheesecake. Here we have a no-bake cheesecake that still manages to be cooked!…

Red White & Blueberry Salad (With Champagne Vinaigrette!)

July 2, 2018 Amanda Plott

This year for the 4th of July we've got some visitors in town for a few days. Amidst the usual chaos of the holiday, I thought it was high time to make a fun, easy, little patriotic salad that could be easily tossed together and enjoyed as a festive side or even as lunch!

I basically started this salad off with one of the most easy and tasty vinaigrettes I've ever had. It's simple and so easy to make with just three basic ingredients; plus some salt and pepper! What goes better with celebrating Independence Day other than with some champagne, anyway? Even if it is in the form of a vinaigrette…