Cutting Watermelon

July 6, 2014 Amanda Plott

If you have tiny hands in your house (like I do) or are just looking for an easier and less messy way of cutting your watermelon this summer - then this idea is for you!

I've done my fair share of watermelon butchering, and it's almost always been a rather unpleasant task that more often than not ends up with my kitchen in the midst of a sticky mess that lasts for days. Thankfully, about a year ago, I came across a method of cutting watermelon that skips the waste and saves so much time. Plus, it's great for little fingers to grab up...

Skinny PB&J Sandwich Cookies

June 27, 2014 Amanda Plott

Who doesn't love peanut butter and jelly? (Well, other than those unfortunate souls that have nut allergies.) It's such a classic combination... you just can't go wrong with it!

These cookies are soft, decadent, and actually very reminiscent of little peanut butter and jelly whoopie pies. When I originally began to make plans for this tasty treat, I thought I wanted more of a crunchy peanut butter cookie... but for one reason or another it didn't work out that way.

In hindsight, this was a rather happy accident. A firmer cookie wouldn't have worked out nearly as well, since taking a bite of a hard sandwich cookie would force all that lovely jelly to squish out and make for gooey fingers. This softer more cake-like cookie seems to absorb the jelly a bit so it doesn't make a giant and unwanted mess.

Roasted Honey & Cinnamon Peaches

June 20, 2014 Amanda Plott

Okay, so... I know I've done the whole... broiled grapefruit thing, which is pretty amazing. But, as I've found out, there are actually a lot of people out there that cannot enjoy grapefruit for one reason or another. Yes, even a few in my own family! Now, I looove peach season. I think that I may have mentioned that once or twice before. So naturally, I've been waiting rather eagerly for the prices of peaches to go down and huzzah! It finally happened this last weekend!

I rather enthusiastically plucked a few gorgeous ones up and immediately began planning. Though... I pretty much knew exactly what I wanted to try. Honey roasted peaches!...

Coconut Water & Mixed Berry Popsicles

June 8, 2014 Amanda Plott

It's starting to get really hot here, and I've been busy starting to come up with healthy and refreshing ways to stay cool in the summer heat as it rears it's ugly head. Never mind that I'm dying here already and we have another 10+ degrees to go until we're really in the prime of Texas summer. Ugh.

So uhm... a whole popsicle for 30ish calories? Yes, please!

These popsicles are not only ridiculously healthy, but fresh and completely guilt free. Plus, it's an entirely fun way to eat your fruits...

Healthified Patriotic Toast

June 5, 2014 Amanda Plott

The count down to the 4th of July is on and I'm always super excited for this holiday! There's just something to be said about the heat of the summer, (healthified) BBQ, and fireworks. How could you not be excited to celebrate the independence of your nation in such a way?

Happy Birthday 'Merica!

Well, in a month or so anyway...

Now let's honor you with cute toast for breakfast.

Skinny Cherry Cheesecake Parfait

June 3, 2014 Amanda Plott

Parfaits make for a great breakfast or dessert during the summer months. They're easy. They're tasty. And you have virtually endless possibilities with flavor options! Plus, they don't heat up your kitchen. ... Something which is often a deal breaker for me once we start getting into 100+ days.

Can you tell that I'm already dreading July and August? Ugh...