Mermaid Treasure Cupcakes

July 7, 2017 Amanda Plott

The next step into this week of Mermaid amazingness is in honor of my fabulous mother's birthday! Truly, she's more of a mermaid than I am. She spends about 75% of her summer in the water. And... about 50% of the rest of the year in and about the water as well. We're talking rivers, lakes, pools, etc. If there's a body of water, she'll find it and she'll be in it with a cocktail or two in her hand.

Every year for one another's birthday we each take the time and effort to make or go and buy one another our favorite cravable cupcakes or cake. This year I opted for a local Austin food truck that makes my most favorite strawberry cupcakes in the entire world. For my mom though? She's getting an oldie but a goodie. It's a surprise cupcake that we've made together in the past and fell in love at first bite...

Mermaid Noodle Salad

July 5, 2017 Amanda Plott

So, I've decided that this week on the blog is going to be all about... drumroll please... Mermaids! Ta-da! That's right. It's going to be a week full of mermaid inspired dishes; eats and treats alike. This Mermaid Noodle Salad is an old family favorite that originated in one of my daughter's cook books, but has been tweaked and adjusted so much that it's a whole new recipe by now.

After carefully transcribing all of my notes on it in the cookbook, I finally settled on the perfect end result. One thing that I love most about this noodle salad is that you can serve it hot or cold. Being as it's the middle of summer here in Texas though... I'm naturally opting for a cold noodle dish myself. However, if you still feel like being a mermaid in the winter months, feel free to enjoy it warm! Just serve it right away instead of giving it an hour+ of chill time...

Healthy 7 Layer Fourth of July Dip

July 2, 2017 Amanda Plott

It's the fourth of July weekend! While I'm spending it rather lazily at home as I recuperate from a few weeks of busy, busy, busy - I'm still finding the time to have fun and be festive! With an impromptu visit from my brother, I decided to toss together a quick 'snacky' meal that we could all graze on throughout the day at our leisure.

Naturally, my first inclination was a 7 layer dip. I think that's because it's one of those things that has something it in that everyone likes! It's one perfect montage or mashup of everything I love. Plus, it's perfectly light and cool for a hot summer day. And of course, since it's around the 4th of July, you just know I had to arrange this dip into the shape of the American flag to be all the more cute and festive!...

Skinny Late Night Summer Snack Ice Cream Bites (Sponsored)

May 22, 2017 Amanda Plott

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

It's hard to believe, but summer is coming, y'all! I should know too since my birthday falls on the first day of summer. As school is letting out and it's starting to get warmer and warmer out, I'm craving the good stuff. The cold stuff. The stuff that's going to chill me out in the dreaded Texas heat. Not only that, but I want something that's going to satisfy everyone's summer snack cravings. A little sweet. A little salty. And a whole lot of cold.

These Skinny Late Night Summer Snack Ice Cream Bites are a perfect fit. They cover the list of wants and needs with their variety of sweet, salty, crunchy and cold. There's seriously something for everyone in there and it's all good amazing stuff! I see these being great for late night summer snacking in their perfectly portioned 3-4 bites of ice cream heaven...

Skinny Rainbow Unicorn Donuts

May 17, 2017 Amanda Plott

Unicorn fever is spreading, and I'm loving every second of it. Now there's even chatter about Mermaids and Dragons too! However, nothing is quite as whimsical or magical as the mysterious Unicorn. Except maybe these donuts. They are perfectly colorful and special in every way; from their fun vibrant colors to their lightened up and magically guilt-free batter. These donuts are sure to be a spectacular rainbow hit!

My daughter's face when she got home from school and saw these on the counter waiting for her, was pretty priceless. That says it all right there. There is not much that will put a smile on anyone's face like the magic of Unicorns will. Seriously. How can you look at these and not smile? Go on. Try it. I dare you!...

Skinny Unicorn Popsicles

May 3, 2017 Amanda Plott

With all of the unicorn hullabaloo, I decided to whip up another fun protein packed and wholesome take on a unicorn inspired dish. It's true. These Skinny Unicorn Popsicles are not only cute and inspired by the mythical magical creature of legend, they are also better-for-you in so many ways!

I'm no stranger to the magic of unicorns. I made a rather magical Skinny Unicorn Ice Cream Cake a while back and it's easy to see why it became a fast favorite. However, this time around I wanted to take it a step further and use all natural food coloring. Yep! Not only are these popsicles dairy-free, they are also free of artificial colors...