Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore

February 15, 2017 Amanda Plott

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

February is all about hearts and in more way than one! It's true that Valentine's day is in February, but did you know that it's also Heart Health month? Heart health is something that affects each and every one of us. Everyone has at least one person in their life that has been or will be affected by heart disease in some way. For me, half of my grandparents currently have heart disease.

Just this past year my step-grandfather was diagnosed with heart disease. He's been put on medication and told to make some changes to his eating habits in an effort to slow progression of (and hopefully even stop) the disease...

Spinach & Artichoke Ravioli en Brodo

January 9, 2017 Amanda Plott

Thank you Buitoni for sponsoring this post. Check out Buitoni's no GMO, clean label, vegetable-infused pastas and sauces to create a dinnertime experience everyone will enjoy.

Almost three years ago I made this wonderful Tortellini en Brodo that was amazing and my whole family loved it. Yes, even my picky little first grader. Sometimes the most simple meals are the ones that my family and I adore the most. ...Though for different reasons, of course. I enjoy the simple recipes because I spend less time in the kitchen while my family enjoys them for their distinct and fresh flavors.

This Spinach & Artichoke Ravioli en Brodo was definitely inspired by that one from a few years ago, but it is even more simple with only 6 ingredients and yet just as much flavor (if not more!) This is a light soup that still somehow manages to be rather hearty. Those big beautiful green ravioli soak up that wonderful broth and all of the flavors that go along with it...

Skinny Italian Beef Sandwiches

November 6, 2016 Amanda Plott

Oh, man... the history behind this recipe dates back around 6 years ago. It was right around the time that my daughter was born when I first started to make it. This was one of the first real things that I cooked for my family, and it is also one of the things they still ask me to make. Yep. Even to this very day! The recipe originated on a website that sadly is no longer around. The same website that started me off on my better-for-you cooking style.

Originally the recipe called for the beef be cooked in the slow cooker, but today it was a little chilly and I felt like blowing the dust off of my oven for the coming cold-weather season. Yay! I'm finally getting to use my oven again. Thank. Goodness. It's about time!...

Crock Pot Pasta e Fagioli

October 26, 2016 Amanda Plott

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Barilla® and Johnsonville®. The opinions and texts are all mine.

It's no secret that one of my most favorite soups at almost any Italian restaurant is Pasta e Fagioli. That's generally because it's got some of everything in it without being too heavy, and that's exactly where I am with fall right now. It's nice and cool and crisp in the mornings, but still rather hot here during the day. So, I find myself craving more hearty dishes on a lighter side.

This soup isn't only lighter on the scale (being that it's made from home), it's also lighter on the wallet since it's made from simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your fridge and pantry! Let's face it, almost any soup is a great economical option for an all inclusive meal in a bowl, and when you involve a slow cooker you're almost always insured an easy-fix meal as well...

Bruschetta

October 6, 2016 Amanda Plott

All ideas, recipes, & opinions are entirely my own. A Glassful box of wines were provided to me for this recipe and review.

Want a little cheese to go with that wine? Why, yes I do! I'll take some bruschetta as well. And maybe a full on antipasti plate while you're at it.

It's been all too long since I posted much to pair with wine. One of my favorites from a while back was the Anatomy of a Cheese Plate, which gives a good break down of what all you could have available for a wine tasting or wine enthusiast sort of party. We live in an age of wine, people! My generation is said to drink nearly half of all the wine in the United States. That's a lot of wine for one generation. I guess we were all just raised right.

My inspiration for my antipasti tonight came from one of my dear grade-school friends over at Sweet Hersey Living. Her food and recipes always leave me drooling. She's truly one of the most creative people that I've ever known...

One Pot Healthified Lasagna Soup (Sponsored)

July 22, 2016 Amanda Plott

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

With back-to-school just around the corner and the end of summer breathing down my back with an ever tightening schedule, this easy one pot meal is just what I needed! Why a one pot meal? It keeps things simple. I'm left with one dirty dish and plenty of happy, full tummies at the end of the night. What's better is that I only need to focus on one pot for cooking. Yay!

This meal is basically hands off for 30 minutes, giving plenty of time to get other needed things done in between stirring and checking. One of my favorite things about this soup though, has to be that it's super packed with flavor and loads of sneaky vegetables; making it easier for you and healthier for the family at the same time...